No person shall practice body art procedure without first obtaining an operator permit from the Health Department. Permits must be renewed annually. The fee is $25.00 and is not transferable or prorated. Applicants must provide proof of attendance, within 36 months, in a Health Department-approved bloodborne pathogen course. They must also provide a copy of a Hepatitis B vaccination record, a declination form or proof of immunity, and a photo ID. There is no requirement for apprenticeship training or hours, must work in a state licensed Body Art Facility.

Alaska requires tattooists complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of training, the completion of specific practical operations and passing a theory written safety & sanitation examination for full licensure.

To apply for this license by “waiver of examination”, an individual must hold a current license/permit in another State, meet our training requirements, hold a current CPR card issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent organization & a bloodborne pathogen card, and have passed a theory written safety/sanitation examination.

To apply for this license by examination requires the completion of 1,000 hours of training through an approved apprenticeship program which must include completion of practical operations. Applicants must hold a current CPR issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & bloodborne pathogen card.

To get a tattoo license in Arizona, you must pass the written and practical exams, create an account in the state's licensing portal, submit a completed application with proof of citizenship, and pay the application fee. You also need a bloodborne pathogens certification and must complete an annual training course on infection prevention.

Apprenticeship: 6 mos & 400 hrs under Licensed Apprentice Trainer $150 total Licensing Fees and $100 per year renewal.

Tattoo artists must complete a bloodborne pathogens training course and apply for a local health department tattoo artist license. Shops require a separate permit and regular inspections.

To get a tattoo license in Colorado, you must complete bloodborne pathogen training, be at least 18 years old, and apply through the county or city where you plan to work, which may require additional documents like a state ID and a headshot, and paying associated fees. Some counties may have additional requirements, such as a pre-opening inspection or a specific application for body art facilities, and most licenses must be renewed annually. For more information county specific go to: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/public-information/find-your-local-public-health-agency to find out county specific requirements.

To be eligible for a tattoo technician license in Connecticut, applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of age. They must also provide documentation of either 2,000 hours of practical training under a licensed Connecticut tattoo technician, five years of continuous practice in Connecticut before January 1, 2015, or a license from another state with comparable requirements and at least two years of recent practice.
Additionally, applicants need to successfully complete a DPH-approved, OSHA-compliant bloodborne pathogen course with an examination within three years of applying, and hold a current basic first aid certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. A recent passport-style photo and a $250 initial licensure fee are also required.
Application Process:
The application process is entirely online. Applicants must gather all required documentation, including certificates and identification, and submit them electronically through the state's online portal. The DPH typically takes 3-4 weeks to review applications. If approved, the license will be mailed to the applicant.
Licenses must be renewed every two years for a fee of $200.

There are no requirements for individual artist licensure in Delaware. You must work under a state approved and licensed Body Art Establishment.

Requires completion of a 4-hour bloodborne pathogen course and local business operation license. Shops undergo routine inspections to maintain approval.
$60 application fee - local county health department may charge additional fee
Application must be completed with the name of the licensed tattoo establishment where the tattoo artist will perform tattooing or intends to perform tattooing.
At least 18 years of age.
Copy of government-issued photo ID
Proof of completion of the required bloodborne pathogen and communicable diseases course for tattoo artist (minimum of 70% score required).
Before applying for the Tattoo Artist License, please contact your local county health department for current information concerning the fee and correct mailing address

To get a Georgia body art certification, you must first pass the state-mandated exams for your specific field (tattooing, piercing, or microblading). After passing the exam, the State Environmental Health Office will contact you to complete an online application, which will require a copy of your government-issued ID.
Steps for certification:
Pass the state exam: Take and pass the appropriate Georgia Body Art Exam for your specific type of work (tattoos, piercings, or microblading).
Receive contact for the online application: The State Environmental Health Office will contact you after you pass the exam to provide instructions for the online application.
Complete the online application: Fill out the online application form that you will be provided with.
Submit required documents: You will need to provide a copy of your government-issued ID when completing the application.
Requirements for licensure depend on the county you are working in, apprenticeships are mandatory for about 12-18 months depending on county/shop.

To get a tattoo license in Hawaii, you must complete a bloodborne pathogen course, get tested for tuberculosis and syphilis, fill out an application form, and pay the required fee to the Hawaii State Department of Health. You will need to submit proof of your completed bloodborne pathogen certification and the results from your tuberculosis and syphilis tests, along with your application.

You don't need a specific tattoo artist license in Idaho because the state doesn't regulate artists, but tattoo shops must get permits and follow local health department rules, requiring artists to complete Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training, get Hepatitis B shots (or sign waivers), and follow strict sterilization/safety protocols to protect clients and stay in business.

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Artists aren't licensed specifically, although the shop must meet County requirements for the Shop and the Artist may need to do certifications/vaccinations.

Artists are required to submit application, complete certifications

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To become a licensed tattoo artist in Nebraska, you need state and potentially local licenses, requiring OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training, proof of education (HS Diploma/GED), First Aid, Hepatitis B vaccination (or waiver), and a formal apprenticeship under a licensed artist to develop skills, followed by submitting applications and fees to the Nebraska DHHS. 4 hrs of training within 3 years.

