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 state of Nevada
Tattoo Licensing Requirements for Nevada
Body Art Card
Southern Nevada including:
- Clark County,
- Henderson,
- Laughlin,
- Mesquite,
- Las Vegas
require tattoo artists to possess a Body Art Card.
Body Art Cards are valid for a period of two years. They can be renewed within 60 days of the expiration date.
Fees to Apply
Fees for licensing in Nevada are on the higher side compared to most other states.
The fee for a Body Art Card is $138, this broken down into a $118 exam fee, plus a $20 card fee.
If you miss the appointment to sit your exam without notice, a $239 charge can be applied.
Fees can be paid via:
- Business check
- Cash
- Cashier’s check
- Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Debit card
- Money order
Payment can be made at all locations.
The Sanitation Multiple Choice Examination
Both apprenticeship and full body art card applicants must pass the Sanitation Multiple Choice Examination with a score of at least 80% before applying.
You can schedule an appointment to take the exam here.
Examination results are available immediately and the exam can be retaken if you did not pass for any reason. All body art related activities must cease until the exam is passed.
Exam Appointments are held at:
Food Handler Card Suite
Southern Nevada Health District Main Facility
280 S. Decatur Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89107
Applying as a Brand New Artist (Body Art Apprentice Card)
Read this section for a guide on what you need to do as a brand new tattoo artist in Nevada who does not have six months commercial tattooing experience.
Before applying for a permanent Body Art Card you must have a minimum of 6 months continuous experience in a licensed tattoo shop in Nevada, or another state.
Applicants who cannot prove this experience must complete a six month or longer apprenticeship at a permitted tattoo shop with certified tattoo artists, permanent makeup artists, or body piercing artists.
Local laws state that apprentices must have a Body Art Apprentice Card before they can begin their apprenticeship.
To get a Tattoo Artist Apprentice Card, you must have:
- A valid form of ID proving you are 18 or older
- A passing score of at least 80% on the Sanitation Multiple Choice Examination
- Certification proving completion of training that meets the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
- After six months, new body artists must submit a completed Experience Verification Form and schedule an appointment for a new full Body Art Card.
Applying for a full Body Art Card
Read this section for a guide on what you need to do once you have an ongoing apprenticeship or 6 months experience.
To apply for a Body Art Card, you must supply:
- A valid form of ID proving you are 18 or older
- Prove a minimum of six months experience or training
- A passing score of at least 80% on the Sanitation Multiple Choice Examination
- Proof of current OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens certificate.
- Written documentation from a state permitted tattoo shop proving your tattoo apprenticeship (Employment Verification Form).
- You can schedule an appointment for a New Body Art Card here.
Renewing a Body Art Card
To renew a Nevada Body Art Card:
- Complete an application in person at: Southern Nevada Health District Main Facility: 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
- Provide proof of current OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens certification.
- Late fees will be applied to expired cards. If your card has expired for over a year, you have to take the exam and pay the licensing fee again.
Tattoo Artists Visiting Nevada
For the visiting tattoo artist, you will need to fill out this application.
If you need a temporary permit before taking the exam, you can fill out the application form.
County Specific Requirements
Your county may have additional laws that regulate tattoo artists, permanent cosmetic artists, body piercers, or tattoo removal services, you can find more information on each county’s internet pages.
Licensing for Body Art Establishments in Nevada
The northern half of Nevada does not mandate individuals to be licensed in order to practise tattooing, only the tattoo or piercing studio needs to hold a permit.
Body Art Facility Requirements
In general, tattoo facilities must meet some of the listed requirements. This is not a complete or exhaustive list:
- A free standing hand sink on the premises
- Standards compliant cleaning of the facility prior to and after tattooing clients
- Provide artists and other practitioners with detailed site-specific training on sanitation and bloodborne pathogens, and with proper tattooing procedures.
- Individual workstations separated from customer waiting areas and other ‘front of shop’ areas.
Nevada Tattooing Essential Facts:
- It is illegal to tattoo a minor or practice microblading or piercing on individuals under 14 years old in the state of Nevada unless it is under the supervision of a medical professional.
- Minors under 18 require written consent and identification of a parent or guardian unless they’ve been legally emancipated.
- Any tattoos performed on a minor have to be done in the presence of a legal parent or guardian.
Not from Nevada?
If you are from a different Amercian State and would like to know how to apply for a tattoo license, read our in depth guide on how to get tattoo license in America
