Loading...
Loading...
Tattoo Artist
Total cost: $350
Governing Authority
Minnesota Department of Health — Body Art Program (administered under the Health Occupations Program / Health Regulation Division)
Official website →(651) 201-4500
License
Regulation Type
200 hours
Apprenticeship
5 hrs
BBP Training
Required
Shop License
0 hrs
CE Hours
$350
Total Initial Fees
Regulation Details
VerifiedRegulation Type
License
Regulation Level
State
Credential Title
Body Art Technician License (Tattoo Technician)
Title Protection
No
Training & Certification
VerifiedApprenticeship
200 hours
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
5 hours
CPR / First Aid
Not Required
Infection Control Training
Included in BBP
Apprenticeship Details
200 hours of tattooing under a licensed tattoo technician required
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.
Browse Tattoo Artist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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 regardless of 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
Separate workstation areas, handwashing station, sterilization area, and client waiting area required
Equipment Requirements
Record Keeping
Client consent forms, procedure records, sterilization logs, and spore test results must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years
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 | $100 |
Shop License Fee | $200 |
Application Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Inspection Fee | $75 |
Total Initial Fees Includes artist license/permit fee, application fee, and initial inspection fee | $350 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Annual
BBP Refresher
Renewal Fee
$100
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 Minnesota requirements independently; no formal reciprocity agreements
Portability Details
Out-of-state tattoo artists must apply for a new permit and meet all Minnesota 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 Minnesota with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Minnesota requires permits for tattoo technicians through the Department of Health. The state focuses on health and safety standards rather than apprenticeship requirements.
Minnesota requires a permit for tattoo artists regulated at the state level.
Bloodborne pathogen training (4 hours) is required for all tattoo practitioners.
No formal apprenticeship is required at the state level.
Tattoo establishments must obtain a separate shop license/permit.
Minor tattoo rules: 18+ only; no minors.
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Tattoo Artist requirements in Minnesota verified against Minnesota Department of Health — Body Art Program (administered under the Health Occupations Program / Health Regulation Division), March 2026.
Minnesota requires license for tattoo artists. An apprenticeship is required. BBP training is mandatory. All licensing is managed through the Minnesota Department of Health — Body Art Program (administered under the Health Occupations Program / Health Regulation Division).
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.