Attention tattoo and body artists and body piercers in Washington state: Get a license before you pick up that needle.
Beginning this month, the state Department of Licensing is encouraging tattoo artists, body piercers and permanent makeup cosmetic technicians to obtain a newly required professional license.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Zak Anderson, a licensed tattoo artist at Hopeless Ink Tattoo Co. in Vancouver. “I see (tattoo) work come into the shop that people are doing out of their houses, sometimes on underaged kids. These people are ruining young people’s bodies.”
People can expect more from licensed tattoo artists, including training on how to prevent disease transmission, Anderson said.
Aiming to protect public health, the state Legislature in 2009 directed the Department of Licensing to create a tattoo, body piercing and body art licensing program.
“We worked closely with industry representatives to create a licensing program that ensures all practitioners are using uniform safety and sanitation practices,” said Liz Luce, director of the Department of Licensing. First-time licenses cost $250.
The fee for a shop, mobile unit or event license is $300. Licensing inspectors will soon begin visiting tattoo and body piercing businesses to advise operators of the new requirements. Establishments that fail to maintain the required disinfection standards may be subject to fines.
The new regulations and licensing information are posted on the Department of Licensing website at www.dol.wa.gov/business/tattoo.
