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.

To get an artist license, you must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a current 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.

Complete a Body Art, Body Piercing, Tattoo Artist, Permanent Cosmetics License, Renewal, or Reinstatement Application.
Mail your application to the address on the form. Be sure to include all of the following:
- Completed application form.
- Any necessary supporting documents.
- Check or money order for the fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).