How to Become a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Missouri in 2024
Are you passionate about the art of tattooing and looking to turn your creative skills into a rewarding career? Becoming a licensed tattoo artist in Missouri involves a series of steps, from education and tattoo apprenticeship to mastering health and safety regulations.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve your dream of becoming a licensed Tattoo Artist in the Show-Me State. Whether you're just starting out or looking to formalize your skills, this article will provide you with the essential information to navigate the licensing process smoothly and successfully.
Importance of Training in Health and Safety
Understanding how to become a tattoo artist in Missouri involves more than just artistic talent; mastering health and safety protocols is critical. Missouri mandates comprehensive training in bloodborne pathogens, infection control, and skin anatomy. This education protects clients and artists while meeting the standards set by the Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Branding. By prioritizing safety training, you’ll enhance your skills and demonstrate professionalism, making your practice reputable and client-friendly.
Building Your Career in Missouri’s Tattoo Industry
After learning how to become a tattoo artist in Missouri and securing your license, you’ll be ready to build a thriving career in the state's vibrant tattoo industry. Missouri offers diverse opportunities, from working in established studios to opening your licensed practice. Continuous learning and networking with other professionals will keep you updated on new techniques and trends, ensuring you stand out in a competitive market. A strong foundation in licensure and training will set you up for long-term success.
Learn more about the profession on our website or read how to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist!
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 :
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 Missouri?
In Missouri, you may apply for licensure by following ways -
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Apprenticeship OR
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Proof of Completion of Course of Study OR
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Supervisor Statement
Step-wise process to become a Licensed Tattoo Artist for Individuals applying for Licensure by Apprenticeship in 2024
1
Complete License
Application
Fill out the Application Form which requires basic personal information such as your name, address, and date of birth. Form must be LEGIBLE printed and notarized)
2
Bloodborne Pathogen
Course
Verification of completion of a bloodborne pathogen training program (or equivalent) has to be submitted with your application. (Example: “Preventing Disease Transmission” (American Red Cross) and “Bloodborne Pathogen Training” (U.S. OSHA))
3
First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Verification of completion of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) needs to be submitted with the application.
4
Licensed Practitioner Certification of Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship, which shall include at least three hundred (300) documented hours of practical experience that includes at a minimum of fifty (50) completed procedures in each area that the applicant has filed an application for licensure.
The documented work shall be certified and supervised by a currently licensed Missouri practitioner or by a practitioner who is licensed to practice tattooing, body piercing, and/or branding in another state, territory, or commonwealth whose requirements for licensure are substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure in Missouri.
According to the health department, the apprenticeship requires 300 hours of work and 50 procedures. Your mentor must provide written consent to take you under his wing within 10 days of the start of your training.
The supervising practitioner shall be present during the entire procedure and shall be licensed in the same field of practice in which the applicant has filed a license application.
You will prove that you have completed it with a Licensed Practitioner Certification of Apprenticeship to be completed by your mentor at the start of your program (page 8 here) and by the Certification of Apprenticeship that shows 50 procedures and 300 hours (page 6 here).
5
Pay the fee applicable
The application fee is $100.00. If sending a money order you MUST complete and sign the money order in its entirety.
6
Submit your Application form
Applications must be mailed along with your application fee (check or money order only) to:
Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Branding
PO Box 1335
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or may be taken in person to the Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Branding located at:
3065 Missouri Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65109
If you are approved, your tattoo artist license will be mailed to you within 1 to 3 business days after your application is received. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be issued a Missouri tattoo license.
Step-wise process to become a Licensed Tattoo Artist for Individuals applying for licensure by Proof of Completion of Course of Study
1
Complete License
Application
Fill out the Application Form which requires basic personal information such as your name, address, and date of birth. Form must be LEGIBLE printed and notarized)
2
Bloodborne Pathogen
Course
Verification of completion of a bloodborne pathogen training program (or equivalent) has to be submitted with your application. (Example: “Preventing Disease Transmission” (American Red Cross) and “Bloodborne Pathogen Training” (U.S. OSHA))
3
First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Verification of completion of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) needs to be submitted with the application.
4
Proof of Completion of Course
Verification of successful completion of a course of study in tattooing and/or branding in a school licensed or accredited as a school by any state or federal agency.
To prove that you have completed this coursework at a school licensed for this purpose, you must submit:
- Official transcript mailed directly to the Division by the school showing you completed the course of study above
- Proof of practical experience that shows at least 25 procedures
It is important to note that this coursework as such relates to your tattoo license does not need to be in the state of Missouri. Any tattoo programs in other states that are approved under state office or federal law should meet the requirements.
For example, if you take classes in NYC or go to tattoo school in Atlanta, you should be able to transfer the credentials over as long as they cover the core content described in the form (such as tattoos and branding best practice and procedures, sanitation requirements, etc). It’s recommended that you check with your local health department to ensure your school credit will count.
5
Pay the fee applicable
The application fee is $100.00. If sending a money order you MUST complete and sign the money order in its entirety.
6
Submit your Application form
Applications must be mailed along with your application fee (check or money order only) to:
Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Branding
PO Box 1335
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or may be taken in person to the Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Branding located at:
3065 Missouri Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65109
If you are approved, your tattoo artist license will be mailed to you within 1 to 3 business days after your application is received. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be issued a Missouri tattoo license.
Step-wise process to become a Licensed Tattoo Artist for Individuals applying for licensure by Tattoo Artist Supervisor Statement
1
Complete License
Application
Fill out the Application Form which requires basic personal information such as your name, address, and date of birth. Form must be LEGIBLE printed and notarized)
2
Bloodborne Pathogen
Course
Verification of completion of a bloodborne pathogen training program (or equivalent) has to be submitted with your application. (Example: “Preventing Disease Transmission” (American Red Cross) and “Bloodborne Pathogen Training” (U.S. OSHA))
3
First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Verification of completion of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) needs to be submitted with the application.
4
Tattoo Artist Supervisor Statement
If you’ve been working under a tattoo artist, you can submit 3 years worth of ONE of the following to verify your previous employment in practice as a tattoo artist:
- Affidavits from prior employer(s)
- W2 or 1099 forms
- Tax returns verifying employment
5
Pay the fee applicable
The application fee is $100.00. If sending a money order you MUST complete and sign the money order in its entirety.
6
Submit your Application form
Applications must be mailed along with your application fee (check or money order only) to:
Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Branding
PO Box 1335
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or may be taken in person to the Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing, and Branding located at:
3065 Missouri Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65109
If you are approved, your tattoo artist license will be mailed to you within 1 to 3 business days after your application is received. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be issued a Missouri tattoo license.
Keeping Your Artist Permit Up-to-Date: Understanding Validity and Renewal
Artist permits are valid from the date of issuance and expire automatically at the end of the facility license year unless revoked earlier by the Department. Permits must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee is $100.
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 Missouri Today. Follow These Steps to Dive into the Thrilling World of Body Art. Grab Your Artist Permit and Unleash Your Talent with Confidence!
After getting your license and becoming a Licensed Tattoo Artist in Missouri, you can apply to work in licensed Tattoo Studios approved by the Department of Public Health in Missouri.
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.
Discover Your Path with Ink Different Tattoo School
If you're wondering how to become a tattoo artist in Missouri, Ink Different Tattoo School offers the ideal starting point. Our apprenticeship program combines hands-on learning with expert mentorship, providing the skills and knowledge you need to thrive. With a focus on artistic growth and professional training, our school ensures you meet Missouri's licensing requirements while mastering the craft of tattooing in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Submit your art today for enrollment consideration and start your journey toward becoming a professional Tattoo Artist! Call/Text 1-917-227-2842
