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Tattoo Artist
Total cost: $300
License
Regulation Type
600 hours (school) or 1,200 hours (apprenticeship)
Apprenticeship
4 hrs
BBP Training
Required
Shop License
0 hrs
CE Hours
$300
Total Initial Fees
Regulation Details
VerifiedRegulation Type
License
Regulation Level
State
Credential Title
Body Art Practitioner License
Title Protection
No
Training & Certification
VerifiedApprenticeship
600 hours (school) or 1,200 hours (apprenticeship)
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
4 hours
CPR / First Aid
Required
Infection Control Training
Included in BBP
Apprenticeship Details
600 hours training at approved school OR 1,200 hours apprenticeship, plus 50 completed procedures, plus written and practical exams. Licensed through Kansas Board of Cosmetology (KBOC). Cannot practice outside a licensed establishment. Must keep client records 5 years.
Additional Training Requirements
Most states require tattoo artists to complete bloodborne pathogen (BBP) training and may require an apprenticeship under a licensed artist before obtaining their own license. Training requirements vary significantly by state.
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Sterilization, Safety & Client Protections
VerifiedRequired
Autoclave
Required
Single-Use Needles
Monthly
Spore Testing
Health Department Inspections
Annual
Client Consent Forms
Required
Minimum Age to Tattoo Others
18 years old
Minor Tattoo Rules
Minors may be tattooed with parental consent
Health and safety requirements protect both the artist and the client. Most states mandate single-use needles, proper sterilization via autoclave, and regular spore testing. Client consent forms are typically required and must include health disclosures and aftercare instructions.
Tattoo Establishment Licensing
VerifiedRequired
Shop License
Separate
License Type
Required
Shop Inspection
Minimum Space Requirements
Sterilizing equipment, hot and cold running water, covered waste receptacles required
Equipment Requirements
Record Keeping
Client consent forms, procedure records, sterilization logs per Board regulations
Many states require a separate shop or establishment license in addition to the individual artist license. Shop inspections ensure compliance with health codes, sanitation standards, and safety protocols.
Not sure if you need a tattoo artist license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Artist License Fee | $75 |
Shop License Fee | $150 |
Application Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $75 |
Inspection Fee | Included |
Total Initial Fees Includes practitioner license, exam fees, and establishment license | $300 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Annual
BBP Refresher
Renewal Fee
$75
Regulatory Board
Tattoo artist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Many states require bloodborne pathogen (BBP) refresher training as part of the renewal process. Some states also require continuing education in infection control and safety practices.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
No
Reciprocity Requirements
Must pass Kansas Board examinations
Portability Details
Out-of-state artists must pass Kansas theory and practical exams
Tattoo artist license reciprocity varies between states. Some states accept out-of-state credentials with proof of training, while others require a full new application. Bloodborne pathogen training is typically required regardless of prior licensure.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Kansas with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Kansas regulates tattoo artists through the Board of Cosmetology rather than a health department. Both written theory and practical exams are required. Facilities must meet dual standards from the Board and KDHE.
Kansas regulates body art through the Board of Cosmetology since 2023 (HB 2125).
Both theory and practical examinations are required.
K.S.A. 65-1940 governs tattooing and body piercing licensure.
Facilities must meet both Board of Cosmetology and KDHE standards.
Self-inspection checklists and best practice guides available from the Board.
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Kansas requires individual tattoo artist licensing through the Kansas Board of Cosmetology (KBOC). Requires 600 hours training (approved school) or 1,200 hours (apprenticeship), plus 50 completed procedures, plus written and practical exams. One of the more comprehensive states — comparable to Oregon and Virginia.
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Official Sources
Tattoo Artist requirements in Kansas verified against Kansas Board of Cosmetology, March 2026.
Kansas requires license for tattoo artists. An apprenticeship is required. BBP training is mandatory. All licensing is managed through the Kansas Board of Cosmetology.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.