To be a tattoo artist in Minnesota, individuals must have a “Body Art Technician License” issued by the state of Minnesota. 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. To remain in good standing, you’ll need to pay the renewal fee of $420 before that date.
Body Art Technician Application
To apply for a Body Art Technician License, you must submit the following to your local Minnesota Department of Health: |
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Completed tattoo license application (online only). Click here for a guide on how to complete the application. |
Document proving that you are at least 18 years old such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or military ID |
Bloodborne pathogen training certificate(s). A list of acceptable courses may be found here. Certificate(s) should show course title, credit hours, and date of completion. Coursework must total at least five hours Courses should be completed within the past year Training should cover the following topics: Bloodborne pathogens Prevention of disease transmission Infection control Aseptic technique |
A log of 200 hours supervised body art procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed tattoo artist as well as a notarized affidavit attesting to your logged hours. Find a notary near you here. The log must show the following for each procedure: Date of procedure Description Contact information of your client Supervisor's initials Number of hours it took to complete |
To apply for a Body Art Technician License, you must submit the following to your local Minnesota Department of Health:
- Completed tattoo license application (online only). Click here for a guide on how to complete the application.
- Document proving that you are at least 18 years old such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or military ID
- Bloodborne pathogen training certificate(s). A list of acceptable courses may be found here.
- Certificate(s) should show course title, credit hours, and date of completion.
- Coursework must total at least five hours
- Courses should be completed within the past year
- Training should cover the following topics:
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Prevention of disease transmission
- Infection control
- Aseptic technique
- A log of 200 hours supervised body art procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed tattoo artist as well as a notarized affidavit attesting to your logged hours. Find a notary near you here. The log must show the following for each procedure:
- Date of procedure
- Description
- Contact information of your client
- Supervisor's initials
- Number of hours it took to complete
If your county has additional regulations, you can find them here.
License Transfer for Tattoo Artists Moving to Minnesota
If you are licensed in another state with similar requirements, you may be able to get a license in Minnesota by “reciprocity.” To apply for a license by reciprocity you will apply online here and upload the following: |
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Document proving that you are at least 18 years old such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or military ID |
Bloodborne pathogen training certificate(s). A list of acceptable courses may be found here Certificate(s) should show course title, credit hours and date of completion. Coursework must total at least five hours Courses should be completed within the past year Training should cover the following topics: Bloodborne pathogens Prevention of disease transmission Infection control Aseptic technique |
A copy of your current tattoo license. |
If you are licensed in another state with similar requirements, you may be able to get a license in Minnesota by “reciprocity.” To apply for a license by reciprocity you will apply online here and upload the following:
- Document proving that you are at least 18 years old such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or military ID
- Bloodborne pathogen training certificate(s). A list of acceptable courses may be found here
- Certificate(s) should show course title, credit hours and date of completion.
- Coursework must total at least five hours
- Courses should be completed within the past year
- Training should cover the following topics:
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Prevention of disease transmission
- Infection control
- Aseptic technique
- A copy of your current tattoo license.
Guest Artist License
If you are from out of state, and you’ll be tattooing at temporary events. You can apply for a guest artist license. The temporary license period is for no longer than 30 days per calendar year.
The fee for this license type is $140, and applicants can submit through the online portal on the MN Department of Health site.Turn in Your Application
Applications are only accepted online through the online portal. No paper applications are available. You can pay any fees through the online portal’s secure payment system.
When completing your online application make sure you have the following ready to upload:
After submitting your online application, the Department of Health will review it and email you once it is approved. This usually takes about 7 to 10 business days. Then you may log back into your account here and print your license. They do not provide a printed copy for you.
Body Art Establishments
To open a licensed body art establishment in Minnesota, owners must apply through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and meet specific requirements. The shop must be in a fixed location with proper sanitation, sterilization equipment, and handwashing stations.
A completed application, fee, and floor plan are required, along with compliance with local zoning laws. Only artists with proper technician licensing may work in the establishment, and regular inspections ensure hygiene and safety standards are met. Noncompliance can result in fines or license loss.
Things You Should Know:
Minors cannot be tattooed in Minnesota regardless of parental consent.
Body art license info https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/bodyart/techinfo.html#technician
https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/bodyart/systemfaq.html#howlongtemp1
Infection control course https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/bodyart/bbptraining.html
https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/bodyart/reciprins.html
https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/bodyart/docs/babrochure.pdf
https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/practice/connect/findlph.html
https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/bodyart/docs/affidavit.pdf
https://bodyart.web.health.state.mn.us/
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