Becoming a licensed tattoo artist in Washington State requires navigating mandatory regulations designed to protect public health and safety. The state classifies tattooing as a body art practice, and the process is administered by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) under the authority of Chapter 18.300 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Aspiring artists must satisfy these legal requirements before they can practice commercially. The licensing process emphasizes health compliance and formal documentation before an individual can secure the necessary state credential.
Initial Prerequisites and Training Pathways
Applicants for a Body Art/Tattoo Artist License must be at least 18 years of age. This minimum age ensures the individual can enter into a legal contract and take responsibility for the invasive procedures they perform. Washington State does not mandate a minimum number of training hours or require graduation from a vocational tattoo school for state licensing purposes.
The state’s focus is primarily on public health compliance rather than artistic skill development. The burden of acquiring necessary technical training falls to the artist. The standard pathway for skill acquisition remains the traditional, immersive apprenticeship with a licensed and experienced mentor. This training teaches artists aseptic technique, machine mechanics, and practical application.
Mandatory Health and Safety Certifications
The most important requirement for the state license application is the Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) certification. This mandatory training must comply with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 29 C.F.R. 1910.1030, which addresses occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The BBP course educates artists on preventing the transmission of diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV, which is necessary in a profession involving skin penetration.
The BBP certificate must be current and active when submitting the application to the Department of Licensing. This training covers proper sterilization methods, the use of personal protective equipment, and the handling and disposal of sharps and biohazardous waste. The state does not require a separate First Aid or CPR certification for the Tattoo Artist License, though many local health jurisdictions or individual shops may require it.
Securing and Documenting a Formal Apprenticeship
The state’s individual license application does not require submitting an official apprenticeship completion form. However, securing a formal training position is the foundation of a successful career. Tattooing is a highly skilled craft that cannot be learned solely through online courses or brief seminars. A proper apprenticeship typically lasts between one to three years, providing comprehensive, supervised instruction in all aspects of the trade.
The mentor must be a currently licensed Washington State tattoo artist operating out of a licensed facility, ensuring the training environment is legally compliant. This relationship involves a private training contract, often called an Apprenticeship Agreement, which outlines the terms, duration, and curriculum. While this document is not sent to the DOL, it serves as the artist’s official record of training and is important for securing professional insurance and employment after licensing. Finding a mentor involves portfolio review, networking, and demonstrating dedication to the craft and respect for the studio environment.
Applying for the Washington State Tattoo Artist License
Once the artist is prepared to practice professionally and has obtained the necessary health certification, they submit their application to the Department of Licensing. The administrative process requires completing the Body Art, Body Piercing, Tattoo Artist, Permanent Cosmetics License Application form. Applicants must submit this form, along with proof of their current Bloodborne Pathogens certificate, to the DOL.
The fee for a new Tattoo Artist License is $275, payable at the time of submission. The application can be completed online through the SecureAccess Washington (SAW) portal, which allows for immediate uploading of the BBP certificate. Ensuring the application is complete and error-free is the best way to avoid delays in the issuance of the one-year license. The rules governing the practice are further detailed in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 308-22, which artists must understand and follow.
Facility Requirements for Licensed Artists
An individual tattoo artist license only authorizes the person to perform the service, not the location where the service is rendered. State law (RCW 18.300.090) makes it a violation for a licensed artist to practice in any location that does not hold a separate, valid shop or business license. This facility license is generally issued by the local county or city health jurisdiction, not the state DOL.
Artists are responsible for verifying that the studio maintains all necessary environmental health permits and undergoes regular inspections. These local regulations ensure the facility meets minimum safety and sanitation standards, including sterilization equipment like autoclaves and designated cleaning areas. Working in an unlicensed facility places the artist at legal risk, even if they hold their individual state license.
Building Your Portfolio and Professional Career
Obtaining the license marks the beginning of the professional career, shifting the focus to artistic development and business management. Building a professional portfolio is important, as it serves as the visual resume that secures employment and client trust. This portfolio should be curated, showcasing a diverse range of styles, healed work, and a consistently high standard of technical execution.
Active participation in the local tattoo community through networking and attending conventions helps artists find a permanent chair in a reputable, licensed studio. Professional etiquette, client communication, and leveraging social media platforms are all components of career growth. To maintain legal compliance, the artist license must be renewed annually. This process requires submitting a renewal application and providing the expiration date of a new, current BBP certificate; no state-mandated continuing education is required.