What you need to become a licensed tattoo artist
A tattoo license is issued by your state or local health department, not by a national body. Requirements vary significantly by state — some require formal apprenticeship hours (often 1,000 to 2,000), others require classroom training in bloodborne pathogens and sterilization, and some require both. A few states have minimal requirements; others do not regulate tattoo artists at all. You will need to contact your state's health department or board of cosmetology to learn what applies where you live.
The process typically involves completing training, passing a written test on health and safety, and submitting proof of your work. Many states also require a background check and proof that your workspace meets health code standards. The timeline ranges from several months to two years, depending on whether you pursue apprenticeship, classroom training, or both.
Key Takeaways
- Tattoo licensing requirements are set by state and sometimes by county or city, so you must contact your specific state health department to learn what you need.
- Most states require either an apprenticeship under an established artist, classroom training in bloodborne pathogens and sterilization, or both.
- You will need to pass a written test on health and safety standards before your license is issued.
- Your workspace must meet state health code requirements for sanitation, equipment, and record-keeping before you can legally operate.
Apprenticeship versus classroom training routes
An apprenticeship means working under a licensed tattoo artist for a set number of hours — typically 1,000 to 2,000 depending on your state. During this time you learn technique, sterilization, client safety, and design. The apprentice is usually unpaid or paid minimally, and the supervising artist is responsible for your training. This route is common in states like California, New York, and Florida, where the apprenticeship model is the primary path to licensure.
Classroom training covers bloodborne pathogens (how diseases spread through blood and body fluids), sterilization methods, infection control, and state health codes. This is usually a short course — anywhere from 40 to 200 hours — offered by vocational schools, community colleges, or private training providers. Some states accept classroom training alone; others require it in addition to apprenticeship hours.
A few states, including some that do not license tattoo artists at all, may accept a combination: apprenticeship hours plus a bloodborne pathogens certification course. Check your state health department website or call the board that oversees tattoo licensing in your state to confirm which route or combination applies to you.
Finding an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are not posted on job boards. You find them by walking into tattoo shops, showing your portfolio (if you have one), and asking the owner or head artist whether they take apprentices. Many shops do not; they may be too small, too busy, or not interested in training. Expect to be turned down multiple times.
When you find a shop willing to train you, the arrangement is usually informal — a verbal agreement or a straightforward contract between you and the artist. Some shops charge an apprenticeship fee (ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars) to cover materials and instruction. Others pay you a small hourly wage after the first few months. Ask about the terms upfront and get any agreement in writing.
During your apprenticeship, you will spend months or years learning to set up a sterile workspace, mix inks, handle needles safely, and develop your artistic skill. You will also shadow the licensed artist and observe how they interact with clients, handle complaints, and maintain records. The apprenticeship hours you log must be documented — your supervising artist will sign off on them — because you will need proof of those hours when you explore for your license.
State-by-state licensing requirements
Licensing rules differ enough that a general summary is less useful than knowing where to look. The table below shows how a few high-population states handle tattoo licensing; your state may differ.
| State | Apprenticeship hours | Classroom requirement | Written test | Where to explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,000 hours under licensed artist | Bloodborne pathogens course | Yes, health and safety | County health department |
| New York | 1,000 hours or equivalent training | Bloodborne pathogens certification | Yes, health and safety | Local health department |
| Florida | 1,200 hours under licensed artist | Bloodborne pathogens course | Yes, health and safety | Department of Health |
| Texas | No state requirement | No state requirement | No state test | City or county (varies by location) |
| Pennsylvania | No state requirement | No state requirement | No state test | Local health department (varies) |
Several states — including South Carolina, Georgia, and Wyoming — do not regulate tattoo artists at all at the state level, though some cities within those states may have local rules. If you live in a state with no state licensing, check your city or county health department for local requirements.
To find your state's exact requirements, search "[your state] tattoo license requirements" and look for the official state health department or board of cosmetology website. You can also call your state health department directly and ask which office handles tattoo licensing.
The written test and health code standards
States that require a written test typically cover bloodborne pathogens, sterilization and sanitation, equipment safety, infection control, and record-keeping. The test is usually multiple choice and takes one to two hours. You study from a study guide provided by your state health department or licensing board. Most people pass on their first attempt if they have completed their apprenticeship or classroom training.
Your workspace must also meet state health code standards before you can operate. This means a separate, clean room with a sink, autoclave (a machine that sterilizes equipment using heat and pressure), sharps disposal containers, and a way to keep client records. The health department will inspect your space before or shortly after you receive your license. If your setup does not meet standards, you will be given time to fix it.
explore for your license
Once you have completed your apprenticeship or classroom training and passed your written test, you submit an process to the health department or licensing board in your state or county. You will need to provide proof of your training hours (signed by your supervising artist), your test score, a background check authorization, and proof that your workspace meets health code standards.
Processing times vary. Some states issue licenses within two to four weeks; others take two to three months. You will receive a license number and a certificate, which you must display in your workspace. Some states require you to renew your license every one to three years and may require continuing education (such as an annual bloodborne pathogens refresher course) to keep it active.
Once licensed, you are legally permitted to tattoo clients in your state. You must keep detailed records of every client — their name, date of service, design, and any health concerns they reported — and maintain those records for a set period (usually three to five years). You are also responsible for following all state health codes and can face fines or license suspension if you do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a business license in addition to a tattoo license?
Yes. A tattoo license permits you to perform tattooing; a business license permits you to operate a business. You will need to register your business with your city or county and may need a sales tax permit. These are separate from your tattoo license and are obtained through your local business licensing office or chamber of commerce.
What if my state does not regulate tattoo artists?
Check your city or county health department — many cities regulate tattoo artists even when the state does not. If neither your state nor your city has requirements, you still need a business license and must follow basic health and safety practices. Some shops voluntarily follow state standards even where not required, because it protects their reputation and clients.
Can I get a tattoo license if I have a criminal record?
Most states conduct a background check as part of the licensing process. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions (such as those involving bloodborne pathogen transmission or fraud) may. Contact your state health department to ask whether your specific record would affect your may be able to access.
How much does it cost to get a tattoo license?
Costs vary widely. An apprenticeship may cost nothing to several thousand dollars depending on the shop. Classroom training ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. process and test fees are usually under $200. Total cost typically falls between $500 and $5,000, depending on your route and state.
Do I need insurance to operate as a tattoo artist?
Insurance is not required by law in most states, but it is strongly recommended. Liability insurance protects you if a client claims an infection or allergic reaction resulted from your work. Many landlords also require it before they will lease you space. Annual premiums typically range from $300 to $1,000.