Tattoo Licensing & Certification

If you are thinking about applying to get a tattoo, body piercing or permanent cosmetics license in Vermont there is a lot to consider. Navigating the tattoo license Vermont process requires more than just artistic talent; it requires a commitment to a rigorous, multi-step regulatory framework managed by the Secretary of State’s Office of Professional…

The critical thing to understand about Colorado is that there is no statewide tattoo artist license. Licensing is managed entirely at the city or county level by local health departments. Because oversight is decentralized, requirements vary significantly. For example, Denver’s local process is fairly direct, while El Paso County may require more supporting documents. If…

If you are thinking of applying for a tattoo license in North Carolina, the most important thing to understand is this: Important: The “Gatekeeper” Rule North Carolina does not manage tattoo licensing through a single statewide board. Your local County Health Department is the gatekeeper. In almost every case, your specific county handles the permits,…

If you run a tattoo studio or cosmetic clinic, compliance should not only be about passing an inspection.  Inspections DO need to be passed, but it’s also about protecting your clients, your staff, and the reputation of your studio and brand name. This tattoo and microblading compliance guide keeps the focus on the most important…

To become a licensed tattoo artist in the state of Alaska, you are required to obtain a state license.  This article will show you: Licensing and Permits for Tattooing and PMU Work in Alaska Alaska offers four distinct pathways depending on your experience level and residency. Understanding which one you need is the first step…

In a hurry? 1 minute How To for Virginia Tattooer License It is a requirement that any practitioner must hold a valid Tattooer License in order to perform tattoo services in the state of Virginia.  There are in fact two types of licenses for tattoo art in the state of Virginia.  These are: About the…

In a hurry? 1 min How To for Ohio Tattoo Licensing There is no requirement for individuals to have a state license to tattoo in Ohio. But not so fast – your county public health department may have their own rules and require individual permits, for example some require proof of apprenticeships or the payment…

In a rush? 60 second How To for Connecticut Tattoo Licensing In order to become a tattoo artist and work at a legitimate tattoo business in Connecticut, practitioners must obtain a ‘Tattoo Technician License’ which is issued by the state of Connecticut.  This article goes step by step through what you need to do to…

In a rush? 1 min How To for Washington Tattoo Licensing The state of Washington does require you to have a Tattoo Artist License in order to perform tattooing procedures.  Washington tattoo licenses are valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually. Let’s take a look at the requirements…

In a hurry? 60 second How To for Illinois Tattoo Licensing If you are considering a career as a tattoo artist in Illinois, the good news is that as an individual you won’t require a license, you will be tattooing under the studio owner’s registration certificate.  Of course, If you plan to open a studio…

In a rush? 60 second How To for Texas Tattoo Licensing In the state of Texas there is no requirement for tattooists to be licensed; only tattoo studios and other facilities need to obtain proper licensing. This does not mean that just anyone can pick up a tattoo gun and start inking clients, you will…

If you aspire to become a tattoo artist in Nevada, there are several things that you need to know. The state of Nevada does require licensing for tattoo and body artists in some counties (lower half). In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to get a tattoo license in the…

In a hurry? 60 second How To for Hawaii Tattoo Licensing The state of Hawaii does mandate licensing for all tattoo artists. Hawaii licenses must be renewed by December 31 of each even year e.g. 2026, 2028.  How much does it cost to get a tattoo license in Hawaii? Hawaii tattoo license pricing is fairly…

In a rush? 60 second How To for Oregon Tattoo Licensing The state of Oregon does require licensing for all tattoo artists. Oregon licenses are valid for one year from the issue date and must be renewed annually.  You can qualify for this license by graduating from an Oregon licensed tattooing career school, or by…

If you are a tattoo artist, or a body modification artist – or you are thinking of becoming one – you are probably aware that to get a tattoo license most states require a bloodborne pathogen certificate from a reputable training provider with a tattoo specific BBP course. The second most common state requirement is…

If you’ve decided to finally take the plunge and become a licensed tattoo artist in 2026, or you are planning to open your own studio it’s time to learn about how to get your tattoo license. The question probably on your mind is ‘how do I get a tattoo license?’ Nowadays, tattooing has become a…

Microblading salons, cosmetic clinics, and permanent makeup (PMU) studios need to follow the health standards provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). OSHA sets the safety standards for workers and the responsibilities of employers in ensuring a safe work environment., while CDC looks out…

This short guide provides guidance on OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard coverage for freelance tattoo artists.  Freelance / Contract Tattoo Artists You may have arrived on this page if you are a tattoo studio owner or a freelance’ ‘contract’ tattoo artist; and have been looking for an answer to the question of whether freelance tattoo artists…

Tattoo infections and bloodborne pathogens go hand in hand. They happen when you as an artist, or your client forget to use your heads and follow the proper precautions. Most people think that avoiding a tattoo infection is as simple as avoiding ‘lower class’ tattoo parlors, or by declining to be inked by non-professional ‘artists’….

A tattoo is much more than just a piece of body art that asserts your personal style. Whether we like to think about it or not, It’s actually a medical procedure, because the artist uses a needle to puncture and insert the ink underneath your skin. Tattoo aftercare and bloodborne pathogens is something that is…