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 get or renew a license in Connecticut.
Fees
Fees for tattoo licensing in Connecticut are about average compared to other US states.
- A license costs $250.
- Renewal costs $200.
- Reinstatement of a lapsed license costs $250.
Renewal Requirement
Your license will expire every two years starting from the month of your birth and must be renewed.
Applying for Your Tattoo Technician License
In order to get a Tattoo Technician License or a permanent makeup artist license, you will need to follow the steps below:
1. Fill Out an Online Application
All prospective tattoo artists must complete this form and provide the requested information which covers things like training, demographics etc.
2. Meet the Minimum Age Requirements
Unsurprisingly, you need to be 18 years of age or older to become a licensed tattoo artist in Connecticut. To support this requirement you will need to submit a copy of your birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license.
3. Meet Photograph Requirements
You will need to provide a passport photograph. This must clearly show your face and any defining features. If in doubt if your pic will pass it’s best to just get a new set done by a shop or studio that offers passport specification photos.
4. Meet the Training Requirements
Bloodborne Pathogens Training
You will need to complete a disease transmission and blood-borne pathogens certification course that is compliant with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard.
BBP courses cover essential topics such as exposure determination, use of auto claves and other tattoo equipment and what to do in the event you, a client or a fellow staff member get exposed to blood or OPIM.
Connecticut DOH stipulates that this course must be completed no more than three years prior to applying for the license, however, in practice OSHA themselves require this training annually and a certificate from any reputable provider will never have an expiry of longer than 12 months – so you will likely be doing the course immediately prior to applying.
Bloodborne pathogens training for tattoo artists is mandated for anyone performing tattoos or other invasive cosmetic or body art procedures in close to every state in the country, as well as every city in Connecticut, including Hartford, New Haven, Fairfield, and others.
First Aid Certification
You must be certified by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association for basic First Aid.
Either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association training in first aid are accepted, so in Connecticut you will need to choose between these two providers.
Basic first aid training will provide tattoo artists and permanent cosmetic artists the skills they need to recognize and mitigate risks, and educate their clients on the risks of tattoos.
5. Tattoo Apprentice Form
Submit a notarized Tattoo Technician Training Verification form, proving that you have completed two thousand (2000) hours of training under the supervision and instruction of a licensed tattoo technician.
This tattoo apprenticeship is meant to provide you with all the skills you need to perform body art related services. For example, you’ll learn how to use, sanitize, and maintain equipment, how to perform a variety of tattoo procedures, and how to inform clients of the risks of being tattooed.
An apprenticeship can only be undertaken in a registered salon or tattoo studio that must meet the standards adopted by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
You must also have five years of continuous tattoo practice in the state of Connecticut prior to applying for a permanent license.
6. Submit Your Application
You can only submit your application via the online portal operated by the state’s department of public health.
After you submit your application, a decision will be made in 3 to 4 weeks. If you are approved, your license and additional documents will be mailed to you during the third week of the month following your approval.
You can get a job at a tattoo studio as an apprentice without the license, but if you want to open your own studio you will need to have the license available on hand.
How to Renew a Tattoo License in Connecticut
To renew your Tattoo Technician License, you must do the following.
- Fill out the License Form
- Ensure you have a current BBP certificate to provide along with your application.
- Submit your license renewal application. This can be done online through the Connecticut state department of public health website.
Transferring a Tattoo License into Connecticut
If you are a licensed tattoo artist from another state, you may be able to transfer your license if you obtain verification of validity from the state you are transferring from.
County Specific Requirements for a Connecticut Tattoo License
If your county has additional requirements or regulations for conducting business in the tattoo industry, you can find them here.
Tattooing in Connecticut: Essential Facts
It is illegal to tattoo a minor under the age of 18 without permission from their parent or legal guardian.
Getting a Tattoo License in other States
If you landed on this page whilst searching for how to get a tattoo license you can find out your state requirements in our deep dive guide here.
