How to Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Minnesota
To become a licensed tattoo artist in Minnesota, individuals must obtain a "Body Art Technician License" issued by the state. This license is a requirement for anyone who wishes to practice tattooing professionally in Minnesota and ensures that all tattoo artists meet the necessary health, safety, and sanitation standards. The licensing process involves meeting specific training and educational requirements, as well as adhering to the regulations set by the Minnesota Department of Health. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps needed to obtain your Body Art Technician License and provide key information on what you need to know to start your career as a licensed tattoo artist in Minnesota.
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. 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 Minnesota?

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 Minnesota:
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.
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 Minnesota?
Step-wise process to become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Minnesota in 2024
1
Complete a Bloodborne Pathogen Course
Provide proof of attending an OSHA-compliant bloodborne pathogen /Universal Precautions course by attaching a copy of your certificate to your application.
Click to access list of Bloodborne pathogen courses approved by Minnesota Department of health.
2
Fill out the Tattoo Artist License Application
Submit a completed tattoo license application online. For detailed instructions on how to fill out the application, refer to this guide.
All body art technicians pursing a license from the State of Minnesota, including license renewals, must complete their application through the Body Art Technician Licensing System.
3
Provide a Copy of a State ID
Attach a copy of your photo ID (driver’s license or passport) to your application. You must be 18 or older.
4
Attach Log of supervised experience in body art establishment
You must provide a documented log of 200 hours of supervised experience in a licensed body art establishment under a Minnesota-licensed tattoo artist. This log must be accompanied by a notarized affidavit signed by your supervising tattoo artist, confirming the accuracy of your logged hours. The log should include the following details for each procedure: the date, a brief description, client contact information, your supervisor's initials, and the number of hours spent completing the procedure.
5
Pay the fees applicable
The application fee is $420 and is paid as the last step of your online application. Technician licenses expire every two years on March 31. You’ll need to pay the renewal fee of $420 before that date for Tattoo Licence renewal.
6
Submit your Application form
All applications must be submitted through the online portal, as paper applications are not available. Fees can be securely paid via the portal's payment system. Once you've submitted your application, the Minnesota Department of Health will review it and notify you via email upon approval, typically within 7 to 10 business days. After receiving approval, you can log back into your account here to print your license, as printed copies are not provided by the department.

Looking for a guaranteed job offer as a Tattoo Artist? Start your tattoo apprenticeship today!
How to Transfer Your Tattoo License When Moving to Minnesota
If you hold a tattoo license from another state with comparable requirements, you may qualify for a Minnesota license through reciprocity. To apply for a license by reciprocity, complete the online application here and upload the following documents: proof of age (such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or military ID), a certificate of completed bloodborne pathogen training and a copy of your current tattoo license.
How to obtain your Guest Tattoo Artist License
Out-of-state tattoo artists participating in temporary events in Minnesota can apply for a guest artist license. This license allows you to tattoo in the state for up to 30 days per calendar year. The fee for a guest body artist license is $140.
Start Your Tattoo Career Today!
Don't Wait to Ink Your Dreams! Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Minnesota Today. Follow These Steps to Dive into the Thrilling World of Tattooing. Grab Your Artist License and Unleash Your Talent with Confidence!
To read more about the latest rules & regulations about Tattooing and Body Art – Click Here.
Submit your art today and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist! Call/Text 1-917-227-2842

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.