In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential steps and requirements necessary to obtain a tattoo artist license in the Golden State of California. Whether you're drawn to the rich history of traditional tattooing or eager to explore cutting-edge techniques in contemporary tattoo art, California offers a dynamic canvas for aspiring tattoo artists to hone their craft and leave a lasting impression.
In California, Tattoo Artists are required to officially register with the county where they work in. From understanding state regulations to mastering the art of tattooing and navigating the licensing process, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and resources needed to embark on a successful career as a licensed tattoo artist in each County of California. Let's dive into this exciting journey together!
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 counties in California :
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:
Understand the human body's structure to ensure safe tattooing practices.
Learn about skin diseases, disorders, and conditions like diabetes that could impact tattooing.
Master techniques for waste disposal, hand hygiene, equipment sterilization, and facility sanitation to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Ensure your studio follows proper safety and sanitation protocols to protect both clients and artists.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 California?
The Safe Body Art Act, as outlined in the California Health and Safety Code, is designed to safeguard both practitioners and clients against the spread of infectious diseases. It establishes minimum state-wide standards for individuals engaged in tattooing, body piercing, branding, and permanent cosmetics application, collectively known as body art practitioners.
Take an approved Bloodborne Pathogen Course. The California Safe Body Art Act requires all body art practitioners to complete an annual bloodborne pathogens exposure control training. ACCESS THE LIST OF APPROVED BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL TRAINING COURSE PROVIDERS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY – Click Here
Print and fill out the license application form. Include the name of the licensed tattoo shop where you work as your primary facility.
Provide proof of attending a bloodborne pathogen course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
Provide Hepatitis B Vaccination Record. If you choose not to get the Hepatitis B vaccine, you can provide a declination form.
Attach a copy of your photo ID to your application as proof of 18 years of age or above. Also, attach a current passport-size photo.
The fee for Registration for a License as a Tattoo Artist is $54. Permits must be renewed annually using the same form with $54 fees.
Ready to kickstart your body art journey? Sending in your application has never been easier. Simply follow these steps:
Completed and signed application, along with required documents, and fee may be mailed to:
Body Art Program
Environmental Health Headquarters
5050 Commerce Drive
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Note : Make Check, Cashier's Check, or Money Order payable to: the County of Los Angeles. Remember: Do not mail cash.
Prefer a personal touch? Contact Body Art Program at (626) 430-5570 to schedule an appointment.
Appointments are available from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
At your appointment:
Bring the completed application packet and Pay the application fees
Looking for convenience? Reach out to the Body Art Program at (626) 430-5570 or email us at bodyartprogram@ph.lacounty.gov to receive a secured email for online submission.
You will receive confirmation from the Los Angeles Environmental Health Department. Your registration will become active within one week of your application being processed.
Take an approved Bloodborne Pathogen Course from the Department of Environmental Health. ACCESS THE LIST OF APPROVED BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL TRAINING COURSE PROVIDERS IN ALAMEDA COUNTY – Click Here
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.
Provide proof of attending a Bloodborne pathogen course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
Provide Hepatitis B Vaccination Record. If you choose not to get the Hepatitis B vaccine, you can provide a Declination Form.
Attach a copy of your photo ID to your application as proof of 18 years of age or above. Also, attach a current passport-size photo.
For both permit renewal and new practitioner permit review, you're required to submit a video showcasing and explaining your setup and breakdown process as if a client is observing you. This video serves as a demonstration of your professionalism, attention to detail, and adherence to hygiene and safety protocols. It allows regulators to ensure that you maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment for your clients throughout their body art experiences.
You have to Email the video file(s) to dehsolidwaste@acgov.org with the subject line: Body Art Practitioner Video – (First Name and Last Name)
For more details about the guidelines refer to this link - Body Art Practitioner’s Video Submittal Guidance
The fee for New Registration for a License as a Tattoo Artist is $174.00. Permits must be renewed annually using the same form. For Renewal Fees payable is $50.
Bring your completed application to your Almeda County Environmental Health Department office. If approved, your license will be printed and issued to you.
Alameda County Department of Environmental Health provides Body Art Practitioner’s Guide for Tattoo Artists - Click Here to read it.
Take an approved Bloodborne Pathogen Course from the Department of Environmental Health.
Print and fill out the license application form. Include the name of the licensed tattoo shop where you work as your primary facility.
Provide proof of attending a bloodborne pathogen course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
Provide Hepatitis B Vaccination Record. If you choose not to get the Hepatitis B vaccine, you can provide a Declination Form.
Attach a copy of your photo ID to your application as proof of 18 years of age or above. Also, attach a current passport-size photo.
The fee for Registration for a License as a Tattoo Artist is $65.00. Permits must be renewed annually using the same form.
Bring your completed application to your Almeda County Environmental Health Department office. If approved, your license will be printed and issued to you.
Amador County Department of Environmental Health provides a Body Art Practitioner’s Guide for Tattoo Artists - Click Here to read it.
Take an approved Bloodborne Pathogen Course from the Department of Environmental Health.
APPROVED BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL TRAINING COURSE– Click Here
Print and fill out the license application form. Include the name of the licensed tattoo shop where you work as your primary facility.
Provide proof of attending a bloodborne pathogen course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
Provide Hepatitis B Vaccination Record. If you choose not to get the Hepatitis B vaccine, you can provide a Declination Form.
Attach a copy of your photo ID to your application as proof of 18 years of age or above. Also, attach a current passport-size photo.
The fee for New Registration for a License as a Tattoo Artist is $130.00. Permits must be renewed annually using the same form. For Renewal Fees payable is also $130.
Bring your completed application to your Butte County Public Health Department office. If approved, your license will be printed and issued to you.
Take an approved Bloodborne Pathogen Course from the Department of Environmental Health.
Print and fill out the license application form. Ensure to include the name of the licensed tattoo shop where you work as your primary facility.
Provide proof of attending a Bloodborne Pathogen Course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
Provide Hepatitis B Vaccination Record. If you choose not to get the Hepatitis B vaccine, you can provide a Declination Form.
Attach a copy of your photo ID to your application as proof of 18 years of age or above. Also, attach a current passport-size photo.
Pay the fee for Registration for a License as a Tattoo Artist as applicable in the county. Permits must be renewed annually using the same form.
Bring your completed application to your Imperial County Environmental Health Department office. If approved, your license will be printed and issued to you.
Your County was not included above. Are you curious about the process in your specific county? While California counties generally follow a similar procedure, some may have additional regulations to consider. Click here for guidelines for your area!
To learn more about legislation relating to tattooing or tattoo schools in California, please visit the California Department of Public Health website.
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.
Don't Wait to Ink Your Dreams! Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in California Today. Follow These Steps to Dive into the Thrilling World of Body Art. Grab Your Artist Permit and Unleash Your Talent with Confidence! Whether you're a seasoned tattoo enthusiast looking to transition into the world of professional tattooing or a budding artist seeking to make your mark in the industry, this guide will serve as your roadmap to success in the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of tattoo artistry in California.
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.
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.
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.