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 standard compared to many other States.
- Hawaii tattoo artist licensing costs $75.
- Renewing a tattoo license costs $7.50 if the paperwork is received before the current license expiry date.
- Renewing a tattoo license after it expires costs $75.00.
Hawaii Tattoo Licensing Requirements
To apply for a tattoo license in Hawaii, you will need to submit the following items:
Application Form
- Hawaii Application for a NEW Tattoo Artist License (application form here.)
Completed Tuberculosis and Syphilis Reports
You will need to provide the Syphilis and Tuberculosis and test results to the Hawaii State Tattoo Studio where you work.
Bloodborne Pathogens Certification
Proof that you have completed an OSHA compliant annual blood borne pathogens certification for tattoo artists course with a passing score.
This certification must be current if you are working with or around blood and OPIM.
A list of approved providers for this training is available here.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Tattooist and other body artists are strongly encouraged to get a Hepatitis B vaccine.
Although this is not a compulsory requirement it will not only mitigate the risk for you as an artists, it will also provide extra comfort to your clients.
The cost of a Hepatitis B vaccination may be covered by your health insurance.
If your County has additional regulations for tattoo artists you can review them here before you apply.
Microbladers & Permanent Makeup Artists
Permanent cosmetic artists are also required to obtain a tattoo artist license in order to operate legally in Hawaii.
You will need to fill out the same application, take the bloodborne pathogen course and pass the exam, then turn in your health report form.
Getting vaccinated for Hepatitis B is highly recommended for permanent cosmetic artists.
Check this article for a deep dive into Bloodborne Pathogens for Microbladers and Body Artists.
Body Piercers and other Body Modification Artists
Body piercers and other types of body modification practitioners must also get a tattoo artist license in order to operate legally in Hawaii.
You will need to fill out the same application, take the bloodborne pathogen course and pass the exam, then turn in your health report form.
Getting vaccinated for Hepatitis B is encouraged for body artists.
Submit Your Application
Mail in or deliver by-hand your completed tattoo license application to the food safety branch of the Hawaii Department of Health:
Food Safety Branch
99-945 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, HI 96701
The health department will review your application. If you are approved, you should receive your tattoo license within two to three weeks of submission, along with your returned TB and Syphilis Report Form.
Hawaii Temporary Tattoo Licenses
- If you need a temporary license for a tattoo even, exhibition or convention, you must fill out the same form as for the Hawaii state license.
- Ensure that you choose ‘Yes’ to your license being given to you at the convention instead of being mailed to you.
Hawaii Tattooing Essential Facts:
It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 14. To tattoo a minor between the ages of 14 and 18, you must have parental or guardian consent.
Department of Health Administrative Rules here.
Not from Hawaii?
If you are from another Amercian State and want to know how to apply for your tattoo license, read our in depth guide on how to get tattoo license in any American State
