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How to Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Arizona in 2025
Arizona's tattoo and body art regulations are relatively lax compared to other states. Unlike places such as North Carolina or Oregon, you don't need a specific license or certification to practice tattooing, piercing, branding, scarification, or similar procedures in Arizona.
Arizona law mandates the use of sterilized needles by Tattoo Artists state-wide, ensuring safe practices for all body art procedures. Tattooing individuals under 18 is prohibited without the physical presence of a parent or legal guardian, regardless of cost or location. That's really the only Arizona tattoo law that applies state-wide for all Tattoo Artists.
However, while the state doesn't regulate tattoo shops at the state level, individual towns and counties may have their own guidelines. It's crucial to check with your county's public health department for specific requirements and must adhere to local regulations. Don’t worry we have done that work for you. As of January 2025, Coconino County is the only county in Arizona that regulates the tattoo industry.
In Coconino County, all body art operators need a business license and must register their shop. Every tattoo artist must also hold a license.
What is the minimum age that you can get Tattoo in Arizona
In Arizona, the legal age for getting a tattoo is 18. The law requires that minors be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the procedure. While there are no restrictions concerning patron intoxication, violating the law by tattooing minors without proper consent may result in a Class 6 felony, which carries serious legal consequences.
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Applying for Your Artist License: What You Need to Know
Getting your Artist License is crucial for starting your journey as a tattoo artist. Get ready to kickstart your tattooing career with confidence and compliance! Here's what you need to include in your application in most of the states in USA:
Training Proof
Show proof of attending a Prevention of Disease Transmission and Bloodborne Pathogen Training Program approved by the Department of the State. The training should cover essential topics like:
Anatomy
Understand the human body's structure to ensure safe tattooing practices.
Skin Health
Learn about skin diseases, disorders, and conditions like diabetes that could impact tattooing.
Infection Control
Master techniques for waste disposal, hand hygiene, equipment sterilization, and facility sanitation to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Safety Measures
Ensure your studio follows proper safety and sanitation protocols to protect both clients and artists.
Take Your Shot: Hepatitis B Vaccination or Declination Letter
Before you start your tattoo artist career, you must provide proof that you've completed the Hepatitis B vaccination series. If you haven't been vaccinated, you need to submit a letter explaining why you've declined the vaccination.
Why is Hepatitis B Vaccination Important for Tattoo Artists?
Hepatitis B is a serious infection that can spread through bodily fluids, including blood. As a tattoo artist, you're at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens during the tattooing process. The Hepatitis B vaccine helps protect you from contracting and spreading the virus.
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Compliance & Investigation for Artist
Before the Department grants an Artist permit, they conduct thorough investigations to ensure everyone follows the rules. This means they check if all requirements are met and if everything aligns with the regulations. By ensuring compliance, they maintain safety and professionalism in the tattooing industry.
Looking for information for parents of young Tattoo Artists? Continue reading about parents who want to help their children become Tattoo Artists.
Showcase Your Credentials
All Artist permits must be prominently displayed in the customer service area of the tattoo facility for easy client viewing. Posting your Artist permits where clients can see them builds trust and transparency. It shows that you’re licensed and authorized to perform tattooing services in your facility. Following posting requirements isn’t just about compliance—it’s about professionalism. By displaying your permits, you reassure clients that they’re in good hands and create a positive impression of your business.
Get Your Tattoo Artist License Today!
Before you start tattooing, you need an Artist Permit from the Department. A tattoo Artist License is your ticket to legally perform tattoo procedures. It shows that you've met the necessary requirements and have been approved by the Department to practice tattooing.
Having an Artist Permit ensures that you're operating within the law and upholding professional standards. It's a mark of credibility and trustworthiness in the tattooing industry. Are you ready to embark on your journey as a tattoo artist in the Arizona?
Process for Becoming Licensed Tattoo Artist in Cocino County, Arizona in 2025
1
Complete License
Application
Print out the Form and Fill out your personal information, and submit your the application to the Environmental Health Office along with the appropriate fee. Coconino County mandates Tattoo Artists to complete the Hepatitis B vaccination series. You have to submit copies of your vaccination record or fill out the Medical Record Vaccination Status form. Additionally, Blood-borne pathogen training is mandatory, and you must submit proof of completion along with your application.
2
Blood Borne
Pathogen Exam
- Go to: http://www.redcross-indy.org/
- In the 3rd column under “TRAINING” click on “TAKE A CLASS ON THE WEB”
- That link will bring you to a list of Online courses. Select “UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS – TATTOO AND BODY PIERCERS”
- Pay the fee of the course which is $20.00.
- Complete the course and get the certification.
Rules may change. So make sure you check countywide rules and regulations regarding Tattoo Artist Licenses. Click here to contact your county health department
Even though Tattoo Artists aren’t legally required to have training in Arizona, you should still consider following regulations followed by most of the country (especially if you want to travel, go to conventions, etc.)
- Take a bloodborne pathogens training course to protect yourself and clients from disease.
- Get an apprenticeship or learn tattoo technique from professional tattoo school. Check out Ink Different Tattoo School Apprenticeship Program. Here’s the best part, at Ink Different Tattoo School, we have a guaranteed job offer for those apprentices who complete their full training. Consider it your safety net into the tattoo industry.
- Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
Checking off the above boxes showcases credibility and trustworthiness in the tattooing industry. Are you ready to embark on your journey as a tattoo artist in Arizona?
To learn more about legislation relating to tattooing in Arizona, please visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website .
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.
Submit your art today for enrollment consideration and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist! Call/Text 1-917-227-2842
