How to Become a Tattoo Artist in the US: Licensing Rules by State

There is no national tattoo license in the United States. Instead, tattooing is regulated by states, and in many places by counties and cities too. That means the path to becoming a tattoo artist in Texas looks very different from the path in Oregon or New York City. Here is how to become a tattoo artist in the US, with real state examples.

Here is how tattoo licensing works in the US, what most states have in common, and real examples of how the rules differ.

What almost every state expects

Although the details vary, most places that regulate tattooing focus on the same things:

• Bloodborne pathogens training, covering how to prevent the spread of infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. This is often required annually.
• Registration or licensing of the artist, the studio, or both.
• Health inspections of the studio, covering sterilisation, single-use needles, waste disposal and cleanliness.
• Hepatitis B vaccination, which many jurisdictions require artists to document or at least be offered.
• Age rules and consent forms for clients, with records kept for each tattoo.
• A minimum age for artists, usually 18.

How the rules differ: real examples

Oregon: formal training hours and exams

Oregon is one of the most tightly regulated states. Tattoo artists are licensed through the Oregon Health Authority's Health Licensing Office, and applicants must complete an approved training program covering 360 hours of training, split between theory and supervised practical work, including a minimum number of completed procedures, before sitting the licensing requirements.

Arkansas: a structured artist in training program

Arkansas uses an artist in training route of at least 375 clock hours in a licensed establishment under a certified trainer, plus a bloodborne pathogens course and written and practical exams.

New York City: infection control course and exam

In New York City, tattoo artists are licensed by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Applicants must complete a three-hour infection control course and pass an infection control exam run by the department's Health Academy, and licenses must be renewed.

California: county registration

California's Safe Body Art Act requires tattoo artists, known as body art practitioners, to register with the county where they work, rather than holding a single state license. Practitioners typically register annually, complete bloodborne pathogens training each year, and provide documentation of hepatitis B vaccination status, while facilities need a county health permit.

Texas: the studio is licensed

In Texas, the Department of State Health Services licenses tattoo studios, rather than issuing individual licenses to every artist. Studios must follow state rules on sanitation and recordkeeping, and artists are expected to complete bloodborne pathogens training. Texas rules also prohibit tattooing minors, except in a narrow case where a parent or guardian consents to covering an existing tattoo.

The typical path to becoming a tattoo artist in the US

1. Build a strong art portfolio of drawings and tattoo-ready designs.
2. Find an apprenticeship with a licensed artist or studio, or an approved training program if your state requires one.
3. Complete bloodborne pathogens and first aid training.
4. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B, or document your status as required.
5. Meet your state and local licensing or registration requirements, including any hours, exams and fees.
6. Work under supervision, build a portfolio of healed work, and renew training and licenses on time.

Apprenticeships commonly last one to three years. We explain what happens at each stage in our guide to how long a tattoo apprenticeship takes.

How to find your exact requirements

• Search for your state health department's body art or tattoo program.
• Check your county and city as well, since many add their own permits or inspections.
• Confirm current fees, renewal periods and training providers directly with the regulator, as they change over time.
• If you plan to work guest spots or conventions in other states, check whether you need a temporary license.

Working in the UK instead? See our guide to how to become a tattoo artist in the UK.

Sources: Oregon Health Authority; NYC Business, Tattoo License; California Safe Body Art Act; Texas DSHS. Requirements change, so always confirm with your regulator.