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Home»Public Health Regulatory Programs»Regulatory Programs - Tattoo

Regulatory Programs - Tattoo

As of July 1, 2023,  Professional Licensing and other health and occupational licenses will become part of the Iowa Department of Inspections,  Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) as a new organizational structure for state government goes into effect. Government departments and agencies that provide related services or have similar business functions are aligning to better serve Iowans.  You can expect the same quality services you get now from HHS to continue as usual. 

This page reflects the online application process for the Tattoo Program.

If you have questions regarding requirements for obtaining a permit please visit the Tattoo Program Webpage.

VERY IMPORTANT - PLEASE REVIEW THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE ACCESSING THE LICENSING PORTAL.

Artist Permits

Apply for a New Artist Permit:

NOTE: You will need to attach the following documents in digital format: High school diploma or GED; proof of age [i.e. driver's license, certified birth certificate]; current certificates for Blood Borne Pathogens and First Aid training.

Once you have read the above instructions go to the Regulatory Programs Licensing Portal to LOGIN or CREATE AN ACCOUNT.

When applying online you must use a computer with either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Our database experiences functionality issues if you are using an iPad, tablet or cell phone.

Reinstatement - If you have ever been permitted with the Tattoo Program and allowed your permit to expire or were inactive please visit the Tattoo Program web page for more information.

Renew an Existing Artist Permit:

Once you have read the above instructions go to the Regulatory Programs Licensing Portal to LOGIN or CREATE AN ACCOUNT.

When applying online you must use a computer with either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Our database experiences functionality issues if you are using an iPad, tablet or cell phone.

Establishment Permits

Permanent Tattoo Establishments

Apply for a New Establishment Permit:

An authorized individual with a personal A&A account is needed to create a new tattoo establishment account. If you are a current tattoo artist use your personal A&A account information to create your establishment.

Once you have read the above instructions go to the Regulatory Programs Licensing Portal to LOGIN or CREATE AN ACCOUNT.

When applying online you must use a computer with either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Our database experiences functionality issues if you are using an iPad, tablet or cell phone.

Renew an Existing Establishment Permit:

An authorized individual with a personal A&A account is needed to link an existing tattoo establishment. If you are a current tattoo artist use your personal A&A account information to link your establishment.

STOP - If you have created a login but have not been linked to your business, contact the Help Desk at 855-824-4357 or email ADPEREHreg@idph.iowa.gov to get linked
DO NOT complete a New Company Registration.

Once you have read the above instructions go to the Regulatory Programs Licensing Portal to LOGIN or CREATE AN ACCOUNT.

When applying online you must use a computer with either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Our database experiences functionality issues if you are using an iPad, tablet or cell phone.

Mobile Units & Mobile Events

The Department no longer permits new mobile units

An authorized individual with a personal A&A account is needed to renew an existing mobile tattoo unit. If you are a current tattoo artist use your personal A&A account information to link your mobile unit.

Once you have read the above instructions go to the Regulatory Programs Licensing Portal to LOGIN or CREATE AN ACCOUNT.

Temporary Establishments

An authorized individual with a personal A & A account is needed to create a temporary tattoo establishment  If you are a current tattoo artist use your personal A & A account information to create your temporary establishment.

NOTE: You will need to attach digital copies of the floor plan, promotional documentation, and list of participating artists.

Once you have read the above instructions go to the Regulatory Programs Licensing Portal to LOGIN or CREATE AN ACCOUNT.

When applying online you must use a computer with either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Our database experiences functionality issues if you are using an iPad, tablet or cell phone.

For tattoo artist paper applications, visit: https://hhs.iowa.gov/tattoo/artists

For tattoo establishment paper applications, visit: https://hhs.iowa.gov/tattoo/establishments

Contact Information:

For help navigating the Licensing Portal please contact the Regulatory Programs Help Desk at 855-824-4357 or email adperehreg@idph.iowa.gov.

For more information about tattoo artist or establishment permits please see our program page at the Tattoo Program web page.

Verify or Print a Permit:

  • Click HERE  for instructions on how to perform a public search using the public portal option.
  • Click HERE  for instructions on how login and view or print a license/permit/certificate.
  • To perform a public search or to login, go to the Regulatory Programs Licensing Portal.