How to Get a Tattoo License in Oregon

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 reciprocity, which simply means proving that you currently hold a tattoo license.

How much does it cost to get a tattoo license in Oregon?

Oregon tattoo license pricing is quite reasonable compared to many other States.

• Oregon tattoo artist licensing costs $50. 
• To obtain a license via reciprocity costs $150.
• Renewing a tattoo license online costs $45.
• Renewing a tattoo license in person or by mail costs $50.

Oregon Tattoo Licensing Requirements

To apply for a tattoo license in Oregon, you will need to submit the following items:

Application Form

• Oregon Tattoo Artist License Application (application form here.)
• If you are applying for the license via reciprocity, you will also need an Affidavit of Licensure Request (form here).

Copies of two Forms of ID

• These must show your current legal name.
• One ID must have your picture on it.

Age Verification

Proof that you are 18 or older. Acceptable ID’s must be issued by a federal, state or local government agency.

For the majority of applicants a Passport and Drivers License will do the trick. If you do not have these for any reason don’t panic, you can find other acceptable forms of ID here.)

Education

Proof of achieving a high school diploma or GED.

Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate

Proof that you have completed an OSHA compliant annual blood borne pathogens certification for tattoo artists course.

This certification must be up to date for working with blood and other potentially infectious materials.

CPR Certificate

Proof you have completed a CPR training course from an Health Licensing office approved provider. This certification must include a hand on training element.

Basic First Aid Certificate

Proof you have completed a basic first aid training from an Health Licensing office approved provider. This certification must include a hand on training element and must be kept up to date for current first aid training.

Qualifying Learning Pathway or Equivalency

Provide documentation of completing a qualifying pathway, either an Oregon licensed tattoo school or reciprocity.

If you go through tattoo school, you will need to:

• Submit an official transcript from the Oregon licensed career school.
• Pay a $50 examination fee.
• Submit your passing score of a Health Licensing Office approved written examination within two years of applying.
• Pay a $50 required license fee.

If you use the reciprocity pathway:

• Submit the Affidavit of Licensure Request form.
• If the training required for your previous license does not meet Oregon’s tattoo school requirements, you will have to submit documentary proof that you have been practising as a tattoo artist for 3 out of the last 5 years; or 5 years out of the last 10 years. This Proof can be tax documents, employer documentation, business licensing forms etc.)
• Pay a $50 exam fee.
• Submit your passing score of a Health Licensing Office approved written exam within two years of applying.
• Pay a $150 license application fee.

If your County has additional regulations for body art practitioners, you can review them here before applying.

Transferring a Tattoo License from Another State

If you are moving from Oregon to a different state, you can fill out an Affidavit of Licensure Request to request the Oregon Health Licensing Office to send verification of your license to another state. 

If you need a temporary license, you can apply here. A temporary license can be used for a maximum of 30 days.

Applications must be submitted by mail to:

1430 Tandem Ave. NE
Suite 180
Salem, OR 97301-2192

Opening Your Own Tattoo or Body Art Studio

As a licensed facility owner, your premises will be inspected regularly for safety, infection control procedures, and sterilization requirements. 

You will also need to pay the required license fee of $250.

You must display the license clearly somewhere on the premises, and you may only hire tattoo artists who have been licensed by Oregon state. 

You can find the application from here. 

If you need an event facility license, for example, a temporary Tattoo exhibition, you can find the application form here.

Training From Oregon Tattoo Schools

Oregon requires that all body art practitioners submit documentation that they have attended a tattoo school.

Tattoo schools have a mandatory tattooing curriculum that covers the following topics:

Safety:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use and best practice.
• Using sterile or distilled water.
• Correct hand washing technique.
• How to handle contaminated waste.
• Appropriate equipment sanitation e.g use of Autoclave equipment.

You will also be directed to complete blood borne pathogens training from an OSHA compliant provider.

Practical Training:

• How to assemble and disassemble tattoo machines.
• Required examination while you perform a tattooing procedure.

Oregon Tattooing Essential Facts:

• It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 in Oregon. Local County health departments may choose to set higher age requirements than this.
• Body Art Practitioner Laws and Rules can be viewed here.

Not from Oregon?

If you are from a different State and need to know how to apply for your tattoo license, you check out our in depth guide on how to get a tattoo license in any American State