Body Art
Licensing, information for technicians and establishments, and consumer information about body art.
Announcements
For an artist to practice at the Twin Cities Tattoo Festival (July 12-14), they must hold a current body art license from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Those who do not have a full or temporary body art technician license from MDH must apply for a guest artist license. All guest artist license applications and payments must be completed online, through the Body Art Technician Licensing System. MDH cannot guarantee that guest artist applications received on or after June 26, 2024 will be processed in time for the event.
I have a current guest technician license for 2024.
If you have a current guest technician license in the state of Minnesota for 2024, you will need to add the work dates to your guest body artist license using these steps:
- Log in to the Body Art Technician Licensing System.
- Under “Your Licenses” select “Adjust Work Dates.”
- Click “Next” until you are in the “Work Dates” section.
- Click “Add Another Work Period.”
- Enter in requested information and click “Next.”
- Answer the questions in “Questionnaire” section and click “Next.”
- Upload current proof of age and Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training and click “Next.”
- Affirm application by adding signature and click “Finish.”
You will receive a notice from MDH once the additional dates have been approved. The updated license will include the new work dates. You must print your license in advance and have it prominently displayed while at the event.
I don't have a current guest technician license for 2024.
If you don't have a current guest technician license in the state of Minnesota for 2024, or have never had one, you will need to apply for a license in order to work at the festival. You can apply for a license using the steps below.
- Apply for a new license through the Body Art Technician Licensing System.
- Follow the instructions in the Body Art Technician Licensing System New Applicant Training: Guest Technician License (PDF) to apply for a new/initial guest technician license.
- If you are from another country and are applying for a guest technician license, follow the instructions in the Body Art Technician Licensing System New Applicant Training: International Guest Technician License (PDF) to apply for a guest technician license.
Be aware that:
- The Sponsor Establishment information should be listed as the temporary event permit information.
- All guest artists must have a current Minnesota licensed body artist to act as the sponsor.
- The license will allow you to work up to 30 days in the state through December 31, 2024.
- 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 event.
- Additional information and guest artist requirements can be found on the Body Art Technician Licensing page.
For technicians
- Body Art Technician Licensing
- Body Art Technician Licensing System
- Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 146B Body Art
For supervisors
- Body Art Supervision Information
- Minnesota Statutes 146B.01 Subd. 28 Supervision
For establishments
- Establishment Renewals
- Body Art Establishment Info
- Body Art Establishment Application 2017 (PDF)
- Body Art Establishment Inspection Checklist (PDF)
Temporary Events
- Temporary Event Information
For consumers
- Consumer Information
- Body Art Complaint Form
- Minnesota Body Art Regulation Brochure (PDF)
- Disciplinary Actions
Licenses
- Current Body Art Licenses
Regulatory information
- Body Art Licensing Statutes
- 2017 Amendments to 2016 Statutes
Resources
- Body Art Related Links
Contact information
- Body Art Licensing Contact Information
Professional Resources
- Association of Professional Piercers
- Alliance of Professional Tattooists
- National Environmental Health Association
- Association of Food and Drug Officials
- Society of Professional Permanent Cosmetic Professionals