How to become a licensed tattoo Artist in Arizona

Arizona’s tattoo and body art regulations are relatively lax compared to other states. Unlike places such as North Carolina or Oregon, you don’t need a specific license or certification to practice tattooing, piercing, branding, scarification, or similar procedures in Arizona.

Under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3721, tattooing individuals under 18 is prohibited without the physical presence of a parent or legal guardian, regardless of cost or location. That is really the only Arizona tattoo law that applies state-wide for all Tattoo Artists, as the statute focuses solely on protecting minors.

However, while the state doesn’t regulate tattoo shops at the state level, individual towns and counties may have their own guidelines. It is crucial to check with your county’s public health department for specific requirements and to adhere to any local regulations. A standard business registration is all that is required at the state level, and private Bloodborne Pathogen certification is recommended for insurance and shop standards.

There is no centralized health regulation for tattoo shops in Arizona, so shop-level professionalism is voluntary. Every Tattoo Artist should still register a business and follow professional shop standards.

Recommended Steps for Tattoo Artists in Arizona

Print out the Form and Fill out  your personal information,  and submit your the application to the Environmental Health Office along with the appropriate fee. Coconino County mandates Tattoo Artists to complete the Hepatitis B vaccination series. You have to submit copies of your vaccination record or fill out the Medical Record Vaccination Status form. Additionally, Blood-borne pathogen training is mandatory, and you must submit proof of completion along with your application.

How to Take the Blood Borne Pathogen Exam for Tattoo Artists on the Web

1. Go to: http://www.redcross-indy.org/
2. In the 3rd column under “TRAINING” click on “TAKE A CLASS ON THE WEB”

3.That link will bring you to a list of Online courses. Select “UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS – TATTOO AND BODY PIERCERS”

4. Pay the fee of the course which is $20.00.
5. Complete the course and get the certification.

Rules may change. So make sure you check countywide rules and regulations regarding Tattoo Artist Licenses. Click here to contact your county health department

• Take a bloodborne pathogens training course to protect yourself and clients from disease.

• Get a tattoo apprenticeship and learn technique from a working Mentor. Check out the Ink Different Apprenticeship Program. Our 18-24 month program runs across four phases and starts remote, with hands-on training and licensing support to help you become job-ready. Tattooing is a real, hands-on, AI-proof creative career: a Professional Tattoo Artist can earn over $106,000 per year per ZipRecruiter.

• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

Checking off the above boxes showcases credibility and trustworthiness in the tattooing industry. Are you ready to embark on your journey as a Tattoo Artist in Arizona?

To learn more about legislation relating to tattooing in Arizona, please visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website .