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Tattoo Artist
Tattoo artist regulation varies by state — most require a license or permit with bloodborne pathogen training, apprenticeship, and shop inspections. A small number of states have no state-level regulation, leaving oversight to local jurisdictions.
51
Total States
30
Require License
8
Require Apprenticeship
51
Require BBP Training
Tattoo artist licensing protects public health through regulation of sanitation, training, and business practices. Requirements vary considerably across states.
Nearly all regulated states require completion of an OSHA-compliant bloodborne pathogen (BBP) training course. This covers infection prevention, proper disposal of contaminated materials, and handling of blood and bodily fluids during the tattooing process.
Many states require aspiring tattoo artists to complete an apprenticeship under a licensed artist, typically lasting 1-3 years. During this period, apprentices learn technique, sanitation, client care, and business practices under direct supervision.
Most states require a separate license for the tattoo establishment in addition to the individual artist license. Shop licenses typically require health inspections, proper sterilization equipment, and compliance with local zoning and building codes.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements. States shown in gray do not have state-level regulation.
| State | Regulation | Apprenticeship | BBP Required | Shop License | Fees | CE Hours | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $50-$275 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | License | Yes | Yes | Yes | $390 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | License | Yes | Yes | Yes | $150 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| California(CA) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | License | Yes | Yes | Yes | $400 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | License | No | Yes | Yes | $300 | 6 | Mar 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | License | No | Yes | Yes | $320 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | Certification | No | Yes | Yes | $50-$175 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | License | No | Yes | Yes | $75 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $75 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | License | Yes | Yes | Yes | $300 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | Registration | No | Yes | Yes | $100 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | License | No | Yes | Yes | $575 | 6 | Mar 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $350 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | License | Yes | Yes | Yes | $350 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $175 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $250 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | License | No | Yes | Yes | $625 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | License | Yes | Yes | Yes | $250 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| New York(NY) | Permit (NYC) / In Development (statewide) | No | Yes | Yes | $100 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $350 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $175 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $350 | 4 | Mar 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | License | Yes | Yes | Yes | $625 | 10 | Mar 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $450 | 4 | Mar 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $140 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $100-$225 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | Permit | No | Yes | Yes | $575 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | License | Yes | Yes | Yes | $350 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | License | No | Yes | Yes | $250 | 8 | Mar 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | License | No | Yes | Yes | $60 | 0 | Mar 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | None | N/A | N/A | N/A | — | — | Mar 2026 |
Tattoo artists work alongside other licensed professionals in the body art and health industries. Explore related licensing requirements.
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