Tattoo Laws Across the United States

Reference note: 11 October 2026. Selected provisions in 49 state summaries, Hawaii’s tattoo summary and the District of Columbia were checked against official sources for these updates. This does not cover every procedure or local requirement. Hawaii’s body-piercing requirements and medical exceptions in Arkansas need separate confirmation. Some official sources have access limitations. A course completion certificate does not establish local approval to practise. Requirements can change; confirm the rules and accepted training with the relevant state and local authorities where you intend to work.

Alabama Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

Alabama regulates body-art operator permits and facility licences separately. The Alabama Department of Public Health permit guidance requires approved bloodborne-pathogen training completed within the previous 36 months and documentation of hepatitis B vaccination, immunity or a signed vaccination declination. Check the applicable operator and facility requirements with the local health department before working.

For unemancipated minors under 18, Rule 420-3-23-.03 requires prior written, informed consent from a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must sign in the presence of the practitioner or their employee or agent. A copy of the consenting adult’s government-issued photo identification must be obtained before the procedure and retained by the facility. Consent does not oblige an operator to provide the procedure.

Alaska Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Alaska?

Alaska’s Board of Barbers and Hairdressers licenses tattooing, permanent cosmetic coloring and body-piercing practitioners and shops. Under AS 08.13 and 12 AAC 09, the standard licence-by-examination routes require at least 1,000 hours of training for tattooing or body piercing, or 250 hours for permanent cosmetic coloring, plus current CPR and bloodborne-pathogen credentials acceptable to the board and the required examination. Training must meet the board’s supervision and student-permit rules; confirm the appropriate route before enrolling.

AS 08.13.217 prohibits tattooing and permanent cosmetic coloring on minors. Body piercing of a minor requires written permission from a parent or legal guardian and that adult’s presence during the procedure. The practitioner must retain a copy of the written permission for at least three years.

Arizona Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Arizona?

Arizona law requires a parent or legal guardian to be physically present for tattooing or body piercing on a person under 18. Ear piercing has a separate parental-permission exception. The statute also restricts procedures in homes or impermanent structures and regulates needle use, sterilization and anaesthesia. Check state law and the relevant local authority before setting up or offering a procedure.

Sources: Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3721.

Arkansas Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Arkansas?

Arkansas requires separate body-artist and establishment licences from the Department of Health. Under 17 CAR 54-304(a), a body-art establishment also needs an inspection-based Certificate of Sanitation before operating. Establishment licences and sanitation certificates expire on December 31 and require renewal; annual artist and establishment fees apply. The artist’s licence, the premises licence and the sanitation certificate serve different purposes.

17 CAR 54-304(c)–(d) sets the initial student route: department-approved, OSHA-compliant bloodborne-pathogen training; approved body-art training in a licensed institution under a qualified licensed instructor; and written and practical examinations. Artist renewal requires evidence of annual bloodborne-pathogen certification. Confirm the relevant route and accepted training evidence with the department, especially when transferring from another state. A general course-completion certificate does not replace the artist’s licence.

For ordinary body-art procedures on clients under 18, the Department of Health’s published Arkansas Code 17-26-602 requires written parental or legal-guardian consent, the adult’s presence, government-issued photo ID showing name and date of birth for both people, and matching proof of guardianship. It prohibits body art on clients under 16 except earlobe piercing, and imposes additional under-18 restrictions on areola or genital procedures and branding. Permanent cosmetics due to medical necessity require physician consent as well as parental consent. Confirm any medical exception directly with the department before promising a procedure.

For current applications and training information, use the Arkansas Department of Health’s Cosmetology & Body Art programme and confirm the requirements for your intended procedure and location directly with the department.

California Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in California?

California’s Safe Body Art Act is administered by local health authorities. Practitioners must register and work in a permitted facility. The San Diego County practitioner requirements include a minimum age of 18, annual bloodborne pathogen training and registration, and hepatitis B vaccination, immunity or declination documentation. Confirm accepted training and the application requirements with the health authority for the city or county where you intend to work.

Tattooing clients under 18 is prohibited regardless of parental consent. Permanent cosmetics generally has the same age restriction. The county guide describes a limited exception for permanent cosmetics to the nipples performed by a registered permanent cosmetics technician, with parent or guardian consent and physician direction. For body piercing, a minor’s parent or guardian must be present; piercing a minor’s nipples or genitals is prohibited. Mechanical ear piercing has separate rules. See the county body art operator guide for age restrictions and procedure requirements.

Colorado Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Colorado?

Colorado’s 6 CCR 1010-22 sets sanitation and infection-control standards for body-art establishments. Licensing and training requirements also depend on the city or county: for example, Boulder County Public Health licenses facilities and requires bloodborne-pathogen training for operators. Check the local health department and any business or zoning requirements for the place where you intend to work.

C.R.S. 25-4-2103 requires express consent from a minor’s parent or guardian before a body-art procedure. Local rules can add documentation requirements: Boulder County's rules require written consent for the specific procedure and a copy of the consenting parent or guardian’s photo identification. Confirm the applicable age, consent and procedure restrictions locally.

Connecticut Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Connecticut?

