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

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We expect a processing delay for mailed applications and renewals. Renew or apply online for faster processing of your license. Thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience.

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.

If you don't have one, you'll be able to create one before you start.
For help visit How to set up account access.

Apply online

By mail

Send the following:

Completed Body Art, Body Piercing, Tattoo Artist, Permanent Cosmetics License, Renewal or Reinstatement Application (English, Español, Русский, and more)
Copy of your bloodborne pathogens certificate
Any supporting documents
Check or money order for the fee (payable to the Department of Licensing)
Mail to:

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

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