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Tattoo Artist
Governing Authority
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Official website →(406) 444-2544
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Montana 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.
Montana 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
Montana 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
Facility Only
Regulation Level
State and county
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Montana Does Not Regulate Tattoo Artists at the State Level
Montana 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.
Montana requires permits for tattoo artists through the Department of Public Health and Human Services. The state has relatively straightforward requirements with no apprenticeship mandate.
Montana 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.
Montana does NOT require individual tattoo artist licenses. All tattoos must take place in licensed body art establishments, but individual artists (body artists) do not need a separate license.
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Tattoo Artist requirements in Montana verified against Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, March 2026.
While Montana 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.