Connecticut requires a Department of Public Health tattoo-technician licence. Its initial licensing requirements include age 18 or older, an OSHA-compliant disease-transmission and bloodborne-pathogen course with a proficiency examination completed within the previous three years, current American Red Cross or American Heart Association basic first-aid certification, and 2,000 hours of supervised practical training under the training route. Student tattoo technicians must register with DPH and practise under personal supervision. Check DPH for the licensing route appropriate to your experience.

For tattooing, Connecticut General Statutes 20-266p requires permission from a parent or guardian before tattooing an unemancipated person under 18. The body-piercing rule is separate: section 19a-92g requires written permission from the minor’s parent for an unemancipated person under 18 and excludes earlobe piercing from that definition. DPH does not regulate piercing practitioners or facilities under its licensing jurisdiction; contact the local health department about enforcement and local requirements.

District of Columbia Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in District of Columbia?

The District requires both a valid body-art establishment licence and a valid licence for each practising body artist under D.C. Code section 47-2853.76b(d). Establishment sanitation and operating requirements are overseen by DC Health; practitioner applications are handled through the DLCP Board of Barber and Cosmetology. Premises ownership does not replace practitioner licensing.

Section 47-2853.76c requires board-recognized or accepted-equivalent bloodborne-pathogen, CPR and first-aid training, at least 500 apprentice hours under a District-licensed body artist, required examinations and other eligibility conditions. The statute provides an experience-based exemption from the apprenticeship requirement, subject to board acceptance. Confirm the correct route and accepted training before enrolling; a course completion certificate alone is not a licence.

The current section 47-2853.76e(b) generally prohibits procedures on a person under 18 but, with written parental or legal-guardian consent, permits tattooing from age 16 and ear piercing using a sterilized hollow needle or the specified presterilized single-use stud/clasp gun. It does not create a general exception for other under-18 body piercing. Confirm current operational and consent requirements with DC Health and DLCP before providing any procedure to a minor.

Delaware Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Delaware?

Delaware’s Division of Public Health permits body-art establishments under Regulation 4451. Operators must be at least 18 and complete the required OSHA bloodborne-pathogen and first-aid training, or equivalent training, given or approved by the Division. Establishment records must include annual bloodborne-pathogen training and current first-aid documentation. The regulation prohibits branding, scarification and surface-anchor, dermal-anchor or microdermal procedures in body-art establishments; check the permitted procedure and facility requirements before working.

Under 11 Delaware Code 1114, tattooing or body piercing an unemancipated person under 18 requires prior written consent from a parent over 18 or a legal guardian for the specific act, and the consent must be notarized. This section excludes ear piercing from its body-piercing definition. Parental consent does not remove other restrictions on the procedure or require an operator to perform it.

Florida Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Florida?

Florida requires a tattoo artist licence or applicable guest registration and a licensed tattoo establishment. Tattoo artist applicants must be at least 18, provide government-issued photo identification, and complete a Department of Health approved bloodborne pathogen and communicable disease course with an examination score of at least 70%. Check application and local business requirements with the county health department.

Under Florida Statutes 381.00787, tattooing anyone under 16 is prohibited except for medical or dental tattooing by a licensed physician or dentist. Clients aged 16 or 17 need a parent or legal guardian present, government-issued photo identification for both, proof of their relationship, and the prescribed notarized consent; the practitioner must meet the statutory licensing requirements.

Body piercing has separate salon licensing and operator/piercer training rules, including initial infection-control training and annual approved education. Piercing any minor requires notarized parent or legal guardian consent; those under 16 must also be accompanied by that adult. Certain mechanized, pre-sterilized ear-piercing systems are excluded. Confirm the specific procedure and training requirements with the county health department.

Georgia Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Georgia?

Georgia requires a permitted Body Art Studio and Department of Public Health Body Artist Certification for the procedures covered by its body-art rules. Applicants must be at least 18, pass an approved examination, provide accepted bloodborne-pathogen and first-aid/CPR training, and document hepatitis B vaccination status. Certification covers only the listed procedures. Under these rules, tattooing clients under 18 is prohibited. Body piercing of minors generally requires a parent or legal guardian present with identification and written consent; earlobes have a separate exception, and nipple/genital piercing of minors is prohibited. Near-eye tattooing, including eyeliner, is restricted; eyebrow microblading has a specific exception. Tattoo removal is restricted to duly licensed physicians or Georgia licensed cosmetic laser practitioners. Confirm your intended procedure, studio permit and accepted training with the relevant county health authority.

Sources: Georgia Body Art Rules 511-3-8; Georgia Department of Public Health Body Art.

Hawaii Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Hawaii?

Hawaii requires a tattoo-artist licence and a permitted tattoo shop; the Department of Health tattoo program treats these separately. Its new tattoo-artist licensing instructions require an accepted tattoo-industry bloodborne-pathogen course with a passing examination certificate, the required tuberculosis and syphilis health report, and a licence application. Confirm the currently accepted course providers and application documents with the Department before choosing training.

Hawaii Revised Statutes 321-379(b)(6) prohibits tattooing someone under 18 without written consent from their parent or legal guardian and requires the consent forms to be kept confidentially at the tattoo shop for at least two years. This is a tattoo-specific summary. For body-piercing practitioner and premises requirements, minor consent and accepted training evidence, ask the Department of Health Food Safety Branch or the relevant island district office which authority oversees your proposed procedure and location before offering services.