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To get approval to tattoo in New Jersey, you must complete a 2,000-hour supervised apprenticeship, submit photos of 10 tattoos, and complete a 3-hour state-approved Infection Control Course and Examination. You also need to submit client consent forms for your photos and be prepared to receive approval from your local county health department, as New Jersey does not have a state-wide license.

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Tattoo practitioners must complete a 6-hour bloodborne pathogens course, pass a written exam, and be licensed. Shops require a separate permit and must comply with sanitation standards.

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Apprenticeship program of 1 yr/1500 hours

To get a tattoo license in Oregon, you must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete required training including bloodborne pathogen and first aid/CPR certifications. You will also need to pass a written examination and submit an application with all required fees and documentation to the Oregon Health Licensing Office. Complete the required 360 hours of training and 50 procedures.

http://Pennsylvania currently lacks statewide tattoo artist licensing, but legislation (HB1180) was recently passed to mandate it, requiring artists to be 18+, complete bloodborne pathogen (BBP) training, pass an exam, and get a state license/renewal, with specific rules for Philly (BBP cert, application, fees) and potential new state-level fees and inspections. Check the PA Dept of Health as new regulations roll out, but for now, focus on BBP training and look for county/city rules (like Philly's specific requirements for artists and apprentices).

To get a tattoo license in Puerto Rico, you need to apply through the Department of Health, submit specific forms and fees, provide proof of age and good conduct, demonstrate knowledge of health/safety (often via certificates like Hepatitis B vaccination), and potentially pass exams, with a focus on studio licensing and adherence to strict health protocols. You'll need to apply for both the studio license (requiring procedures, equipment, and location details) and potentially an artist license/permit, ensuring compliance with health standards for sterilization, waste disposal, and artist health.

To become a tattoo artist in Rhode Island, you must be 18+, have good moral character, complete a state-approved apprenticeship (including specific hours in aseptic technique, anatomy, etc.), get CPR/Bloodborne Pathogen certified, and then apply for registration with the RI Department of Health (DOH), proving your skills and paying fees. The key steps involve finding a mentor, building a strong portfolio, and fulfilling rigorous training requirements set by the state's regulations.

To get a tattoo license in South Carolina, you need to meet facility and artist requirements, including bloodborne pathogen training, demonstrating experience, submitting detailed floor plans, proving OSHA compliance, and getting a state-issued business license for the parlor, with the Department of Health overseeing it; specific steps involve the facility owner getting licensed first, then artists proving training and experience to work there legally.

To get a tattoo license in South Dakota, particularly in Sioux Falls, you generally need to complete a Blood-Borne Pathogens (BBP) training, fill out the city's specific Tattoo Artist Permit Application, provide a government ID, and pay any required fees, with requirements varying slightly by city, so always check your local health department for exact steps like inspection and documentation.

To get a tattoo license in Tennessee, you typically need a year of apprenticeship under a licensed artist, a Bloodborne Pathogen certificate, Hepatitis B vaccination proof, and must apply in person at your local county health department with fees, but experienced out-of-state artists with 2+ years can bypass apprenticeship by providing documentation for a direct license. You must be 18+, pass an exam, and operate from a permitted shop.

In Texas, individual tattoo artists are not licensed, but tattoo studios must be licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). To open a licensed studio, you must complete a Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training course, secure a zoning letter from your local health or city department, and pay the $927 license fee to the DSHS. The studio must also meet all sanitation and inspection standards.

To get a tattoo license (permit) in Utah, you need to complete an application, prove Hepatitis B vaccination or sign a declination, get Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) & First Aid/CPR certified, pay fees, and typically work under an approved facility, with specific requirements handled by your local county health department like Southwest Utah Public Health (SWUHealth) for artist permits, using online portals for submission.

To get a tattoo license in Vermont, you must register with the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), complete a 1,000+ hour apprenticeship under a licensed artist, finish a 3-hour universal precautions course, pay fees, and submit specific forms, including a supervising statement and apprenticeship verification, all managed through the Vermont.gov website.

To get a tattoo license in Virginia, you must contact the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, complete an approved training program (often involving 1000+ hours of instruction/apprenticeship), pass a state-approved exam, provide proof of bloodborne pathogen (BBP) training, and meet general requirements like being at least 18 and good standing, paying fees, and disclosing any criminal history or disciplinary actions.

To get a tattoo license in Washington State, you must be 18+, complete an application via SecureAccess Washington (SAW), provide your Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) certification, pay the fee, and meet shop/business requirements, with licenses issued by the WA Department of Licensing (DOL).

In West Virginia, you don't get an individual tattoo artist license; instead, the focus is on licensing and regulating the tattoo studio through your local or regional health department, requiring a business registration, plan review (for new/renovated studios), annual inspections, and a $200 operating permit fee, with artists needing to register with the state and follow strict health/safety rules, including bloodborne pathogen training.

To get a tattoo license in Wisconsin, you must apply for a practitioner license through the state's Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and a separate establishment license through your local county or city health department. The process involves completing an application, proving you have received bloodborne pathogens training and a Hepatitis B vaccination, and paying the required fees. You must also pass any required exams or inspections, depending on your situation.

Wyoming doesn't have statewide tattoo licensing, but local counties do, with Cheyenne-Laramie County requiring a Body Artist Permit by submitting an application, health statements (communicable disease, Hep B), and bloodborne pathogen certification for artists, while establishments need inspection and specific permits, so you must check your specific county health department for rules, like Teton County or Campbell County.