What you need to do to get a tattoo license
A tattoo license is issued by your city or county health department, not by a state board. You will need to complete a bloodborne pathogens training course, pass a written exam on safety and sanitation, and show proof that you have worked under a licensed tattoo artist for a set number of hours — usually 1,000 to 2,000 hours depending on your state. After that, you submit your paperwork to the health department, pay a fee, and receive your license to operate as a tattoo artist.
The exact steps and time required vary significantly by state and sometimes by county. Some states require an apprenticeship contract with a named mentor; others do not. Some require you to pass a practical exam where an inspector watches you set up sterile equipment; others rely only on the written test. Before you start, contact your local health department to learn the specific rules where you plan to work.
Key Takeaways
- Tattoo licensing is handled by your city or county health department, and requirements differ by location — call your local health department first to learn what applies to you.
- Most states require 1,000 to 2,000 hours of documented apprenticeship under a licensed tattoo artist before you can sit for the licensing exam.
- You must complete a bloodborne pathogens course (usually through the Red Cross or a similar provider) and pass a written exam on sterilization, infection control, and safety.
- Some jurisdictions require a practical exam where an inspector observes you setting up sterile equipment and following safety protocols.
- License fees range from under $100 to several hundred dollars, and licenses typically renew every one to three years depending on your location.
How apprenticeship hours work
Most states require you to complete an apprenticeship under a licensed tattoo artist before you can obtain your own license. The number of hours varies: some states require 1,000 hours, others 1,500, and some 2,000. These hours must be documented in writing and signed off by your mentor artist. You cannot count hours worked without a licensed supervisor, and you cannot count hours spent watching videos or reading books — only hands-on work under direct supervision counts.
An apprenticeship is not the same as a job. You are learning the craft, and your mentor is responsible for teaching you proper sterilization, needle handling, design transfer, skin anatomy, and bloodborne pathogen safety. Some apprenticeships are paid; many are not, or pay very little. Before you start, get a written apprenticeship agreement that spells out the number of hours required, what you will learn, and what happens if either party wants to end the arrangement. This document becomes part of your licensing paperwork.
If you move to a different state or change mentors, ask your health department whether your hours transfer. Some states accept hours from out-of-state apprenticeships; others do not. A few states allow you to count hours worked in a tattoo shop under supervision even if your mentor is not formally licensed, but this is rare and varies by county.
Bloodborne pathogens training and the written exam
Every state requires proof that you have completed a bloodborne pathogens course. The Red Cross offers this training in person and online; other providers such as the American Heart Association also offer it. The course covers how bloodborne diseases spread, how to prevent transmission, what to do if you are exposed, and how to handle and dispose of contaminated materials. Most courses take four to eight hours and cost between $30 and $100.
After you complete the bloodborne pathogens course, you will take a written exam administered by your health department. The exam tests your knowledge of sterilization methods, autoclave operation, infection control, proper needle and ink handling, client health screening, and what to do if equipment fails or you suspect contamination. Some health departments provide a study guide; others do not. You can request one when you contact them about licensing requirements. Most people pass on the first attempt if they have completed their apprenticeship and studied the health department's materials.
The written exam is usually offered at the health department office or at a testing center they designate. You typically have to schedule it in advance. Fees for the exam itself are usually $50 to $150, separate from the license fee.
Practical exam and inspection requirements
Some states and counties require a practical exam in addition to the written test. During a practical exam, a health inspector watches you set up a sterile tattoo station, don personal protective equipment, prepare needles and ink, and demonstrate proper handling of contaminated materials. You may be asked to explain your sterilization process or show that you know how to use an autoclave. The inspector is checking that you can actually do the work safely, not just answer questions about it.
Other jurisdictions skip the practical exam and instead conduct a health inspection of the shop where you will work before they issue your license. The inspector checks that the shop has proper equipment, separate clean and dirty areas, working autoclaves, sharps containers, and a written infection control plan. If the shop fails inspection, you cannot get your license until the problems are fixed — even if you pass the written exam.