Idaho Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Idaho?

Idaho Code 18-1523 defines a minor as a person under 18 who is not emancipated. It prohibits tattooing, branding and regulated body piercing of a minor under 14. For a minor aged 14–17, it requires prior written, informed parental or legal-guardian consent. The adult must execute that consent in the presence of the practitioner or their employee or agent; this is a consent-signing requirement, rather than a statement that the adult must stay throughout the procedure.

The section excludes earlobe piercing from its body-piercing definition and excludes marks or designs made for a medical purpose from its tattoo definition. These age and consent provisions do not establish practitioner or premises approval. Before choosing training or offering services, confirm business, health, sanitation and accepted-training requirements with the authorities for the exact city or county where you plan to work.

Illinois Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Public Health body-art program registers establishments at each location rather than individual artists. Its registration program covers tattooing, permanent makeup and body piercing. Artists must have documented education including OSHA-compliant bloodborne-pathogen training; the establishment operator is responsible for assessing their proficiency. Check additional local business and zoning requirements.

Under 720 ILCS 5/12C-35 and 12C-40, a commercial tattoo practitioner who is not a physician licensed to practise medicine in all its branches may not tattoo or offer to tattoo someone under 18. Tattoo businesses subject to this section may admit a minor to the tattooing area only with a parent or legal guardian; accompaniment does not authorize tattooing the minor.

For body piercing of a minor, the statute requires a parent or legal guardian’s written consent and accompaniment on the business premises. Oral piercing needs the statutory risk disclosure in the consent form. The piercing section includes exceptions for ear piercing, emancipated minors and medical or dental procedures; confirm which rules apply to the procedure.

Indiana Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Indiana?

Indiana’s Department of Health guide explains the statewide sanitary-operation rules in 410 IAC 1-5. Tattoo artists, body piercers and other people exposed to blood at the facility must receive yearly bloodborne-pathogen training; local health departments determine appropriate training options. Check premises and individual-artist requirements with the county health department: Grant County, for example, requires separate establishment and artist licences. Local rules may be more restrictive than state law.

The state guide says that tattooing or body piercing a person under 18 requires a parent or legal guardian to be present and to provide written permission. It also identifies the prohibition on scleral tattooing. These requirements concern professional procedures; a course certificate does not replace the permissions required where you intend to work.

Iowa Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Iowa?

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) issues separate tattoo-artist and establishment permits under Iowa Code 10A.531 and 481 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 492. Artist applicants must be at least 18 and provide current Red Cross or equivalent bloodborne-pathogen and standard first-aid certification. CPR/AED-only training does not replace first aid, and employer-sponsored training is not accepted. A permitted artist must work in a permitted establishment, which is inspected before opening and annually.

Section 10A.531 prohibits providing tattoos to minors, defined in that section as unmarried persons under 18; parental consent does not remove that prohibition. DIAL states that body piercing is not regulated by state law, although county or city health departments may impose local piercing rules. Confirm the applicable local requirements as well as the tattoo permits before working.

Kansas Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Kansas?

Kansas requires practitioner and establishment licences from the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. Under K.S.A. 65-1943 and K.A.R. 69-15-2, the initial tattoo-artist route requires an applicant to be at least 18, have a high-school diploma or equivalent, complete approved training with 50 procedures, provide training evidence, complete eight additional board-approved hours in infection control and bloodborne pathogens, and pass the required examination. The approved tattoo curriculum is at least 600 hours in an approved school or 1,200 hours under an approved trainer. Confirm the applicable route with the board; a general training certificate does not establish board approval.

Artists must work in a licensed establishment. K.S.A. 65-1953 requires prior written, notarized consent for tattooing, cosmetic tattooing or body piercing a person under 18, with the parent or court-appointed guardian present during the procedure. The practitioner must retain the permission, and guardianship letters when applicable, for five years. Check local business and premises requirements too.

Kentucky Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Kentucky?

Kentucky’s Body Art Program registers tattoo artists and body/ear piercers through local health departments and certifies studios. Under 902 KAR 45:065, a tattoo artist must be at least 18, register in the district or county where they intend to work, and tattoo under the authority of a Kentucky-certified studio. Applicants must provide proof of approved bloodborne-pathogen training, and the artist must keep the completion evidence at the studio. Artist registration is separate from studio certification and cannot be transferred to another district or county.

For tattooing, Section 7 of 902 KAR 45:065 requires a minor to be at least 16 and have custodial-parent or legal-guardian consent in a written, notarized statement containing the required identification and procedure details. This tattoo rule should not be treated as permission for every body-piercing procedure; confirm the relevant procedure and local-health-department requirements before accepting a minor client.

Louisiana Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Louisiana?

Louisiana distinguishes registration of the commercial body-art facility from registration of the people performing procedures. R.S. 40:2832 requires registration before operating and a facility inspection before approval to offer services. Tattooing, permanent cosmetics and regulated body piercing fall within the commercial body-art framework; owning or managing a facility does not itself qualify someone to perform procedures.

