Tattoo Licensing Requirements by State: What You Need to Tattoo Legally in 2026
The licensing landscape for tattooing in the US is a confusing patchwork. Some states have strict, comprehensive regulations. Others barely regulate the industry at all. And just when you think you understand your state’s requirements, your city or county might have additional rules on top.
I’m going to give you a clear overview of what’s typically required, highlight the major state variations, and tell you exactly how to find your specific requirements. Because the last thing you want is a health inspector shutting you down because you missed a permit.
Universal Requirements (Most States)
While specific requirements vary, these are common across most states:
Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Training
Required in: Nearly every state with tattoo regulations
What it is: Training on preventing transmission of bloodborne diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B/C) through proper handling of needles, blood, and bodily fluids.
How to get it: OSHA-approved BBP training course. Available through Red Cross, local health departments, or online providers. Takes 2-4 hours.
Cost: $25-75
Renewal: Typically annually
Business License
Required in: Every state (for any business)
What it is: Basic permission to operate a business in your city/county.
How to get it: City or county clerk’s office, or online through your city’s business portal.
Cost: $50-200
Tattoo Establishment Permit
Required in: Most states with tattoo-specific regulations
What it is: A permit specifically authorizing a location to perform tattooing. Usually requires a health department inspection of the premises.
How to get it: State or local health department
Cost: $100-500
Requires: Facility inspection covering sanitation, equipment, ventilation, waste disposal
Individual Artist License/Registration
Required in: Many states
What it is: Personal license or registration to practice tattooing. May require proof of training, apprenticeship completion, BBP certification, and sometimes a practical exam.
Cost: $50-200 per artist
Renewal: Annually in most states
Health Department Inspection
Required in: Most states and municipalities
What’s inspected:
- Sterilization equipment and protocols
- Single-use item handling
- Handwashing facilities
- Surface materials (non-porous, easy to clean)
- Waste disposal (sharps containers, biohazard bags)
- Record keeping (consent forms, sterilization logs)
- General cleanliness and organization
State-by-State Overview
Disclaimer: This overview provides general guidance as of early 2026. Regulations change frequently. ALWAYS verify current requirements with your specific state health department and local municipality before opening or operating.
Highly Regulated States (Comprehensive Requirements)
These states have detailed tattoo-specific regulations:
Oregon, Hawaii, Louisiana, Delaware, Connecticut, Minnesota, Massachusetts
Typical requirements in highly regulated states:
- State-issued tattoo artist license
- Mandatory BBP and CPR certification
- Apprenticeship completion requirements (documented hours)
- Facility permit with health department inspection
- Annual facility inspections
- Sterilization log requirements
- Client record retention requirements
- Continuing education in some cases
Moderately Regulated States
Most states fall here — they require licensing and permits but with less bureaucratic complexity:
California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, Washington
Typical requirements:
- Business license
- Tattoo establishment permit (state or county level)
- Individual artist registration
- BBP training
- Health department inspection
- Consent form requirements
Lightly Regulated States
A few states have minimal state-level regulation, deferring primarily to local municipalities:
Some states with lighter state-level oversight delegate heavily to cities and counties. In these states, requirements vary dramatically from one city to another. A tattoo shop in one city might need extensive permits while a shop 30 miles away in another city needs almost nothing.
How to Find Your Specific Requirements
Step 1: Check State Requirements
Google: “[Your state] tattoo license requirements” or “[Your state] body art regulations”
Most state health departments have a dedicated page for body art/tattoo establishment regulations. Download the current regulations document.
Step 2: Check County/City Requirements
Contact your local health department:
- “What permits are required to operate a tattoo establishment at [specific address]?”
- “What individual certifications are required for tattoo artists?”
- “What is the inspection process and timeline?”
Also check with your city’s planning/zoning department:
- “Is tattooing permitted at [specific address]?”
- “Are there any distance requirements from schools, churches, or other establishments?”
Step 3: Check for Additional Local Requirements
Some municipalities have requirements beyond state law:
- Minimum distance from schools (500-1,000 feet is common)
- Minimum distance from other tattoo shops
- Special use permit requirements in certain zones
- Additional local licensing fees
- Background check requirements
The Licensing Timeline
| Step | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BBP/CPR certification | 1 day | Take the course and get your certificate |
| Business entity formation (LLC) | 1-2 weeks | File with Secretary of State |
| Business license | 1-2 weeks | Apply through city/county |
| Individual artist license | 2-4 weeks | Apply through state health dept |
| Facility buildout | 4-12 weeks | Meet health code requirements |
| Health department inspection | 1-4 weeks (after requesting) | Schedule after buildout is complete |
| Establishment permit issued | 1-2 weeks after passing inspection | May be same-day in some jurisdictions |
Total timeline: 2-4 months from start to legally open.
Common Compliance Issues
Expired certifications. BBP certification typically expires annually. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before expiration. Operating with expired certifications during an inspection = citations and potential closure.
Missing sterilization logs. Health departments love checking your sterilization logs. Keep them current — every autoclave cycle documented. Digital logs (through your shop management software) are acceptable.
Consent form deficiencies. Some states have specific consent form requirements (required fields, language, etc.). Make sure your form meets state requirements, not just general best practices.
Guest artist compliance. If you host guest artists, they need to have their own licensing/certifications valid in your state. Don’t assume a license from another state is valid in yours — many states don’t have reciprocity.
Minor tattooing rules. Some states prohibit tattooing minors entirely. Others allow it with parental consent and specific documentation. Know your state’s rules — tattooing a minor in a state that prohibits it is a criminal offense.
Keeping Up With Changes
Tattoo regulations evolve. Stay current by:
- Following your state health department’s announcements
- Joining your state’s tattoo artist association (if one exists)
- Participating in industry forums where regulatory changes are discussed
- Reviewing your state’s regulations annually
- Attending conventions where regulatory updates are often discussed in seminars
The Bottom Line
Licensing and compliance aren’t exciting, but they’re foundational. Operating legally protects you from fines, lawsuits, and closure. The investment in proper licensing is minimal ($200-1,000 total for most setups) compared to the cost of operating without it.
Check your requirements. Get everything in order. Keep it current. Then focus on what matters — making great art.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all states require a tattoo license?
Most states require some form of licensing or permitting. Requirements range from minimal to extensive. Always check your specific state and local municipality.
What certifications do tattoo artists need?
Typically: Bloodborne Pathogen training, CPR/First Aid (in many states), and a state-specific tattoo artist license. Some states also require documented apprenticeship completion.