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Tattoo Artist
Governing Authority
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Body Art Section (Division of Protection and Safety, Public Safety Branch)
Official website →(502) 564-4856
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Kentucky does not have state-level licensing or regulation for tattoo artists. Local counties or cities may have their own health and safety requirements. Always check with your local health department.
Kentucky is one of the few states that does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. There is no state license, permit, or registration required. However, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, or health districts) may have their own requirements including health inspections, permits, and sanitation standards. Always check with your local health department before operating a tattoo studio.
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Kentucky does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. There is no state license, permit, or registration required to practice as a tattoo artist. However, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, or health districts) may impose their own requirements.
Regulation Type
None (local varies)
Regulation Level
State and local
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Kentucky Does Not Regulate Tattoo Artists at the State Level
Kentucky does not have state-level licensing or regulation for tattoo artists. Local jurisdictions (counties, cities, or health districts) may have their own requirements for tattoo establishments, including health inspections, permits, and sanitation standards. Always check with your local health department before opening a studio or beginning to tattoo.
Kentucky mandates at least twice-yearly studio inspections, more frequent than most states. Studio certification costs a minimum of $400/year. Temporary event permits are $100 per workstation plus $100 per artist.
Kentucky requires registration with local health departments under 902 KAR 45:065.
Studios inspected at least twice per year.
Artist registration: $100/yr; studio certification: $400/yr minimum.
Minors 16+ may be tattooed with custodial parent/guardian present.
Temporary event permits available ($100 per workstation + $100 per artist).
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Kentucky does NOT require a state license to be a tattoo artist. Regulation is handled at the local/county level through health departments.
$100 per workstation (temporary permit fee per Sec. 13(1)(a))
artist must also pay $100 standard registration fee per Sec. 13(3)(b) if not already registered in that county
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Official Sources
Tattoo Artist requirements in Kentucky verified against Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Body Art Section (Division of Protection and Safety, Public Safety Branch), March 2026.
While Kentucky does not require a state-level license for tattoo artists, maintaining high standards of health and safety is essential. Consider voluntary BBP training and professional certifications to demonstrate competence to clients.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.