A few states do not require either a practical exam or a pre-opening inspection. They issue the license based on your apprenticeship hours, bloodborne pathogens certificate, and written exam score. Contact your health department to learn which applies where you are.
License fees and renewal
Initial tattoo license fees range from $50 to $500 depending on your location. Some counties charge under $100; others charge $300 or more. The fee covers the cost of processing your process and issuing the license. Ask your health department for the exact amount before you submit your paperwork so you know what to budget.
Most tattoo licenses expire after one, two, or three years and must be renewed. Renewal fees are usually the same as or slightly less than the initial license fee. Some jurisdictions require you to take a refresher bloodborne pathogens course before renewal; others do not. A few require you to show proof of continuing education in topics like new sterilization techniques or bloodborne pathogen updates. Check your local rules when you receive your license so you know what to do before it expires.
What to submit to the health department
When you are ready to explore, you will submit a packet to your city or county health department. The packet typically includes a completed process form (provided by the health department), proof of your apprenticeship hours (signed by your mentor), your bloodborne pathogens certificate, proof that you passed the written exam, and a check for the license fee. Some health departments also ask for proof of identity, a Social Security number, and the address of the shop where you will work.
Processing usually takes two to four weeks. The health department will contact you if anything is missing or if they need clarification. Once approved, you receive your license in the mail or can pick it up in person. You must display the license in your shop where clients can see it.
If you plan to work at a shop that is not yet open, you may need to submit the shop's health inspection report along with your personal licensing paperwork. Some health departments issue the shop license and the artist license at the same time; others require the shop to be licensed first.
Finding a mentor and starting an apprenticeship
The hardest part of getting a tattoo license is finding a licensed tattoo artist willing to take you on as an apprentice. There is no official registry of tattoo artists accepting apprentices, so you will need to contact shops directly. Call or visit shops in your area and ask if they mentor apprentices. Some shops have formal apprenticeship programs; others take on one apprentice at a time. Be prepared to show your portfolio (if you have one), explain why you want to learn tattooing, and discuss what you can offer — some apprentices work for free, others negotiate a small wage after the first few months.
Before you commit to an apprenticeship, make sure your potential mentor is actually licensed. Ask to see their license. Ask how many apprentices they have trained and whether any have gone on to get their own licenses. Ask what the apprenticeship will cover and how long it typically takes. Get everything in writing, including the number of hours required, what happens if you need to leave early, and whether the hours will count toward licensing in your state.
Some apprentices find mentors through tattoo conventions, online forums, or by working as a shop assistant first and proving themselves. The relationship is personal, so take time to find someone whose work you respect and whose teaching style fits how you learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a tattoo license without an apprenticeship?
No. Every state requires documented apprenticeship hours under a licensed tattoo artist. You cannot substitute formal schooling, online courses, or self-teaching for this requirement. The apprenticeship is how you learn the practical skills that the written exam assumes you already have.
Do I need a business license in addition to a tattoo license?
Yes. A tattoo license lets you work as a tattoo artist, but you also need a business license from your city if you are self-employed or opening a shop. The business license is separate and is usually obtained from your city's business tax office. If you work for an existing shop, the shop owner handles the business license; you only need the tattoo artist license.
What if I move to a different state after getting my license?
Tattoo licenses do not transfer between states. You will need to get a new license in your new state, following that state's requirements. Some states accept apprenticeship hours from other states; others require you to complete additional hours. Contact the health department in your new state to learn what they require.
How long does it take to get a tattoo license from start to finish?
If you already have a mentor lined up, the apprenticeship alone takes one to three years depending on how many hours you work per week and your state's requirement. Add two to four weeks for the health department to process your process after you submit it. If you do not yet have a mentor, add however long it takes to find one and negotiate an apprenticeship agreement.
What happens if I fail the written exam?
You can retake it. Most health departments allow you to retake the exam after a waiting period (usually 30 days) and for an additional fee. Study the health department's materials more thoroughly before your second attempt. If you fail multiple times, ask the health department if they offer a study guide or if you can meet with someone to review the material.