Body Art Regulations
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is responsible for implementing the Body Art Regulations, which provide statewide licensing of tattoo and piercing professionals and establishments. The law became effective on July 1, 2010.
The renewal applications for technicians whose licenses will expire on March 31, 2012 were mailed on December 29, 2011. Please check the expiration date on your wallet card. If your license expires on March 31, 2012 and you have not received your renewal application please email Health.HOP@state.mn.us. In your email please include your current mailing address and telephone number.
Important Links
2011 Amendments to 2010 Statute:
List of licensed and provisional licensed establishments
List of licensed tattoo and piercing technicians
Minnesota Body Art complaint form
What The Law Requires:
The following information decribes changes to the law effective August 1, 2011 [to see the amended language, go to the 2011 Amendments to 2010 Statute (link above)]
- Application method added:
Until 01/01/12, experienced technicians may apply with documentation of less hours (1,040), IF they provide proof of completion of coursework provided by one of the following: - Alliance of Professional Tattooists: 816/979-1300
- Association of Professional Piercers: 785/841-6060
- Compliance Solutions International: 909/553-4411
- Housekeeping changes:
- To apply for a full dual license by working under supervision, you must document 200 hours in tattooing AND 200 hours in piercing, for a total of 400 hours;
- You must complete your coursework within the year PRECEDING your application;
- Storage of contaminated waste must not exceed the overflow level of any container; and
- The fees for the initial and the three-year renewal licenses for establishments are each $1,000 plus applicable surcharges.
If you are a body art technician:
Starting January 1, 2011, you must have a state-issued license to perform either tattooing or piercing. This includes permanent cosmetic tattooing. Download applications from: Body Art Applications.
The packets will include one technician licensure application. You may copy the technician application if there is more than one technician in your establishment. NOTE: each technician must submit their own application for licensure.
If you own/operate an establishment:
Starting January 1, 2011, your establishment must be licensed. If your establishment is licensed by a municipal or county agency, it may be exempt from the state requirement. As an establishment owner/operator, you MUST complete and return either an application for licensure or an application for exemption from licensure. Download Applications from: Body Art Applications.
All initial establishment licenses are issued as "PROVISIONAL". That status will remain in effect until your establishment has been inspected and approved by MDH staff. To help you prepare for your inspection, please refer to the Body Art Establishment Inspection Checklist. (NOTE: This form is a draft and subject to change. During the inspection process, the inspector will note any deficiencies in your establishment and you will have a specified period of time in which to correct the deficiency. Failure to correct a deficiency may result in the shutdown of your establishment.
A list of licensed establishments: list of provisional licensed establishments
If you are a body art consumer:
Be an informed consumer. Make sure your tattooist or piercer is licensed by MDH. A list of licensed tattoo and piercing technicians will be posted on this site and updated on a regular basis. You can also call 651/201-3731 or health.hop@state.mn.us to inquire as to whether or not an artist is licensed.
If you would like to file a complaint:
If you would like to file a complaint against a Body Art Establishment, a Body Art Technician, a Permanent Make Up Artist, Body Art Tattooist or a Body Art Piercer download and complete the Minnesota Body Art complaint form. Mail the completed complaint form to: Minnesota Department of Health, Health Occupations Program, PO Box 64882, Saint Paul MN 55164-0882.
If you are under the age of 18:
As of July 1, 2010, you CANNOT get a tattoo in Minnesota—even with consent of your parent or guardian.
As of July 1, 2010, you MAY get a piercing. BUT, you will need parental/guardian consent AND your parent/guardian must be present during the procedure. You CANNOT get the following, even with consent: nipple piercing, genital piercing, branding, scarification, suspension, subdermal implantation, microdermal, or tongue bifurcation.
Minnesota Body Art Regulation brochure (pdf 189.82 KB, 2 pages)
Body art related links
If you have questions about Minnesota Body Art Licensing please call Matt Duff 651-201-3770 or email Matt.Duff@state.mn.us.