LAC Title 51, Part XXVIII, section 109 requires adequate operator training and current CPR, first-aid, bloodborne-pathogen and disease-transmission-prevention certificates. Louisiana Department of Health guidance accepts online safety training only for bloodborne pathogens/disease-transmission prevention; CPR and first aid must be classroom training, and training cards must show an expiration date. Confirm the accepted provider and any professional-training requirements with LDH before enrolling.

R.S. 14:93.2 and section 107(H)(5) of the body-art rules restrict tattooing and body piercing of a person under 18. The rules require the presence and consent of a parent, legal custodian or legal guardian, with proper identification. Parental consent does not remove the operator or facility requirements.

Maine Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Maine?

Maine requires tattoo practitioners and body piercers to hold licences through the Department of Health and Human Services Health Inspection Program. The tattooing rules tie a tattoo practitioner licence to a specific approved establishment, with a separate licence for each operating location. New applicants and renewing tattoo or body-piercing practitioners must demonstrate department-given or department-approved bloodborne-pathogen training within the preceding three years. Confirm premises inspection, local zoning and accepted training before opening or working.

Title 32, section 4203 prohibits tattooing anyone under 18. Section 4323 requires prior written parental or legal-guardian consent for body piercing of a minor. The body-piercing rules also require verification of the consenting adult’s identification and signature, with client records retained for at least two years. The rules exclude the specified mechanical single-use ear-piercing method from their body-piercing definition.

Maryland Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Maryland?

The Maryland Department of Health does not license tattoo and body-piercing businesses. Some local jurisdictions regulate these services under their own ordinances, so contact the local health department about practitioner, premises, training and business requirements before working. The absence of a state health-department business licence does not establish permission to practise.

COMAR 10.06.01.06G–H imposes statewide sterile-equipment and infection-control requirements for skin-penetrating body-adornment procedures, including risk disclosure, written consent, aftercare instructions and a posted risk notice. For a minor, the regulation requires the parent or guardian’s consent. Consent and procedure records must be kept for three years. Check any additional local age, consent, bloodborne-pathogen training and worker-protection requirements; this state consent provision is not a universal permission to tattoo or pierce minors.

Massachusetts Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, General Laws chapter 111, section 31 authorizes local boards of health to make health regulations. The Department of Public Health body-art guidance provides model regulations for establishments and practitioners and explains that inspection forms must match the rules adopted in each community. A state model is not proof that every municipality applies the same requirements.

Before choosing training or providing tattooing, piercing or permanent-makeup services, ask the local board of health for its current practitioner and establishment approval requirements, accepted bloodborne-pathogen and other training, and client-age and consent rules. Confirm the requirements for the exact service and location; a course completion certificate does not itself provide local approval to practise.

Michigan Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Michigan?

Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) licences body-art facilities, rather than individual artists, at state level. Tattooing, branding, microblading and body piercing must take place at a state-licensed body-art facility. The MDHHS FAQ explains that local health departments may also require individual artist or facility licences under more restrictive local ordinances. Check with the relevant local department and complete its plan review before applying for a facility licence.

Facility operators must ensure compliance with the bloodborne-pathogens standard for people performing procedures or cleaning instruments; Michigan implements these workplace requirements through MIOSHA. Under MCL 333.13102, tattooing, branding or body piercing an unemancipated minor under 18 requires prior written, informed consent from a parent or legal guardian and proof of their authority. The adult must sign in the presence of the licensee or the licensee’s employee or agent and provide the minor’s birth certificate or legal proof of guardianship.

Minnesota Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Minnesota?

Minnesota requires state licences for body-art technicians. Establishments need a state licence or must fall under a qualifying county or municipal licensing ordinance; MDH’s licensing guidance makes clear that technicians still need state licences in those local jurisdictions. Check which authority licenses the premises before arranging training or client work.

Under Minnesota Statutes 146B.03, an initial tattoo-technician application requires a log of at least 200 hours of supervised tattoo experience, affidavits from the licensed supervisors, and at least five hours of commissioner-approved coursework completed within the preceding year on bloodborne pathogens, disease prevention, infection control and aseptic technique. The MDH apprenticeship guidance says to obtain a temporary technician licence before starting the apprenticeship; work on synthetic skin, drawing, setup and cleanup do not count towards the supervised tattoo hours.

Section 146B.07 prohibits tattooing anyone under 18 regardless of parental or guardian consent. Certain body piercings may be performed on a minor only with the parent or legal guardian present, the required identification and relationship evidence, and signed consent and authorization forms. Nipple and genital piercings and other procedures listed in the statute remain prohibited for under-18s. Both technicians and operators must also comply with applicable local public-health requirements.

Mississippi Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Mississippi?

The Mississippi State Department of Health registration rules require an individual Certificate of Registration, identifying the practitioner, named establishment and Regular or Provisional status. The establishment must pass inspection and meet sanitation standards; registration is renewed annually with establishment inspection. Business ownership alone does not authorize procedures.

Applicants must complete the Red Cross disease-transmission course or a department-accepted equivalent. The provisional tattoo/body-piercing route requires at least nine months under direct on-site supervision of a Regular registrant at a registered establishment, followed by the applicable evidence and approval for Regular registration. Other qualification routes, including permanent makeup, have separate conditions. Confirm the route and accepted training with MSDH; a course certificate alone is not registration.

