How to Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Kansas in 2024
Amidst the amber waves of grain and sprawling prairies, tattooing emerges as a vibrant form of self-expression and storytelling. For those captivated by the artistry of tattooing and aspiring to turn their passion into a profession, navigating the pathway to becoming a licensed tattoo artist in Kansas is an exciting journey filled with opportunity and creativity.
Becoming a licensed tattoo artist in Kansas involves more than just mastering the technical skills of tattooing; it requires a thorough understanding of state regulations, health standards, and artistic integrity. Aspiring tattoo artists must navigate a framework of licensing requirements, safety protocols, and industry best practices to establish themselves as legitimate practitioners within the state.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the essential steps, considerations, and requirements for individuals aspiring to obtain a tattoo artist license in Kansas. From understanding the role of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in regulating tattooing practices to honing artistic skills and navigating the licensure process, each aspect plays a crucial role in shaping a successful career in the dynamic realm of tattoo artistry within the Sunflower State.
Do Tattoo Artists Need a License for Tattoo Apprenticeships in Kansas?
One of the first questions aspiring tattoo artists ask is, do tattoo artists need a license for tattoo apprenticeships in Kansas? The answer is yes. Before beginning a tattoo apprenticeship, you must secure a Tattoo Apprentice License from the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. This license ensures you are legally allowed to train under a licensed practitioner. By obtaining a tattoo apprentice license, you demonstrate your commitment to professional standards and receive the guidance necessary to refine your craft while adhering to state regulations.
Do Tattoo Artists Need a License for Independent Practice in Kansas?
Another important consideration is, do tattoo artists need a license for working independently in Kansas? Absolutely. After completing your apprenticeship and meeting the required 50 supervised procedures, you must apply for a Tattoo Artist License. This license allows you to perform tattoos legally and independently, ensuring your clients' safety and trust. The licensure process includes completing a Bloodborne Pathogen Course, passing written and practical exams, and submitting all required documentation to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology.
Do Tattoo Artists Need a License for Tattooing Out-of-State Clients in Kansas?
If you’re wondering, do tattoo artists need a license for working with out-of-state clients in Kansas, the answer is clear: all tattoo artists practicing within Kansas must hold a valid Kansas Tattoo Artist License. This applies regardless of where your clients are from. Kansas requires that all tattooing performed within its jurisdiction meet the state’s rigorous health and safety standards. For tattoo artists who trained outside Kansas but wish to practice here, the Out of State Body Art Examination process ensures their qualifications align with Kansas's licensing requirements.
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 Kansas:
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.
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 Kansas?
Step-wise process to get a Tattoo Apprentice License in Kansas
1
Verification of your High School Diploma or GED
Before you are approved for an apprentice license you must have verification of your High School diploma or GED (General Equivalency Diploma) sent to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology office directly from the issuing party.
You don’t have to send copies of your diploma or transcripts with this application. Verification must be official coming directly from the issuing party (the issuing party includes services obtained by the issuing party for sending education documents digitally such as Parchment, GED Diploma Sender, etc. ).
2
Fill out the Tattoo Apprentice License Application
Print and fill out the License Apprenticeship Form. Make sure to include the name of the licensed tattoo shop where you work as your primary facility.
Please note: Trainers must maintain an active practitioner license to maintain a valid training license. A lapse in practitioner licensure could result in disciplinary action including but not limited to Board denial of training obtained during the lapse in licensure.
3
Provide a Copy of a Photo ID
A legible photocopy of your social security card and current U.S. government-issued photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, state identification card, or military identification). The name on the ID and social security card must match.
4
Pay the fee applicable
An Apprentice Application fee is $25.00. You can make payment via Credit Card, Check, or Money Order payment.
For Credit Card Payment -
i). Go to the Board website: www.kansas.gov/kboc
ii). Select Payment Portal from the Top Menu Bar
iii). Transaction Item = Apprentice License Fee
iv). Note your Order ID # from your emailed receipt and put it on the Apprenticeship Form.
