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Idaho does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. Learn about local requirements, health & safety standards, and how Idaho compares to other states. Verified 2026-03-24. Data verified 2026-03-24. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Tattoo Artist
Governing Authority
Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
Official website →(208) 334-3233
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Idaho 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.
Idaho 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
Idaho 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
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Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$75
Study guides & supplies
Tattoo Artist Certification Prep
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$75
Average Tattoo Artist salary in Idaho: $43,850/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 1 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
We'll send you courtesy reminders at 90, 60, and 30 days before your license expires — so you can stay ahead of your CE and renewal deadlines.
Idaho Does Not Regulate Tattoo Artists at the State Level
Idaho 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.
Idaho requires 5-year record retention (longer than most states). Tattooing minors under 14 is fully prohibited, while 14-17 year olds require in-person parental consent. Piercing guns are restricted to earlobe use only.
Idaho licenses body art through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
Tattooing minors under 14 is prohibited.
Minors 14-17 require in-person parental consent executed at the shop.
Client records must be kept for 5 years (longer than most states).
Piercing guns may only be used for earlobe piercing.
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Idaho does NOT require a state tattoo artist license. Regulation is at the local/county level.
Tattoo Artist requirements in nearby states
Idaho ranks #15 out of 43 for lowest tattoo artist licensing fees ($225). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Idaho.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#27 of 51
Cost
#19 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (SOC 27-1013)
Entry Level
$32,910
25th percentile
Median
$43,850
-28% vs. national avg ($60,560)Experienced
$46,370
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
40 employed in this state
Note: BLS does not have a specific SOC code for tattoo artists. This data uses "Fine Artists" as the closest available category. Actual tattoo artist income varies significantly and often includes cash tips not captured in BLS data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.5%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+1,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
4,100
per year (avg.)
49,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–14 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Licensing Requirements
1–4 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — Licensing Requirements
Bloodborne pathogen training and tattoo licensing study materials.
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Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Tattoo Artist license to Idaho →
A week-by-week action plan built for your situation — with every cost, deadline, and next step mapped out.
A week-by-week action plan built for your situation — with every cost, deadline, and next step mapped out.
While Idaho 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.