How Do I Apply for a Tattoo Artist Permit?

The most efficient way to get your permit is online.

• Online. Create an account and use our online system to apply, renew, and pay fees.
• By mail. Download the paper form, fill it out, and mail it in.

To practice tattooing, cosmetic tattooing, or microblading, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or G.E.D. Online diplomas will not be accepted. A high school transcript is acceptable, but it must include the graduation date.
• Complete bloodborne pathogen and standard first aid training (CPR/AED is not acceptable)
• Complete the tattoo artist application

You must also practice in a facility that has a tattoo establishment permit or have your own tattoo establishment permit.

Unless ink is being injected into the skin, microneedling does not require permitting by the department.

Submit proof of blood-borne pathogen or first aid training.

• The department will accept a scan, screenshot, or photo of the blood-borne pathogen or first aid training certificates. A screenshot of a screen saying the course has been completed is not acceptable. The department needs the actual certificate. Expired certificates will not be accepted.
• The curriculum for a CPR/AED training course is different from first aid training and not acceptable as a first aid course. If a training lists CPR/AED and first aid, then it is acceptable.

This documentation must be submitted to the department each year upon renewal. The department is unable to pull up the documentation from previous years' submissions for review.

Along with the application, all artists are required to pay an annual, non-refundable fee of $75.

Pay Online

Fees may be paid online with a credit card. If you are mailing a renewal form, pay fees with a check or money order made payable to Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. The department cannot accept cash.

Pay by Check

Checks received without a renewal form will be returned.

If you are sending a check to pay for a renewal completed online, please include a printed bill from the online licensing site. This identifies the artist or establishment name and the permit number so the payment can be properly applied.

If you are sending a check to pay for a renewal that has not been completed online, it must be accompanied by a renewal form. 

Late Fees

Late fees start Dec. 1 and will not be waived. All applications received after Dec. 1 are $25 per month.

All permits expire on Dec. 31 for the year issued.

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

Permits are emailed to the email address provided once they have been processed.  If the department needs further documentation/information to process your application, staff will email you to advise what is needed.

If you have not received your permit after 3-4 weeks of submitting your renewal/application, please verify you have not received an email from the department requesting additional information/documentation. Be sure to check your spam folder. If you have not received an email, please contact the department.

All permits are sent to the email address on file. Please be sure your email is updated in the licensing system. Email addresses can be updated in the system by logging into your account.