Submit guest technician license applications prior to December 23, 2025 for Villain Arts Minneapolis Tattoo Festival
Body artists will be coming from across the U.S. and around the world to the Villain Arts Minneapolis Tattoo Festival which will be held 9 – 11, 2026.
To practice at the Villain Arts Minneapolis Tattoo Festival, the artist must hold a Minnesota body art technician license from the Minnesota Department of Health.
If you need a guest technician license, please review the information below about how to apply for a guest license. All guest technician license applications and payments must be completed online. MDH cannot guarantee that guest technician license applications received on or after December 23, 2025 will be processed in time for the Festival.
What you need to do
Apply for a new guest technician license through the Body Art Technician Licensing System (BATLS).
Are you from another country and are applying for a Minnesota guest artist technician license? Contact health.ba@state.mn.us if you are unable to access the BATLS.
What you need to know
- All guest artists must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have a current Minnesota-licensed body artist to act as the sponsor.
- List the event name, address and dates to indicate where you will be working while in Minnesota.
- Have completed 2 hours of bloodborne pathogens course(s).
- Provide a copy of your current license or credential from another jurisdiction. If your jurisdiction does not license individual artists, please upload a copy of the establishment license for the shop where you work.
- You can apply for a new guest technician license OR renew your previous guest license in BATLS.
- The fee is $140 and is not prorated.
- You must print your license in advance, bring it with you, and have it prominently displayed while at the convention.
- The license will allow you to work up to 30 days in the state and will expire December 31, 2026. You must be approved for a guest technician license at each event that you plan to work in Minnesota.
- Additional information and guest artist requirements can be found at Body Art Technician Licensing.
Questions
Contact health.ba@state.mn.us with any questions about applying for a guest body art technician artist license.