Do I need a license to be a tattoo artist in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a tattoo artist license from the Department of Licensing for anyone who charges a fee to tattoo. The first license fee is $275 and a bloodborne pathogens certificate is required.
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- License required
- Yes. The Department of Licensing says anyone who charges a fee for the listed services needs a license, and implanting pigment with a needle needs a tattoo artist license.
- Issued by
- Washington State Department of Licensing
- Bloodborne pathogen training
- A current and active bloodborne pathogens certificate
- Fee
- $275 for the first license; $275 to renew ($385 if late)
- Application
- Official application or application information
- Source
- Washington State Department of 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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