Body Art Announcements

Attention Guest Artists – Update

The functionality for guest artists to claim their current license in the Body Art Technician Licensing System is not quite ready yet. If you are a guest artist with a license issued within the past six years, you must submit a new guest license application. You will receive a new license number. This new guest artist license will be the license number you will use next year when you renew your license.

We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this causes. If you have questions, please contact us at heath.batls@state.mn.us.

Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention

This is a reminder to all guest artists planning to attend the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention from June 25 through 27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Guest artist applications will no longer be accepted for the event.

Additional information and guest artist requirements can be found at Body Art Technician Licensing.

Attention Guest Artists!

The Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention will be held June 25-27, 2021, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. We are pleased to welcome guest artists from across the U.S. and the world.

For all guest artists intending to participate in this year’s convention, please follow these steps to obtain your guest artist license:

1. If you’ve had a guest artist license in the past six years, please renew your license by first claiming your license.
   • Go to Body Art Technician Licensing System.
   • Create an account.
   • Select “Claim License.”
   • Enter your Minnesota Body Art license number and social security number.
   • Select “Claim License.”
   • Select “Home” to view your dashboard.
   • Then follow the steps to renew your license.
2. If you’ve never held a guest artist license in the state of Minnesota, or your license expired more than six years ago, apply for a new license at Body Art Technician Licensing System.
3. All applications and payments must be completed online. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
4. We recommend submitting your renewal or new application by June 18 in order to allow us to complete the necessary processing. We cannot guarantee applications received after June 18 will be processed on time for the event. MDH staff will not be on-site for in-person application processing, therefore day-of applications will not be available.
5. All guest artists must have a current Minnesota-licensed body artist to act as the sponsor.
6. The license will allow you to work up to 30 days in the state and will expire 12/31/2021.
7. The fee is $140 and is not prorated.
8. You must print your license in advance, bring it with you, and have it prominently displayed while at the convention.
9. Additional information and guest artist requirements can be found at Body Art Technician Licensing.

Body Art Technician Licensing System is Live

New applications and renewals can be submitted through the Body Art Technician Licensing System. The mobile-optimized system is the fastest path to complete all the steps to licensing, including the on-demand printing of your license.

All active license holders are encouraged to activate their account by claiming their license.

• Go to Body Art Technician Licensing System to enter the portal.
• Create an account.
• Select “Claim License.”
• Enter your Minnesota Body Art license number and social security number.
• Select “Claim License.”
• Select “Home” to view your dashboard.

Bloodborne Pathogen Courses 

Body Art has updated the list of approved bloodborne pathogen courses for applicant and renewal technicians. The list of approved courses can be found at Bloodborne Pathogen Training Information.

Current Email Addresses Needed

The Body Art Program began issuing renewed technician licenses yesterday via email. Several emails have already been returned as undeliverable. If you are expecting yours and have not yet received it, please call 651-245-4633 or email us at health.ba@state.mn.us for assistance. It is possible we have an outdated email address for you. In addition, if you know other artists who have not received their licenses, please have them contact us. Thank you!

Gross Misdemeanor

Any individual performing body art without a valid license is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Any individual performing tattoos to persons under the age of 18 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor (regardless of parental or guardian consent). If you are aware of individuals practicing without a license or tattooing minors, please complete a Minnesota Body Art Complaint Form (PDF) and mail it to us, or contact your local police.