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. Learn more about the profession on our website or read how to change careers and become a Tattoo Artist!
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 :
Master techniques for waste disposal, hand hygiene, equipment sterilization, and facility sanitation to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Ensure your studio follows proper safety and sanitation protocols to protect both clients and artists.
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.
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.
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?
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)
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))
Verification of completion of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) needs to be submitted with the application.
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).
