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How to Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Alaska in 2025
Embark on the exciting journey of becoming a licensed tattoo artist in the rugged beauty of Alaska! In this comprehensive guide, we'll unravel the steps and requirements necessary to achieve licensure as a tattoo artist in Alaska. From understanding the regulatory framework to mastering the artistry and safety protocols essential for success, we'll equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.
Our tattoo school, Ink Different, has locations in several vibrant cities across the United States? We do! We have locations in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tampa, Miami, Philadelphia, and Connecticut.
What is the minimum age that you can get Tattoo in Alaska
Alaska also sets the minimum tattooing age at 18, with no additional restrictions on patrons. Tattooing minors is strictly prohibited, even with parental consent. Violation of these laws can lead to a Class B misdemeanor, potentially impacting the professional license of the tattoo artist.
Types of Tattoo Licenses in Alaska –
1
Tattoo Trainee Permit
It requires a tattooing student to receive at least 1,000 hours of theoretical and practical training. The training must be completed within one year from the date of commencement and include:
- A minimum of 150 hours of practical operations broken out by:
- 50 practical operations observed by the student;
- 50 practical operations in which the student participated;
- 50 practical operations performed by the student under supervision, but without assistance.
- A minimum of 270 hours of theory instruction which must include the following :
Subject |
Minimum Number of Theory Hours for Tattooing Curriculum |
Safety, sanitation, sterilization and aseptic |
100 |
Anatomy and physiology |
30 |
Skin and skin disorders. |
10 |
Aftercare techniques |
100 |
Equipment and supplies. |
20 |
Alaska Statutes and Regulations. |
10 |
2
Standard License
The Standard License stands as the pinnacle, granting full authorization to practice tattooing within the state. If it is your first time getting a tattoo license and you are living in Alaska, you will want to apply for a Standard License.
3
Temporary License
The board may issue a temporary license to practice Tattooing to an applicant who has completed their training, is qualified to take the examination and has submitted an application. The temporary license allows an applicant to practice under the supervision of a person who is currently licensed in the field of practice for which the applicant is applying.
Note: Temporary licenses are valid for 120 days and are non-renewable. An individual may not receive more than one temporary license for each area of practice.
4
Temporary Permit
A temporary permit is available for tattoo artists working in a shop approved by the state. They are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. To apply for a temporary permit, you must issue a notarized copy of your license from another state (or copies from a licensed school in your initial licensing jurisdiction).
5
Courtesy License
If you are a guest artist from another state, you can get a 30-day courtesy license and practice in a licensed shop
Basic Pre-requisite Training -
1
Bloodborne Pathogen Course
Complete an approved Bloodborne Pathogen Course from the Department of Public Health. List of approved courses by the Alaska Department of Public Health –
a) probloodborne.com
b) com
c) yourtrainingplace.com
d)blxtraining.com
e) cathymontie.com
f) icetraininginstitute.com
g) protrainings.com
h) hsi.com
i) pacificmedicaltraining.com
2
CPR course
Online CPR courses are not approved. CPR courses must be hands-on. Contact the course provider to ensure that your CPR course meets the Board's requirements. CPR courses must be offered by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or an equivalent organization, and must be taken in person, not online.
How to get a Tattoo License in Alaska in 2025
Step-wise process to get Tattoo Trainee Permit in Alaska in 2025
1
Complete License
Application
- Complete Permit Application: Print and fill out the license application Make sure to include the name of the licensed tattoo shop where you work as your primary facility.
- Bloodborne Pathogen Course: Provide proof of attending a bloodborne pathogen course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
- CPR card: Provide proof of attending the CPR course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
2
Statement of Resposibility Form
Provide a completed Statement of Responsibility Form(Attached on page 4 of the application form.)
A completed Statement of Responsibility form (Attached on page 4 of the application form) from the practitioner who is providing training. Training must be received in a licensed shop in this state under a person who has a practitioner’s license in this state in the field in which the trainee seeks training.
3
Certificate of Sanitary Standard
Submit a copy of the Certificate of Sanitary Standard issued to the shop in which the training will take place.
4
Training Curriculum
Complete the appropriate curriculum form (included in the application ) and return it with this application.
5
Pay the fees applicable
Fees are made payable to the “State of Alaska”. Permit Fee is $100.00 while the Initial License Fee is $5.00
6
Submit your Application form
Bring your completed application to office of Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811
Phone: (907) 465-2550
Step-wise process to get Tattoo Trainee Permit in Alaska - Standard License in 2025
1
Complete License
Application
- Complete License Application: Print and fill out the license application form. Make sure to include the name of the licensed tattoo shop where you work as your primary facility. The form should be signed and notarized.
Note: The documents should be received at least 30 days before the examination date. - Bloodborne Pathogen Course: Provide proof of attending a bloodborne pathogen course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
- CPR card: Provide proof of attending the CPR course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
2
Verification of Training
If training was completed in Alaska, you do not need to submit verification of your training. If training was completed outside of Alaska, you must contact your school or instructor, if apprenticeship or state board to request original or certified true copies of student records verifying training received.
If your training was obtained outside of Alaska, please complete the Affidavit Confirming Study of the Statute and Regulation Booklet form (Attached on Page no. 11 & 12 in the Application)
3
Pay the fees applicable
Fees are made payable to the “State of Alaska”. Non-refundable Application Fee is $150.00 while the Initial License Fee is $180.00. Thus the total fee due is $330.00. The initial license fee may be submitted with the submission of the application, or upon passing the examination.