Rule 11.1.3 prohibits tattooing or regulated body piercing of anyone under 18. The rules exclude the outer perimeter and lobe of the ear from their body-piercing definition. This exclusion does not establish exemption from all other applicable requirements.

Missouri Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Missouri?

Missouri regulates practitioners and establishments separately through the Division of Professional Registration’s Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding under RSMo 324.522. The current licensing rules, 20 CSR 2267-2.010, require bloodborne-pathogen training, first aid and CPR, plus a qualifying training or experience route. The apprenticeship route includes at least 300 documented hours and 50 completed procedures in each practice area, with the qualified supervisor present throughout each procedure. A qualifying licensed or accredited school route requires at least 300 hours, an official transcript sent directly by the school and at least 25 completed procedures. Other documented-experience and reciprocity routes are set out in the rules; confirm which route applies with the office.

RSMo 324.520 prohibits tattooing, branding or body piercing a minor under 18 without prior written, informed consent from a parent or legal guardian. The adult must sign in the presence of the practitioner or the practitioner’s employee or agent. A person under 18 may not perform these procedures on another person. Confirm the premises’ inspection and applicable local business requirements before working.

Montana Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Montana?

Montana regulates body-art establishments through DPHHS and local environmental-health authorities. Its body-art rules, updated in April 2025, require an establishment licence, plan review and inspection. Operators and artists need approved training in sanitation, first aid and bloodborne-pathogen precautions, with current first-aid and bloodborne-pathogen certification. Ask the inspecting authority whether your training meets its requirements before working.

Montana Code 45-5-623 prohibits knowingly tattooing or piercing a child without the parent or guardian’s explicit, in-person consent. The adult’s identity must be adequately verified. Use the DPHHS body-art programme to contact the relevant authority and check local requirements.

Nebraska Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Nebraska?

Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services issues body-art practitioner licences, including tattoo-artist licences, and separate facility licences. A practitioner must hold a Nebraska licence and work in a Nebraska-licensed body-art facility. Some cities and counties require additional licences, so check the local offices as well.

The initial body-artist application requires at least four hours of training completed within the three years before applying, including at least two hours of bloodborne-pathogen training covering sanitation, infection control and sterilization, with an examination, and basic first-aid training. Applicants must attach completion evidence for both subjects. Licence renewal has its own bloodborne-pathogen training requirement; confirm the current application and renewal rules with DHHS.

Nebraska Revised Statute 38-10,165 requires prior written consent from a parent or court-appointed guardian before body art is performed on a person under 18. The consenting adult must be present during the procedure, and the practitioner must retain a copy of the consent for five years.

Nevada Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Nevada?

Nevada generally requires invasive body decoration to take place in a permitted establishment, subject to the exemptions in state rules. Operators must be at least 18 and complete health-authority-approved bloodborne-pathogen training within 10 days of starting relevant duties and annually afterwards. Local requirements also apply: Southern Nevada Health District requires a Body Art Card for tattooing, permanent makeup and piercing in its jurisdiction. Confirm the appropriate establishment permit, practitioner card and accepted training with your local health authority.

Sources: Nevada Administrative Code 444; Southern Nevada Health District Body Art Card FAQs.

New Hampshire Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in New Hampshire?

RSA 314-A:2 requires an individual licence for tattooing, branding or body piercing unless a statutory exemption applies. Under the current Plc 600 rules, effective 21 September 2026, practitioner applicants must complete an apprenticeship in each requested specialty or have at least three years of compliant practice in another jurisdiction, and complete an approved sterilization course. A first-specialty apprenticeship normally requires at least 1,500 supervised hours over 12–24 months. Plc 609 specifies approved bloodborne-pathogen course routes and the process for requesting acceptance of alternatives. Confirm the applicable route with OPLC before enrolling; practice must take place in a facility approved under town or city rules.

RSA 314-A:8 prohibits tattooing and branding anyone under 18. Piercing a minor requires the parent or legal guardian to be physically present, show evidence of their status and sign a consent document specifying the piercing location. These records must be retained for at least seven years.

New Jersey Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Department of Health body-art guidance distinguishes practitioner credential approval through the local health department from the licence and inspection of the body-art establishment. NJDOH does not issue individual tattoo or body-piercing licences. Local authorities verify practitioner qualifications and approve the premises; check construction and zoning requirements as well.

Under N.J.A.C. 8:27, qualification as a tattooing practitioner includes a documented tattoo apprenticeship of at least 2,000 hours under direct practitioner supervision and at least ten client applications with photographs of tattoos personally performed. Practitioners and apprentices need OSHA-compliant bloodborne-pathogen training. Piercing and permanent-cosmetics qualifications have separate requirements; a general online certificate does not replace the applicable experience, documentation or local approval.

The rules prohibit body-art or ear-piercing procedures on a minor without a parent or legal guardian’s presence, written consent and proper identification, except where the minor supplies a court emancipation order. Genital piercing of a person under 18 is prohibited regardless of parental consent. Confirm the rules for the proposed procedure with the local health authority.

New Mexico Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in New Mexico?

New Mexico’s Board of Body Art Practitioners licenses tattoo artists and body-art establishments separately. Its current inspection guidance requires practitioners to hold an active licence and work in licensed premises under licensed-practitioner supervision. An employee working under an establishment’s name does not necessarily need a separate establishment licence; independent operators should check their own premises requirements.

