Who owns the licenses and identification cards issued by the department?

The correct answer highlights that while individuals use the licenses and identification cards for their practice, the ownership lies with the department that issues them. This reflects the legal framework surrounding professional licenses; although a licensee possesses and maintains the license as part of their professional credentials, the license itself remains the property of the issuing authority. This ensures that the state has control over the licensing process, maintaining standards and accountability for the profession.

In this context, it is important to recognize that the state regulates the issuance and renewal of licenses to ensure that massage therapists adhere to the necessary educational, ethical, and professional standards. Other options such as the individual licensee or the educational institution misinterpret the relational dynamics of ownership and regulatory authority over licensure.