Loading...
Loading...
Montana does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. Learn about local requirements, health & safety standards, and how Montana compares to other states. Verified 2026-03-24. Data verified 2026-03-24. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
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
Browse Tattoo Artist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$25
Study guides & supplies
Tattoo Artist Certification Prep
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$25
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.
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.
Tattoo Artist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (you) | $250 | 4–14 wks | |
| Idaho | $300 | 4–14 wks | → |
| North Dakota | $175 | 4–14 wks | → |
| South Dakota | — | 4–14 wks | → |
| Wyoming | — | 4–14 wks | → |
Montana 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 Montana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Cost
#10 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
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: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services — Licensing Requirements
1–4 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services — Licensing Requirements
Bloodborne pathogen training and tattoo licensing study materials.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Moving to Montana? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Tattoo Artist license to Montana →
Transfer your Tattoo Artist license from Montana to: Idaho → | North Dakota → | South Dakota → | Wyoming →
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 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.