Check or Money Order Payment
i). Complete the Apprenticeship Form
ii). Make a Check or Money Order Payable to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology
iii). Mail the Form and payment to the Board office at the address provided below
5
Submit your Application form
Mail or bring your completed application to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology Office. They will review it and issue the License. The mailing address is -
Kansas Board of Cosmetology
714 SW Jackson Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66603
Telephone: (785) 296-3155 Fax: (785) 296-3002
Email: Kboc@ks.gov Website:
www.kansas.gov/kboc
During a tattoo apprenticeship in Kansas, aspiring artists undergo comprehensive training aimed at mastering the art of tattooing while prioritizing client safety and hygiene. Central to this training is learning the essential techniques for sterilizing equipment and executing tattoos to prevent infections and ensure the well-being of clients, particularly when practicing body piercing.
Throughout the apprenticeship, apprentices are required to maintain a detailed Body Art Apprentice Client Record Log. This log serves as a comprehensive record of the apprentice's progress, documenting the completion of 50 procedures under the supervision of a licensed tattoo artist acting as their trainer. Each procedure performed by the apprentice must be meticulously recorded and signed off by the trainer, attesting to the apprentice's proficiency and adherence to industry standards.
It's crucial to note that in Kansas, the trainer overseeing the apprentice's progress must hold a valid tattoo artist license. This requirement underscores the state's commitment to ensuring that apprentices receive quality training from experienced and licensed professionals, thereby upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism within the tattooing industry.
Upon successfully completing the apprenticeship and fulfilling the requirement of 50 documented procedures, aspiring tattoo artists are eligible to apply for a Tattoo Artist License. This license application marks the culmination of the apprenticeship journey and represents the apprentice's readiness to transition into a licensed tattoo artist in their own right.
Step-wise process to get a Tattoo Artist License in Kansas
1
Verification of your High School Diploma or GED
Before you are approved for an apprentice license you must have verification of your High School diploma or GED (General Equivalency Diploma) sent to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology office directly from the issuing party.
You don’t have to send copies of your diploma or transcripts with this application. Verification must be official coming directly from the issuing party (the issuing party includes services obtained by the issuing party for sending education documents digitally such as Parchment, GED Diploma Sender, etc. ).
2
Complete a Bloodborne Pathogen Course
Verification of eight (8) hours Board approved infection control and bloodborne pathogens training is required to get a Tattoo Artist License.
A list of pre-approved Continuing Education for Body Art Practitioners can be found here: https://www.kansas.gov/kboc/Docs/Pre-Approved_Continuing_Education_for_Body_Art_Practitioners.pdf
3
Body Art Apprentice Client Record Logs
Completed Body Art Apprentice Client Record Logs to verify completion of the 50 required procedures. This log serves as a comprehensive record of the apprentice's progress, documenting the completion of 50 procedures under the supervision of a licensed tattoo artist acting as their trainer. Each procedure performed by the apprentice must be meticulously recorded and signed off by the trainer, attesting to the apprentice's proficiency and adherence to industry standards.
4
Provide a Copy of a Photo ID
A legible photocopy of your social security card and current U.S. government-issued photo identification (i.e. driver’s license, state identification card, or military identification). The name on the ID and social security card must match.
5
Fill out the Tattoo Artist 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.
6
Pay the fee applicable
An Apprentice Application fee is $25.00. You can make payment via Credit Card, Check, or Money Order payment.
For Credit Card Payment -
i). Go to the Board website: www.kansas.gov/kboc
ii). Select Payment Portal from the Top Menu Bar
iii). Transaction Item =Practitioner Initial License Fee
iv). Note your Order ID # from your emailed receipt and put it on the License Form.
Check or Money Order Payment
i). Complete the Practitioner License Form
ii). Make a Check or Money Order Payable to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology
iii). Mail the Form and payment to the Board office at the address provided below
7
Submit your Application form
Mail or bring your completed application to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology Office. They will review it and issue the License. The mailing address is -
Kansas Board of Cosmetology
714 SW Jackson Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66603
Telephone: (785) 296-3155 Fax: (785) 296-3002
Email: Kboc@ks.gov Website:
www.kansas.gov/kboc
The Board asks that you allow 7-10 business days to process the information received. Application confirmation and updates will be sent to the email address provided on the application.
