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How to get your license: Tattoo, body piercing, body art, and permanent cosmetic artists

Who needs a license

Anyone who charges a fee to provide one of the following services:

  • Implant pigment into the skin using a needle or other instrument. Requires a tattoo artist license.
  • Penetrate the skin or mucous membrane to insert an object, such as jewelry, for cosmetic purposes. Requires a body piercing artist license.
    • This doesn't include stud-and-clasp ear piercing or health-related procedures performed by a licensed health care worker.
  • Intentionally produce scars on the body through branding or scarification. Requires a body art artist license.
  • Apply permanent eyeliner, eyebrows, lip liner, lip color, or repigmentation by implanting pigment under the skin. Requires a permanent cosmetic artist license.

Requirements

To get an artist license, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a current and active bloodborne pathogens certificate. To find a bloodborne pathogen training course use your internet search engine to find a local or internet-based blood borne pathogen training providers.

How to apply

Online

You'll need a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account to apply online.

Apply online

By mail

Send the following:

When will I get my license?

We won't mail your license unless you request a printed copy. Your license is available to print online.

If you applied online

  • We'll process your request within 14 business days. It will be available to print online at any time.
  • Check your email for notifications about your license.
  • See how to self-print your license.

If you applied by mail

  • We'll process your request within 45 business days and send a copy of your license to the email address listed on the application.
  • You can print your license online at any time. See how to self-print your license

Get a printed license by mail

  • To get a printed license when applying by mail, you must send the license print fee with your application.
  • To request a printed copy of your license, send us the following information:
    • Name
    • Mailing address
    • Email address
    • Phone number
    • License type
    • License number
    • Check or money order for the license print fee, payable to Department of Licensing
    • Mail to:

      Tattoo, Body Art, Body Piercing Program
      Department of Licensing
      PO Box 35001
      Seattle, WA 98124-3401

How long your license is valid

Your license is valid for 1 year after we issue it.

Related information

Email updates

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