Do I need a license to be a tattoo artist in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa law bars practicing tattooing without first receiving a permit; the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing issues tattoo artist permits. The application fee is $75.
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- License required
- Yes. The Iowa Code section says a person may not practice tattooing without first applying for and receiving a permit. Iowa calls it a permit.
- Issued by
- Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
- Bloodborne pathogen training
- Current bloodborne pathogens and first aid training (Red Cross or equivalent), submitted with each application and renewal
- Fee
- $75 application fee for applications and renewals
- Application
- Official application or application information
- Source
- Iowa Code 10A.531 and the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing, read November 5, 2026.
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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Leave your email and we will write to you if the rule for this state changes. Nothing else.