In order to become a tattoo artist in the state of Maine, there are certain requirements that you must meet. Tattooing without a license is punishable by law in the state of Maine.
In this article, we’ll break down:
Note:
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a tattoo license in Maine.
Maine Tattoo Art Requirements
To be a tattoo artist in Maine, individuals must have a “Tattooing Practitioner License” issued by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. A Tattooing Practitioner Human Services License costs $225.
Registrations expire each year based on the date it is issued. Renewing the license costs $25. There is a late fee of $25 if renewing within 30 days of expiration, and a $125 fee if renewing past 30 days after expiration. If you repeatedly renew late, the late fee becomes $200.
Apply to Become a Tattoo Artist
To get a license as a tattoo artist in Maine, you must meet the following requirements: |
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Body Artist Practitioner’s License - The Application Form Fill out this application. Make sure you are prepared to show your driver’s license and proof of residency with official postage stating your name and mailing address. |
Training in Skin Infection, the Art of Tattooing Disease Control, and Safe Practicing All aspiring tattoo artists must complete an approved training program in tattooing or body piercing from an accredited school or institution. You will also need to: Demonstrate your knowledge of safe practices, such as: Provide a description of your experience in performing tattooing, including length of time practiced, name, mailing address, and telephone number of where you have worked or will work. Provide proof of attendance at a Department of Health and Human Services approved blood borne pathogen training program within the last three years. |
Additional Regulations by County The above are the requirements according to the Maine law for tattoo artists across the whole state. If your county has additional regulations for permanent tattooing facilities, you can find them here. |
To get a license as a tattoo artist in Maine, you must meet the following requirements:
Body Artist Practitioner’s License - The Application Form
Fill out this application. Make sure you are prepared to show your driver’s license and proof of residency with official postage stating your name and mailing address.
Training in Skin Infection, the Art of Tattooing Disease Control, and Safe Practicing
All aspiring tattoo artists must complete an approved training program in tattooing or body piercing from an accredited school or institution.
You will also need to:
Demonstrate your knowledge of safe practices, such as:
Provide a description of your experience in performing tattooing, including length of time practiced, name, mailing address, and telephone number of where you have worked or will work.
Provide proof of attendance at a Department of Health and Human Services approved blood borne pathogen training program within the last three years.
Additional Regulations by County
The above are the requirements according to the Maine law for tattoo artists across the whole state. If your county has additional regulations for permanent tattooing facilities, you can find them here.
Turn in Your Complete Application
Send your application in via mail to:
HEALTH INSPECTION PROGRAM
286 WATER STREET 3rd FLOOR
AUGUSTA ME 04333-0011
After getting approved, the Health Inspector will inform the Licensing Clerk to issue your license. As long as there are no outstanding issues, you should receive the tattoo artist license within one week from it being issued.
Things You Should Know:
It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18, even if they have parental consent.
You can only use single-use disposable sharps in the state of Maine: Sharps Policy on Waste Management.Operating Tattoo Shops in Maine
To learn about the requirements for opening a tattoo facility, you will need to contact your district health inspector. You can call the Health Inspection Program main line at 207-287-5671 to learn who your district health inspector is.
You may be subject to a pre-operational inspection.
Mobile Tattoo Facility
The health inspector informs us that mobile tattooing facilities are prohibited in Maine by law.
Trade Shows and Fairs
A licensed practitioner can practice at a tattoo trade show or agricultural fairs, so long as that show is approved by the Department of Health and Human Services. In most cases, the tattoo artist must complete an application for a temporary permit to do this.
Maine Body Art Practitioners FAQs
To become a licensed tattoo artist in Maine, you must obtain a license from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The application process involves providing your personal information, proof of attendance at a DHHS-approved bloodborne pathogen training program within the last three years, and a description of your experience in tattooing.
Additionally, if you use a well as a water supply, you must provide a water test report, and if not connected to a public sewer, you need to complete Appendix C for the Onsite Wastewater Disposal System. The license fee is specified in the application, and a separate license is required for each location where you practice, as licenses are site-specific.Maine's tattoo policies, governed by DHHS, require tattoo practitioners to operate only in licensed studios or at DHHS-approved tattoo trade shows. Operating in temporary places like homes, tents, or mobile facilities is prohibited.
Practitioners must use single-service needles and provide clients with both written and verbal aftercare instructions. Regular inspections ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
To practice tattooing in Maine, you need a valid DHHS-issued license, which requires completing a DHHS-approved bloodborne pathogen training program within the preceding three years.
While specific educational or apprenticeship requirements aren't detailed, demonstrating knowledge and experience in tattooing is essential.
Many states have their own rules allowing minors to get tattooed with parental consent. However, Maine law prohibits tattooing individuals under 18 years old, even with parental consent. A 14-year-old cannot legally get a tattoo in Maine, regardless of parental approval.
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/training.htm
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/site-files/forms/Body%20Artist-Microblading.pdf?v3
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/site-files/forms/Infected%20Client%20Report.pdf
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/site-files/forms/Sharps%20Policy%20Change%20for%20Tattoo-BP%20rules.pdf
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/lphd/index.shtml
Infected Client Form
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/business/business-answers-tattoos.htm
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/site-files/forms/Body%20Artist-Microblading.pdf?v3
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/site-files/forms/Infected%20Client%20Report.pdf
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/site-files/forms/Sharps%20Policy%20Change%20for%20Tattoo-BP%20rules.pdf
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/lphd/index.shtml
Infection control course by state: https://courseforbbp.com/states
Old application: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/site-files/forms/Body%20Artist-Microblading.pdf?v3
New application: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/site-files/forms/Body%20Artist-Microblading.pdf?v3
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/site-files/rules/Adopted%20Tattoo%20Rules%2003-16-05.pdf
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/business/business-answers-tattoos.htm?
https://www1.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/el/site-files/handouts/Tattoo-Guidedance-for-the-Customer-2020.pdf
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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.
However, finding the straight-forward information you need to progress is difficult. And with so much out there online, it’s hard to avoid picking up bad habits from incorrect and outdated resources.
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