Do I need a license to be a tattoo artist in California?
California has no state tattoo license: a person may not perform body art unless registered with the local enforcement agency. OSHA bloodborne pathogen training is part of registration.
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- License required
- Registration, not a license. The statute says a person shall not perform body art if not registered with the local enforcement agency.
- Issued by
- The local enforcement agency (local registration under Health and Safety Code 119306)
- Bloodborne pathogen training
- Evidence of completion of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Training, plus hepatitis B vaccination evidence
- Fee
- A registration fee paid to the local enforcement agency; the amount is set locally
- Source
- California Health and Safety Code 119306, read November 5, 2026. The statute text is a public copy (california.public.law), used because the state site blocks automated access.
What this page does not cover
It states what the cited text says on the date it was read. It does not cover other rules that may apply, such as local ordinances, a county or city permit, a studio's own policy or a change in the rule since that date. The official text prevails over this summary.
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