Embarking on a career as a tattoo artist in Mississippi offers an exciting opportunity to turn your artistic passion into a fulfilling profession. However, like any state, Mississippi has specific licensing requirements that aspiring tattoo artists must meet to ensure they are trained and equipped to practice safely and professionally. The Mississippi State Department of Health’s Professional Licensure division regulates and licenses certain health-related professions in Mississippi. Licenses must be renewed annually. The Professional Licensure division also determines eligible continuing education courses.
In Mississippi, the journey begins with obtaining a Provisional Certificate of Registration, an apprentice-level license that allows you to work under the direct supervision of a licensed tattoo artist holding a Regular Certificate of Registration. This supervised training period, lasting at least nine months, provides hands-on experience and essential skills to prepare for independent practice. Once this requirement is fulfilled, you can apply for a Regular Certificate of Registration through the Mississippi Department of Public Health to advance your career.
This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a licensed tattoo artist in Mississippi, offering insights into the state’s regulations, training opportunities, and tips for building a successful tattoo career. Whether you're a budding artist or someone passionate about tattoos, Mississippi provides a structured pathway to help you thrive in this creative and dynamic industry.
Learn more about the profession on our website or read how to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist!
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 states in USA.
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 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 Mississippi?
This course dives into the fundamental concepts of emergency care vital for any tattoo artist's toolkit. Upon completion you would receive a certificate, validating proficiency in handling emergencies effectively. Key topics include:
1. managing shock, fainting, seizures, and uncontrolled bleeding;
2. mastering wound dressing and bandaging techniques;
3. infection prevention and care;
4. safe protocols for transporting injured individuals;
5. and essential emergency contact numbers for paramedics, police, and fire services.
In Mississippi, aspiring tattoo artists must obtain a Provisional Certificate of Registration, an apprentice-level license, and complete at least nine months of supervised training under a professional holding a Regular Certificate of Registration before they can apply for a Regular Certificate of Registration through the Department of Public Health.
Fill out the online application on Mississippi State Department of Health. Make sure to include the name of the licensed tattoo shop where you work as your primary facility
Provide documentation of successful completion of an OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training course, which ensures you are trained in disease prevention (including hepatitis B transmission).
Take an approved First Aid Training Course from the Department of Public Health. You can take American Red Cross – First Aid Course.
Attach a copy of your state ID that has your name and your birth date confirming that you are above 18 years of age.
Provisional Certificate of Registration Fee Payments must be made online in the Mississippi State Department of Health application portal after filing up the details. The Application Fee is $150.
Submit your Applications online on Mississippi State Department of Health application portal.
Fill out the online application on Mississippi State Department of Health. Make sure to include the name of the licensed tattoo shop where you work as your primary facility
Provide documentation of successful completion of an OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training course, which ensures you are trained in disease prevention (including hepatitis B transmission).
Take an approved First Aid Training Course from the Department of Public Health. You can take American Red Cross – First Aid Course.
Attach a copy of your state ID that has your name and your birth date confirming that you are above 18 years of age.
Provide work log/ certificate that applicant has successfully worked in the State of Mississippi under a Provisional Certificate of Registration for a period of not less than nine (9) months, and the holder of the Regular Certificate of Registration who supervised the applicant attests to the competency of the applicant.
Provisional Certificate of Registration Fee Payments must be made online in the Mississippi State Department of Health application portal after filing up the details. The Application Fee is $150.
Submit your Applications online on Mississippi State Department of Health application portal.
Certificates of Registration expire yearly on May 31st. The cost of renewing your Certificate of Registration is $150.
Artists seeking to transfer their license from another state to obtain licensure in Mississippi must follow the steps required for the Regular Certificate of Registration, including completing the Verification of License/Registration form. A Provisional Certificate of Registration is not required for individuals who have held a valid license or registration in another state within the past 18 months.
Certificates of Registration expire yearly on May 31st. The cost of renewing your Certificate of Registration is $150.Artists seeking to transfer their license from another state to obtain licensure in Mississippi must follow the steps required for the Regular Certificate of Registration, including completing the Verification of License/Registration form. A Provisional Certificate of Registration is not required for individuals who have held a valid license or registration in another state within the past 18 months.
Don't Wait to Ink Your Dreams! Get yourself registered as a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Mississippi Today. Follow These Steps to Dive into the Thrilling World of Tattooing. Grab Your Artist Permit and Unleash Your Talent with Confidence!
To learn more about legislation relating to tattooing or tattoo schools in Mississippi, please visit the Mississippi Department of Public Health website.
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.