Do all states require a tattoo license?

Author: Maynard Thompson  |  Last update: Sunday, April 6, 2025

(In every state, tattoo shops must be licensed, even if the individual artists do not have to be.) Additionally, each county, district, parish, etc. will have its own rules (or lack of rules) as well.

What states don't require a tattoo license?

The majority of U.S. states have tattoo licensing laws, but there are a few exceptions. States like Nevada and Wyoming don't have statewide licensing requirements, but some local jurisdictions may.

Do you need a license to tattoo in the US?

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Certification for Tattoo Artists (Required by all states) This certification is the most important as it is required as part of the federal OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. In addition, it is the most pertinent certification to tattoo studios.

Is tattooing legal in all 50 states?

In the United States of America there is no federal law regulating the practice of tattooing. However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have statutory laws requiring a person receiving a tattoo be at least 18 years old.

What 11 states don't regulate tattoos?

Currently, the only states that DO NOT regulate tattoo facilities are: District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.

What license do you need to open a tattoo studio?

Is it illegal to tattoo yourself without a license?

1) Home Tattoos Are Unlicensed

In fact, according to subject matter expert attorney Mark Theoharis, tattooing without a license is illegal, and if someone without a license gives you a tattoo (even if it's free), they have committed a crime.

Can I donate blood if I have tattoos?

Yes, you can donate blood if you have tattoos

The same rules also apply to ear and body piercings. Remember, tattoos also include tattoo “touch-ups” and permanent cosmetic tattoos.

What states don't allow neck tattoos?

The South Carolina Legislature prohibits tattoos of the head, neck, and face area in South Carolina – the only state in the United States to do that, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Can I use my tattoo license in another state?

If you have a license and are moving to another state, your license does not automatically transfer. In general, for states that do not require training (and only require OSHA bloodborne pathogens certification and photo ID) you will need to apply for a new license in that state.

Do you need a license to pierce people?

Get a license

Some states and counties require body piercers to be licensed to work there. Check your state's board of health website or ask your mentor if you need a special license to be a professional body piercer. You might need to study for and pass an exam about local health and safety laws to get licensed.

Can I get a tattoo license online?

By passing the IBMS online industry specific course on Blood-borne Pathogens and Communicable Diseases, you'll receive the passage certificate required for state licensure or registration and/or annual renewal of licensure or registration of body artists, including tattoo artists, cosmetic tattoo artists, permanent ...

Where are tattoo artists most in demand?

New York City is a vibrant hub of art, culture, and creativity, making it a haven for Tattoo Artists. According to Indeed, the average base salary for a Tattoo Artist in New York is $61,344. The demand for skilled Tattoo Artists in the city that never sleeps is sky-high, and so are the earnings.

What states are best for tattoos?

10 Most Tattooed Cities in America
  • Richmond, VA.
  • Flint, MI.
  • Portland, OR.
  • Austin, TX.
  • San Francisco, CA.
  • Honolulu, HI.
  • Kansas City, MO.
  • Los Angeles, CA.

What state has the youngest age you can get a tattoo?

Some states, such as California and Texas, require individuals to be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo without any parental consent. However, states like New Jersey and Colorado permit minors as young as 16 to get tattooed if they have written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

What is the easiest state to get a tattoo license?

Florida. Becoming a tattoo artist in Florida may be far easier than you think. You'll only need to complete a tattoo artist education course and pay a $60 licensing fee. Even better, Florida has a staggeringly high demand for skilled tattoo artists.

Do you need a license to tattoo in Texas?

Tattooing. We require any business in the practice of producing an indelible mark or figure on the human body by scarring or inserting pigments under the skin using needles, scalpels or other related equipment to license with the Department of State Health Services.

Is it illegal to tattoo without a license in Missouri?

(1) No person shall operate a tattoo establishment, body piercing establishment, and/or branding establishment unless he or she has obtained a license for the establishment from the division. An application for an establishment license shall be notarized and accompanied by the appropriate fee.

Why are face tattoos illegal?

There's no federal law on tattooing on the body or face. However, most states regulate body art by not allowing it to minors and/or requiring parents' consent.

Can cops have sleeve tattoos?

Even in the most relaxed police tattoo policies, it is suggested for officers to avoid getting inked on their face or neck to maintain a level of professionalism. Chest, back, leg, and upper arm tattoos are the safest bet. It is generally preferred that a standard police uniform can cover all ink.

What is the disadvantage of tattoos?

A skin infection is possible after getting a tattoo. An infection might be due to contaminated ink or equipment that isn't sterilized correctly. Getting a tattoo at a studio that doesn't follow good safety steps also can raise your risk of a skin infection.

What is the rarest blood type?

AB negative is the rarest of the eight main blood types - just 1% of our donors have it. Despite being rare, demand for AB negative blood is low and we don't struggle to find donors with AB negative blood. However, some blood types are both rare and in demand.

Can I donate blood if I vape?

Although smoking cigarettes, vaping, and using cannabis will not disqualify a person from donating blood, they should refrain from smoking for at least 2 hours before and after donating blood. A person may feel lightheaded or weak after giving blood, and smoking can exacerbate these symptoms.

Can you get in trouble for getting a tattoo in jail?

Tattoo equipment is also considered contraband, and tattooing can be considered by prison officials to be a punishable form of self-mutilation. In 2011, the Federal Bureau of Prisons reclassified tattooing as a high severity prohibited act.

Can you sue an unlicensed tattoo artist?

If you end up paying to more to fix any damage, yes, you can sue this artist in Small Claims court. Make sure you get whoever fixes the tattoo to specify how much extra this artist's bad work cost you so you can prove your damages in court.

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