For new tattoo practitioners, NMAC 16.36.2 sets apprenticeship and licensing requirements, including supervised training and current CPR, first-aid and bloodborne-pathogen certificates. Check the applicable route with the Board before enrolling: a course certificate alone does not establish eligibility. The official licensing and examination guidance explains applications, examinations, renewal and guest-artist arrangements.

New York Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in New York?

The New York State Department of Health says statewide tattooing and body-piercing health regulations are being developed under Public Health Law Article 4-A, and local regulations apply until they are in place. Check practitioner, studio and training requirements with the relevant county or city health department. For example, New York City tattoo artist licensing requires the city’s infection-control course and a written examination.

Tattooing anyone under 18 is unlawful regardless of parental consent under Penal Law 260.21. Body piercing is different: Public Health Law 460-a requires the prescribed written consent of a parent or legal guardian for a minor, signed in the presence of the studio owner or a body-piercing specialist. The consent expires after 12 months and the original must be retained for that period. Ear piercing is excluded from this state written-consent requirement; confirm any applicable local restrictions.

North Carolina Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in North Carolina?

Under G.S. 130A-283, tattooing requires a permit from the Department of Health and Human Services, issued through the local health department after inspection of premises, equipment and procedures. Permits must be renewed annually. The tattooing rules, 15A NCAC 18A .3202 issue the permit to the individual artist for the named establishment; it cannot be transferred to another person or location. The statute exempts licensed physicians and supervised physician assistants and nurse practitioners when tattooing within their normal professional practice. A tattoo permit does not authorize tattoo removal.

G.S. 14-400 prohibits tattooing anyone under 18. For body piercing other than ears, a minor needs prior consent from a custodial parent or guardian. These are different rules, rather than a blanket prohibition on all piercing of minors. Check current sanitation, bloodborne-pathogen and other worker-training obligations, and any additional local requirements, with the local health department through the NCDHHS Tattoo Program before practising.

North Dakota Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in North Dakota?

North Dakota requires a body-art facility licence under Century Code 23-01-35. The Department of Health and Human Services inspects the premises before issuing a licence; licences expire annually and cannot be transferred to another person or location. Request an application through the HHS tattoo and body-art programme and confirm the applicable operator, training and local requirements. The programme also publishes proposed rule changes; a proposal should not be treated as an effective rule.

Section 12.1-31-13 restricts tattooing, branding, subdermal implanting, scarifying and piercing a person under 18 unless the parent or legal guardian is present and gives written consent. It exempts a licensed healthcare professional acting within their professional scope. The section also prohibits supplying the listed body-art materials or kits to under-18s and allows local authorities to impose equal or stricter restrictions. Confirm the exact procedure and local conditions before offering services.

Ohio Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Ohio?

Under Ohio Revised Code 3730.03, a tattoo or body-piercing business applies to the board of health for the city or general health district where it operates. Approval follows an inspection and covers safe procedures, artist training and records. It lasts one year, can be renewed and is not transferable. Confirm the local board’s application and premises requirements before opening.

Ohio Administrative Code 3701-9-04(M) requires evidence of appropriate body-art training, sterilization knowledge, first aid and precautions against bloodborne pathogens. Body-art training may be evidenced by a course recognized by the board, a sufficient apprenticeship attestation or other documentation the board accepts. Ask the local board whether your proposed training and completion evidence meet its requirements; a course certificate alone is not business approval.

Rule 3701-9-04(P) requires a parent, guardian or custodian to sign the business’s procedure and aftercare document and be present in person when body art is performed on someone under 18. Body art on a minor’s nipple, areola or genitals is prohibited even with consent.

Oklahoma Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma State Department of Health licences tattoo artists and establishments separately. Artist applicants must be at least 18, provide current bloodborne-pathogen, first-aid and CPR certificates, and show completion of an approved apprenticeship or qualifying evidence of two years of licensure from another governmental entity. The artist route also requires a skills challenge score of at least 70%. Confirm the applicable training route and accepted evidence with the department before enrolling.

An establishment needs its own application and must demonstrate regulatory compliance at a pre-licensing inspection. Under OAC 310:233-1-3, an artist must hold the appropriate licence and work at a licensed establishment or event. A general course certificate does not replace either licence.

OAC 310:233-1-3(d)–(e) prohibits tattooing anyone under 18. The separate body-piercing rule permits an under-18 procedure only with written consent and the presence of the legal parent or guardian; that exception does not apply to tattoos.

Oregon Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Oregon?

Oregon’s Health Licensing Office issues tattoo-artist licences. Under the licensed tattoo career-school route, applicants complete an approved 360-hour programme: 210 hours of theory and 150 hours of practical training, with at least 50 completed procedures. Practical work requires the specified supervision of a licensed tattoo artist registered as a teacher. Applicants also provide current CPR, first-aid and bloodborne-pathogen training evidence and meet examination requirements.

The Office also lists a reciprocity route for applicants with qualifying prior experience or credentials. Confirm the appropriate pathway and premises requirements with the Board of Electrologists and Body Art Practitioners. Completing an online course does not replace Oregon’s approved practical training, examination or licence requirements.