The written examination fee should be paid directly to Prov: https://provexam.com/
4
Submit your Application form
Bring your completed application to office of Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811
Phone: (907) 465-2550
The written examination is scheduled through Prov. Approved candidates will be notified by this office and Prov that they are ready to schedule their examination. Exam fees will be paid directly to Prov.
The candidate bulletin can be found on the Board’s website at:
ProfessionalLicense.Alaska.Gov/BoardOfBarbersHairdressers
NIC website: https://nictesting.org/
Prov website: https://provexam.com/
An applicant who fails the written examination three times or more will be required to complete additional hours of training.
Step-wise process to get a Tattoo Artist License in Alaska – Temporary License in 2025
1
Complete License
Application
- Complete License Application: Print and fill out the license application form. The form should be signed and notarized.
- Bloodborne Pathogen Course: Provide proof of attending a bloodborne pathogen course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
- CPR card: Provide proof of attending the CPR course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
2
Statement of
Responsibility Form
A completed Statement of Responsibility form (Attached on page 4 of the application form) completed by the individual for whom you will be working.
If your training was obtained outside of Alaska, please complete the Affidavit Confirming Study of the Statute and Regulation Booklet form (Attached on Page no. 11 & 12 in the Application)
3
Pay the fees applicable
Fees are made payable to the “State of Alaska”. Non- refundable Application Fee is $150.00 while the Temporary License Fee is $100.00. Thus the total fee due is $250.00.
4
Submit your Application form
Bring your completed application to the office of Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811
Phone: (907) 465-2550
Step-wise process to get a Tattoo Artist License in Alaska – Temporary Permit in 2025
1
Complete License
Application
Complete Permit Application: Print and fill out the Permit application form. The form should be signed and notarized.
2
Verification of
Current License
A notarized copy of a current license from another state is required. Your out-of-state license must be current when Alaska issues your permanent license. If your license lapses before Alaska issues your permanent license, you will be required to renew your out-of-state license.
3
Pay the fees applicable
Fees are made payable to the “State of Alaska”. Non- refundable Application Fee is $150.00 while the Temporary Permit Fee is $100.00. You also have to pay the Permanent License Fee of $180.00. Thus the total fee due is $430.00.
4
Submit your Application form
Bring your completed application to the office of Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811
Phone: (907) 465-2550
Step-wise process to get a Tattoo Artist License in Alaska – License by waiver of examination in 2025
1
Complete License
Application
- Complete License Application: Print and fill out the license application form. The form should be signed and notarized.
- Bloodborne Pathogen Course: Provide proof of attending a bloodborne pathogen course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
- CPR card: Provide proof of attending the CPR course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
2
Verification of
Current License
A notarized copy of a current license from another state is required. Your out-of-state license must be current when Alaska issues your permanent license. If your license lapses before Alaska issues your permanent license, you will be required to renew your out-of-state license.
3
Verification of Training -
OUT OF STATE TRAINING
If training was completed outside of Alaska, you must contact your school or instructor, if apprenticeship or state board to request original or certified true copies of student records verifying training received.
If your training was obtained outside of Alaska, please complete the Affidavit Confirming Study of the Statute and Regulation Booklet form (Attached on Page no. 11 & 12 in the Application)
You must have passed a written examination in another state where you have been licensed or are currently licensed. If you did not pass a written examination, it will be necessary for you to do so in Alaska before receiving your license.
4
Pay the fees applicable
Fees are made payable to the “State of Alaska”. Non-refundable Application Fee is $150.00 while the Initial License Fee is $180.00. Thus the total fee due is $330.00.
5
Submit your Application form
Bring your completed application to the office of Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development.
State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811
Phone: (907) 465-2550
Start Your Tattoo Career Today!
Don't Wait to Ink Your Dreams! Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Alaska Today. Follow These Steps to Dive into the Thrilling World of Body Art. Grab Your Artist Permit and Unleash Your Talent with Confidence!
After getting your license and becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Alaska, you can apply to work in licensed Tattoo Studios approved by the Department of Public Health in Alaska.
To learn more about legislation relating to tattooing or tattoo schools in Alabama, please visit the Department of Commerce, Alaska website or call the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing at (907) 465-2550

Tattoo Apprenticeship at Ink Different
Ink Different Tattoo School prides itself on offering a comprehensive tattoo apprenticeship program that sets aspiring Tattoo Artists on the path to success. Our program is designed to provide hands-on training, guidance, and support to help our apprentices develop their skills and artistic vision. With experienced Tattoo Artists as mentors, apprentices at Ink Different learn the art of tattooing in a creative and inspiring environment.
Enrolling in a tattoo apprenticeship with Ink Different Tattoos can be highly beneficial for aspiring tattoo artists looking to break into this vibrant industry. Ink Different Tattoos is renowned for its commitment to excellence and its dedication to nurturing emerging talent. Under the guidance of experienced artists, apprentices at Ink Different Tattoos can learn not just the technical skills of tattooing but also gain insights into client interactions, design principles, and studio management. This comprehensive training prepares apprentices not only to create beautiful tattoos but also to thrive in the competitive world of tattooing.
Guaranteed Job Offer
One unique aspect of our apprenticeship program is our guaranteed job offer upon successful completion. We are committed to helping our apprentices transition from apprentices to professional Tattoo Artists, and our job offer ensures that they have a place to begin their careers. This commitment sets us apart from other tattoo schools. It reflects our dedication to supporting the next generation of Tattoo Artists.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Ink Different Tattoo School, we understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the tattoo industry. That's why we proudly offer our program in multiple locations across the United States, including Brooklyn, Chicago, Tampa, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale. Our commitment to diversity is also reflected in our bilingual staff, who speak Spanish, ensuring that our apprentices feel welcome and supported regardless of their background.