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Tattoo Program - Artists

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. 

Man sitting

Permit Requirements

To obtain a new tattoo permit in the State of Iowa, the Artist must complete an application and provide documentation of the following:

  • Artist must be at least 18 years of age
  • Artist must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. Online diplomas will not be accepted. We can accept a high school transcript but it must include the graduation date.
  • Artist must complete Bloodborne Pathogen Training and Standard First-Aid Training (CPR/AED training will not be accepted.  Attendance of employer training will not be accepted.)

Along with the application, all artists are required to pay an annual, non-refundable fee of $75.00.  All permits expire on December 31st for the year issued. Your permit will be emailed to the email address provided once it has been processed.  If we need further documentation/information to process your application, we will email you to advise what is needed.

Tattooing shall be practiced only in facilities that have a tattoo establishment permit.

To apply online go to: https://idph.iowa.gov/regulatory-programs/tattoo

*Please note:  Processing time for new applications will take approximately 1-2 weeks. Processing times during the renewal cycle (October-December) may take 3-4 weeks.

Renew a Permit

The most efficient way to renew your permit is to renew online. To renew your permit in the State of Iowa, the Artist must complete a renewal application and provide documentation of the following:

  • Artist must provide current Bloodborne Pathogen Training and Standard First-Aid Training certificates (CPR/AED training will not be accepted)
  • An applicant who submits a renewal application after December 1st will be required to pay an additional $25 for each month delinquent. Please call the department for information on how to reinstate your permit after it has lapsed more than 90 days.

To renew online go to: https://idph.iowa.gov/regulatory-programs/tattoo

*Please note:  Processing times during the renewal cycle (October-December) may take 3-4 weeks.

Renewal notices will be emailed during the first week of October. Tattoo renewal applications and fee are due by November 30th of each calendar year.  This allows us time to get all renewal applications processed before the expiration date of December 31st. All permits expire on December 31st for the year issued.  Your permit will automatically be deactivated after 90 days if not renewed.  Please call the department for information on how to reinstate your permit after it has lapsed.

Your permit will be emailed to the email address provided once it has been processed.  If we need further documentation/information to process your application, we will email you to advise what is needed.

Training

Fees

In order to be processed, each application must be accompanied by the appropriate non-refundable fees as determined in the fee schedule listed in sub rule 22.8(2). An applicant who submits a renewal application after December 1st will be required to pay an additional $25 for each month delinquent.