Pennsylvania Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Pennsylvania?

18 Pa.C.S. section 6311 makes tattooing someone under 18 an offence unless their parent or guardian consents and is present during the tattooing. It also applies a consent-and-presence requirement to compensated body piercing of a person under 18. Parental consent alone does not meet this statute’s presence requirement.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health Drug, Device and Cosmetic program FAQ states that this program does not regulate tattooing, microblading or permanently applied cosmetics. That statement is about this program’s remit, rather than permission to practise or an exemption from all regulation. Before choosing training or opening premises, confirm the applicable practitioner, premises, sanitation, bloodborne-pathogen training and business requirements with the state and local authorities for the intended location.

Rhode Island Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Department of Health requires separate applications for tattoo artists/body-piercing technicians and for tattoo parlors/body-piercing establishments. The tattooing rules, 216-RICR-40-10-15 require practitioner registration, separate premises registration and inspection. A tattoo practitioner must demonstrate aseptic technique and complete an eighteen-month apprenticeship or provide accepted equivalent education/experience; apprentices register and work under a licensed trainer.

The current practitioner application requests active CPR/first-aid and bloodborne-pathogen certificates. For permanent-cosmetics-only applicants without the listed apprenticeship or equivalent credentials, it requires completion of an approved in-person course with hands-on training on live models. Ask RIDOH which route and training it will accept before enrolling; an online completion certificate does not itself authorize practice.

Section 11-9-15 prohibits tattooing anyone under 18 except for its medical-purpose exception, which has additional conditions including physician authorization, parental or guardian presence and notarized consent. Parental consent alone is insufficient for an ordinary tattoo. Body piercing has a different rule: section 23-1-39(c) and the body-piercing regulations require the minor to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, with written consent and the adult’s photographic identification.

South Carolina Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires a tattoo facility licence through the Department of Public Health. Chapter 44-34 separately requires tattoo artists to be at least 21 and hold the required annual department-approved bloodborne-pathogen/tattoo-infection-control certificate and current first-aid and adult CPR credentials. Facility licensing does not replace artist qualifications.

Regulation 60-111, section 603 requires a tattoo trainee to complete at least 1,000 hours of tattoo-procedure training within the preceding 36 months under direct supervision of an experienced tattoo artist before working independently, with a signed training statement. Check the current DPH health-training guidance and confirm accepted credentials before enrolling; a course completion certificate does not establish compliance with all requirements.

Tattoo clients must be at least 18; section 44-34-100(A) does not create a parental-consent exception for an under-18 tattoo. Body piercing has separate premises and technician requirements. Under section 44-32-120, piercing someone under 18 requires a parent or guardian’s presence or direction by notarized writing; the section has an emancipated-minor exception. Confirm the requirements for the exact service and premises before working.

South Dakota Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in South Dakota?

SDCL 9-34-17 allows municipalities to license tattoo practitioners, inspect establishments and set sanitation standards at least as strict as the state’s. State minimum sanitation and operating rules appear in Administrative Rules Article 44:12. Check both artist and premises requirements where you will work. Sioux Falls, for example, provides separate artist and establishment permit forms; its artist application asks for a bloodborne-pathogen training completion certificate and affiliation with a licensed establishment. Those local requirements should not be treated as a uniform statewide training route.

SDCL 26-10-19 requires signed parental consent before a minor receives a tattoo. Rules 44:12:01:12–15 prohibit minors from practising tattooing or saline tattoo removal, require signed parental or legal-guardian consent for under-18 clients, and require patron records to be retained for at least two years. Confirm any additional municipal conditions before offering a procedure.

Tennessee Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Environmental Health Program licences tattoo artists and separately permits and inspects tattoo establishments. Its initial artist route requires at least one year of training, including sterilization methods, in a certified shop under a Tennessee-licensed artist who has practised in compliance for at least three years. Out-of-state artists must show at least two years of professional experience; business licences and tax records may provide evidence. Apprentices need their own licence, an eligible supervisor and an approved, permitted establishment.

Contact the county environmental health specialist for the application, training evidence and premises requirements. The department’s 2026 infection-control training schedule identifies classes that meet licensing requirements. Confirm acceptance of a proposed bloodborne-pathogen course before relying on its certificate; a general training course does not replace the supervised training or state licence.

Rule 1200-23-03-.02 prohibits tattooing clients under 18, with a narrow exception for a 16- or 17-year-old to cover an existing tattoo with written parental or legal-guardian consent and the adult present. Artists must also be at least 18. Ask the county specialist for the required minor-client documentation before considering that exception.

Texas Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Texas?

Texas requires DSHS licences for tattoo and body-piercing studios, subject to statutory exemptions, as well as compliance with local zoning and ordinances. Artists must follow DSHS infection-control and aseptic-practice requirements. A newer law requires HHSC-approved human-trafficking training for studio employees; DSHS says implementation rules and training timeframes are being developed. Check the latest regulator instructions before applying or working.

Tattooing anyone under 18 is generally prohibited. The narrow exception for covering a qualifying existing tattoo requires parent or guardian consent and presence, a sworn relationship statement, and proof of identity and parental or guardianship status. It does not authorize a new tattoo simply because a parent agrees. Body piercing under 18 requires parent, managing conservator or guardian consent identifying the body location, with the prescribed supporting documents. DSHS describes notarized-consent and adult-present routes; confirm the current paperwork requirements with DSHS and the studio.

