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Kentucky does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. Learn about local requirements, health & safety standards, and how Kentucky compares to other states. Verified 2026-03-24. Data verified 2026-03-24. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Tattoo Artist
Governing Authority
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Body Art Section (Division of Protection and Safety, Public Safety Branch)
Official website →(502) 564-4856
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Kentucky 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.
Kentucky 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
Kentucky 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 and local
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Kentucky Does Not Regulate Tattoo Artists at the State Level
Kentucky 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.
Kentucky mandates at least twice-yearly studio inspections, more frequent than most states. Studio certification costs a minimum of $400/year. Temporary event permits are $100 per workstation plus $100 per artist.
Kentucky requires registration with local health departments under 902 KAR 45:065.
Studios inspected at least twice per year.
Artist registration: $100/yr; studio certification: $400/yr minimum.
Minors 16+ may be tattooed with custodial parent/guardian present.
Temporary event permits available ($100 per workstation + $100 per artist).
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Kentucky does NOT require a state license to be a tattoo artist. Regulation is handled at the local/county level through health departments.
$100 per workstation (temporary permit fee per Sec. 13(1)(a))
artist must also pay $100 standard registration fee per Sec. 13(3)(b) if not already registered in that county
Tattoo Artist requirements in nearby states
See how Kentucky compares: Tattoo Artist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#32 of 51
Cost
#39 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
$30,830
25th percentile
Median
$38,500
-36% vs. national avg ($60,560)Experienced
$50,240
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
90 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)
Estimated total: 4–14 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Body Art Section — Licensing Requirements
1–4 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Body Art Section — Licensing Requirements
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While Kentucky 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.