Tattoo artists must get a license issued by the state of Hawaii. A new Tattoo Artist License costs $75.00. To get the license, you must pass a Blood borne Pathogens exam, which costs $75.00.
You must renew your license by December 31 of every even year. For licensed tattoo artists, a renewal costs $7.50, as long as the paperwork is received in the office before the license expires. If you wait until after it expires, the renewal fee is $75.00. Make all checks payable to the State of Hawaii
Tattoo Artist License Application
To apply for a new tattoo artist license, you need to have the following: |
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Print and fill out a license application. |
Completed Tuberculosis and Syphilis Report Form. You will need to provide the Tuberculosis and Syphilis test results to the Hawaii State Tattoo Shop where you work. |
Certificate showing that you achieved a passing score in your Blood-Borne Pathogens examination. Find an approved Bloodborne Pathogens course here. Exam fees vary based on the online course you choose. |
Hepatitis B vaccine (highly recommended). The cost of vaccination may be covered by your health insurance. |
If your county has additional regulations for Hawaii tattoo artists, you can find them here.
To apply for a new tattoo artist license, you need to have the following:
- Print and fill out a license application.
- Completed Tuberculosis and Syphilis Report Form.
- You will need to provide the Tuberculosis and Syphilis test results to the Hawaii State Tattoo Shop where you work.
- Certificate showing that you achieved a passing score in your Blood-Borne Pathogens examination.
- Find an approved Bloodborne Pathogens course here.
- Exam fees vary based on the online course you choose.
- Hepatitis B vaccine (highly recommended). The cost of vaccination may be covered by your health insurance.
If your county has additional regulations for Hawaii tattoo artists, you can find them here.
Note:
If you need a temporary license for a tattoo convention, you will fill out the same form as the state license. (Just circle “Yes” to make sure your license is given to you at the convention instead of being mailed to you.)
For Permanent Makeup Artists:
Permanent makeup artists must obtain a tattoo artist license to operate. You will need to fill out the application, take the blood borne pathogen course and pass the exam, and turn in your health report form.
Getting the Hepatitis B vaccine is highly recommended for permanent makeup artists.
Pro Tip:
Body piercers will need to fill out a similar application as well.
Turn in Your Application
Mail or take your completed tattoo license application to the food safety branch of the Hawaii Department of Health:
Food Safety Branch
99-945 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, HI 96701
The health department will review your application. If approved, you should receive your license within 2 to 3 weeks of submitting your application, along with your returned TB/Syphilis Report Form.
Things You Should Know:
It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 14. To tattoo a minor between the ages of 14 and 18, you must have parental or guardian consent.
Department of Health Administrative Rules: https://health.hawaii.gov/san/files/2013/05/11-17.pdf
Things You Should Know:
It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 14. To tattoo a minor between the ages of 14 and 18, you must have parental or guardian consent.
Department of Health Administrative Rules: https://health.hawaii.gov/san/files/2013/05/11-17.pdf
Tuberculosis and syphilis form: https://health.hawaii.gov/san/files/2020/09/Physical-Exam-Form_FSB-TAT-PHYSICAL-07-2020.pdf
infection control course for body art industry https://health.hawaii.gov/san/files/2018/06/instructions-to-obtain-tattoo-artist-license.pdf
https://health.hawaii.gov/san/files/2020/09/Artist_New_SAN-APP-TAT-ARTIST-07-2020.pdf
https://health.hawaii.gov/san/files/2018/06/instructions-to-obtain-tattoo-artist-license.pdf
https://health.hawaii.gov/san/files/2013/05/11-17.pdf
For further assistance finding hepatitis B vaccine: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/hepatitis-b
Prepare for a Tattooing Career with the Artist Accelerator Program
Learning the steps you need to take to get licensed is an important step in your journey, but it can also be pretty eye-opening to how difficult tattooing can be. Without the right knowledge, it’s impossible to level up your skills and become a professional tattoo artist.
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