Utah Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Utah?

Start with the local health department responsible for your proposed Utah studio. Body-art premises are subject to health permits and inspections. For example, Southeast Utah Health Department requires artists to maintain current first-aid and bloodborne-pathogen certificates and provide hepatitis B vaccination or declination evidence. Its guidance links to the state body-art sanitation rule, R392-701; confirm the requirements that apply in your own district.

Utah moved the tattooing-of-minors offence to Title 76, Chapter 9, Part 20. The statute addresses tattooing a minor for payment or in a business without parental or guardian consent. Statutory consent includes the adult’s presence, proof of identity and relationship, and signed written permission. Check the current definitions and identification rules before considering a procedure; consent does not require an artist to offer it.

Vermont Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Vermont?

Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation administers tattooist and body-piercer licensing. 26 V.S.A. Chapter 79 requires tattooist applicants to document at least 1,000 apprenticeship hours obtained within two calendar years under an eligible licensed supervisor. The apprenticeship includes a three-hour universal-precautions and infectious-disease course, and apprentices must register before starting. Tattooing and body piercing must take place in registered shops.

Section 4102 prohibits practising these professions below age 18 and requires a parent or guardian’s written consent before tattooing a minor. These are separate rules for the practitioner and the client. Ask OPR to confirm apprenticeship, supervisor and shop requirements before beginning training or setting up a business.

Virginia Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Virginia?

Virginia requires the appropriate individual licence under Code section 54.1-703, subject to its statutory exemptions. The Board for Barbers and Cosmetology also licenses tattoo parlors and body-piercing salons separately; a tattoo-parlor licence does not authorize piercing services. Premises ownership alone does not qualify the owner to perform procedures.

The tattooing and piercing qualification rules set training or apprenticeship and examination requirements. Out-of-state training applicants must supply the applicable evidence of equivalent training or qualifying experience and board-approved health education covering bloodborne pathogens, sterilization, aseptic technique and first aid. Confirm the correct application route and whether particular training will count before enrolling. Section 15.2-912 allows additional local sanitary regulation of personnel, equipment and premises.

Section 18.2-371.3 prohibits tattooing or body piercing for hire or consideration on someone under 18, subject to its parent-or-guardian-presence exception and the specified medical-duty exception. Its body-piercing definition excludes a mechanized, presterilized system piercing the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear. The section also requires infection precautions and client risk disclosures. Check any additional professional and local rules before relying on an exception.

Washington Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Washington?

Washington’s Department of Licensing requires the appropriate individual artist licence for paid tattooing, body piercing, body art or permanent cosmetics. Its artist application guidance requires applicants to be at least 18 and hold a current bloodborne-pathogens certificate. The studio needs a separate location licence and must meet the sanitation and inspection requirements in RCW 18.300.070. An artist licence does not replace the premises licence.

RCW 26.28.085 prohibits tattooing a person under 18, with an exemption for medical procedures performed by a licensed physician. Parental consent does not create a general tattooing exception. Check the current Department of Licensing guidance for the services and locations you plan to offer.

West Virginia Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in West Virginia?

West Virginia Code 16-38-6 requires tattoo studios to obtain a state business registration certificate and register with the local or regional board of health. The board inspects studios annually; a compliant studio receives an operating permit that must be displayed. Ask that board about the artist, premises and training requirements for your intended location before working. A course certificate does not replace studio registration or the operating permit.

Section 16-38-3 sets operating safeguards, including handwashing, disposable gloves, sterile equipment and single-use pigment containers. Single-use needles and razors are discarded after use, and reusable instruments must be sterilized between clients. The studio must keep the required client and procedure records for five years.

Section 16-38-3(d)–(e) requires prior written consent from one parent or guardian before tattooing a minor, with that consent kept for five years. Check any additional local conditions with the board of health before accepting a minor client.

Wisconsin Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How do you get a tattoo license in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin tattooists are licensed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services, rather than the Department of Health Services. Initial tattooist applicants must be at least 18. The premises require a separate establishment licence; some cities and counties administer these licences and inspections as delegated agents. Check both the individual and premises requirements before working.

The DSPS body-art guidance states that a person under 18 may not be tattooed, except by a physician in the course of professional practice under the statutory exemption. Parental consent is not a general exception to this tattooing rule.

Wyoming Tattoo Laws, Legislation, and Regulations

How is tattooing regulated in Wyoming?

Check the city and county where you intend to work: Wyoming’s statewide age rules do not replace local business and health requirements. For example, Cheyenne Laramie County Public Health requires separate body-artist and establishment permits. Its artist application requires employer sign-off, health statements and bloodborne-pathogen certification; the premises require plan review and an inspection. Do not assume that another Wyoming location follows the same permit process.

Wyoming Statute 14-3-107 prohibits knowingly performing body art on a person below the age of majority without consent from a parent or legal guardian who is present during the procedure. The practitioner must demand proof of age before proceeding. The statutory definition includes tattooing, piercing, branding and scarification; confirm the applicable local rules as well.