8
Pass the Licensing Exam
The Board’s testing company, Ergometrics, publishes a Candidate Information Bulletin both for tattoo artists and body piercers. The Bulletins can be found on Ergometrics’ website at: www.cosmetologykansas.com/handbooks.cfm.
You can get resources for the exam by checking the following link -
https://www.kansas.gov/kboc/LicensureExam.htm
You can read the guidelines to prepare youself for the exam by checking the following link –
https://www.kansas.gov/kboc/Docs/2016BAExamination.pdf
The examination covers the following :
Written Examination
Questions on the written examination test the apprentice’s knowledge of the following:
· Kansas Statutes and Regulations
· CDC Universal Precautions
· OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
Practical Examination
The practical examination covers Kansas law, universal precautions, the bloodborne pathogens standard and the apprentice’s ability to follow best practices. Each step in the practical examination is outlined below along with the corresponding best practice.
10% Handwashing and gloves
10% Presentation of Equipment and Supplies
16% Practice Standards
27% Tattooing Procedure
16% Breakdown and Disinfecting
16% Sterilizer
5% Final Cleaning
Transferring a License for Tattooing From Another State
If you've completed your tattoo artist training out-of-state but wish to practice in Kansas, you have the option to apply for a Kansas license through the Out of State Body Art Examination. This process allows individuals who have received their training elsewhere to demonstrate their qualifications and obtain licensure to practice tattooing in Kansas.
The application for the Out of State Body Art Examination can be accessed through the appropriate channels provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. This application typically requires applicants to provide documentation of their training, education, and experience in tattooing, along with any other required materials or fees.
Once you've obtained your Kansas license, you may wonder if it's transferable to other states. It's important to note that licensure requirements vary from state to state, and each state has its own regulations regarding the acceptance of out-of-state licenses. While some states may accept a Kansas license, others may have different requirements or processes for licensure.
For individuals seeking to transfer their Kansas license to another state, Kansas does provide a form to verify your license and training. This verification form serves as official documentation of your qualifications and can be submitted to the relevant licensing authority in the state to which you are seeking licensure.
It's essential to check with the specific state licensing board to understand their requirements and procedures for transferring or obtaining licensure as a tattoo artist.
Keeping Your Artist Permit Up-to-Date: Understanding Validity and Renewal
Licenses can only be renewed no sooner than 6 weeks in advance. To renew your license, complete and return this application with the $50 renewal fee (per license).
LINK FOR TATTOO PRACTITIONER RENEWAL FORM - https://www.kansas.gov/kboc/Forms/BA_Prac_Blank_Renewal_Form.pdf
Include documentation of 5 hours of continuing education in Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control. Return to the board office BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE on your license. You must notify the Board office if you have not received your license within 90 days of the date of your renewal or application submission. Failure to do so may result in a $25 duplicate license fee. Only checks, money orders or credit card payments made payable to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology will be accepted.
After the expiration date of the license, if expired less than 6 months, an additional $25 delinquent fee is required. $75 total for each license and a total of 8 hrs CE. A list of pre-approved Continuing Education for Body Art Practitioners can be found here: https://www.kansas.gov/kboc/Docs/Pre-Approved_Continuing_Education_for_Body_Art_Practitioners.pdf
Keeping your artist permit current is essential for maintaining your legality as a tattoo artist. By staying informed about expiration dates and renewal procedures, you can continue pursuing your passion without any interruptions or legal issues.
Start Your Tattoo Career Today!
Don't Wait to Ink Your Dreams! Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Kansas Today. Follow These Steps to Dive into the Thrilling World of Tattooing. Grab Your Artist License and Unleash Your Talent with Confidence!
To learn more about legislation relating to tattooing or tattoo schools in Kansas, please visit the Kansas Board of Cosmetology 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
