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Tattoo Artist
Total cost: $100
Governing Authority
Louisiana Department of Health — Food and Drug Unit
Official website →(225) 342-9500
Registration
Regulation Type
Not Required
Apprenticeship
4 hrs
BBP Training
Required
Shop License
0 hrs
CE Hours
$100
Total Initial Fees
Regulation Details
VerifiedRegulation Type
Registration
Regulation Level
State
Credential Title
Commercial Body Art Operator Registration
Title Protection
No
Training & Certification
VerifiedApprenticeship
Not Required
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
4 hours
CPR / First Aid
Required
Infection Control Training
Included in BBP
Apprenticeship Details
Apprenticeship not required at state level
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
18+ only; tattooing of minors is prohibited
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
Separate workstation areas, handwashing station, sterilization area per Part XXVIII
Equipment Requirements
Record Keeping
Client consent forms, procedure records per Part XXVIII of Title 51 LAC
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 New operator registration fee. Manager registration is $200. | $100 per new operator registration (operator fee is included in the $1,000 shop fee for owners) |
Shop License Fee | $100 |
Application Fee | Included |
Renewal Fee | $60 |
Inspection Fee | Included |
Total Initial Fees $100 for new operator registration per LDH Commercial Body Art program. Renewal is $60/year. Manager registration is $200. | $100 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Annual
BBP Refresher
Renewal Fee
$60
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 meet Louisiana requirements independently
Portability Details
Out-of-state artists must register with LDH and meet all Louisiana requirements
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 Louisiana with other states →
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Louisiana has regulated body art since 1999, one of the earlier states. Training must be from Department-approved trainers and current-year training cards are required. The LDH Food and Drug Unit handles body art regulation.
Louisiana has regulated commercial body art since 1999.
Regulated under Part XXVIII of Title 51 of the Louisiana Administrative Code.
Training must be from approved trainers with current-year training cards.
New operator registration: $100; renewal: $60.
Tattooing of minors is prohibited.
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Louisiana requires individual operator registration (Form FD-56) through LDH Commercial Body Art program (since 1999). CPR and First Aid certification required (current-year cards from approved trainers). This is called 'registration' not 'license' but IS a state-level individual requirement.
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Tattoo Artist requirements in Louisiana verified against Louisiana Department of Health — Food and Drug Unit, March 2026.
Louisiana requires registration for tattoo artists. BBP training is mandatory. All licensing is managed through the Louisiana Department of Health — Food and Drug Unit.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.