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 and what you need to do to get a license in Washington.
Tattoo Artist License Cost
The fee to obtain a tattoo license in Washington is on the high side compared to most other states.
- A tattoo license in Washington costs $250.
- There is an additional $5 fee per copy if you would like it printed at the Licensing Department and mailed to you. If applying online you may print the license yourself for no additional fee.
WA Tattoo License Requirements
To obtain a tattoo license in Washington state, you must meet the following requirements under state law:
Age Requirement for Tattoo and Body Piercing Artists
You must be 18 years or older as shown on a government issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc) to apply for licenses to practice body art in Washington.
Application Requirements for Licenses
Complete an application online & pay the fee. If you prefer to submit a hard copy application, you can complete this form and mail it with a check or money order (payable to Department of Licensing) and a copy of your bloodborne pathogens training certificate to:
Tattoo, Body Art, Body Piercing Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle WA 98124-3856
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification for Tattoo Artists
As part of the application you will need to submit proof of your OSHA bloodborne pathogen certification.
A bloodborne pathogen certification for tattoo artists is a certification received after completing an OSHA compliant BBP course designed for tattoo and body artists.
This course should include training on how to safely handle and dispose of hazardous materials like needles, ink, and other materials used in tattooing. It will also cover proper sterilization techniques, how to avoid cross contamination in the studio, and what to do in the event of a BBP exposure incident.
You may also contact the Washington DOH for additional information on safety regulations and how to properly sanitize equipment and perform a sanitary procedure.
Renewing a tattoo certification in WA
- Renewing a tattoo license in Washington costs $250.
- Renewing an already expired license within 365 days of expiry costs $350.
You can apply to renew your license here.
Opening a Tattoo Business: Washington Requirements
In order to ensure the safety of practitioners and clients, and address the communicable disease risk to the general public, the state of Washington has put into place a set of guidelines that all county departments must adhere to in their tattoo licensing program requirements..
These guidelines include, but are not limited to:
- The compulsory use of sterile needles and single use ink cup holders
- Mandated hand washing procedures
- The wearing gloves while performing any procedure on a client
- All equipment must be properly disinfected between each use.
- Any reusable equipment must be sterilized in an autoclave.
- All county departments are required to maintain a database recording of procedures performed, as well as the names and contact information of each customer or client.
- Each county has the right to inspect a premises at any time, without prior notice. These inspections can result in fines or even closure if serious violations are discovered.
Additional Requirements for Tattooing and Body Piercing by County
In Washington state, each county has its own set of rules governing tattoo services and body piercers.
All counties DO require that tattoo professionals be licensed and that shops be inspected on a regular basis.
If your county has additional requirements for tattooing and body piercing licensing and renewal, you can find them by locating your county here.
Tattooing in Washington: Essential Facts
By law, tattoo services may not be performed on minors. This is regardless of parental consent.
Every shop or mobile unit that performs tattoos must have a license in addition to each individual artist having their own license. Guidelines for obtaining a business license may be found here.
Tattoo Licensing in Other States
Each US state, and even individual counties have their own, often confusing set of hoops you need to jump thru to get a tattoo certificate online.
You can check the detailed guide on how to get a tattoo license in any state here.
