In Kansas, tattooing is considered a form of body art. As such, there are requirements and regulations in place to protect both the artist and the client.
In this article, we’ll break down:
How to Become a Cosmetic Tattoo Artist in Kansas
To be a tattoo artist in Kansas, individuals must have a “Body Art Practitioner License” issued by the state of Kansas. A Body Art Practitioner License costs $100.
You must renew your permit every two years. Renewal costs $50.To apply for a Body Art Practitioner License, you must provide:
1
Complete an Apprenticeship
If you want to become a tattoo artist (sometimes called a “permanent cosmetic artist”), you need to complete an apprenticeship.
Before you start, you’ll need to fill out and turn in a Body Art Apprentice License.
During a tattoo apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to sterilize equipment and safely tattoo to keep clients from getting infected while practicing body piercing.
During your apprenticeship, you must fill out a Body Art Apprentice Client Record Log, which shows you have completed 50 procedures.
Each procedure must be signed off by a trainer (licensed tattoo artist). Kansas requires that this person is a licensed artist.
When you finish your apprenticeship, fill out and turn in a Body Art Practitioner License application.
Note:
You must have a high school diploma or GED to apply to be a tattoo artist. You won’t turn in a copy of your diploma, though. Your school or program will need to send proof of graduation directly.
Blood borne Pathogens Training
Verification of 8 hours of a Board-approved infection control and bloodborne pathogens training is also necessary to do cosmetic tattooing in Kansas.
As a body piercer or tattoo artist, it is important to have a thorough understanding of blood borne pathogens and how to prevent the spread of diseases.
A blood borne pathogens training course will teach you about the risks associated with body piercing and tattooing, as well as how to protect yourself and your clients from infection.
The course will also cover the proper disposal of needles and other sharps, as well as how to clean and sterilize equipment. By completing a blood borne pathogens training course, you can help ensure that body piercing and tattooing are safe for both you and your clients.
Birth Certificate/Identification Documentation
A legible photocopy of your Social Security Card and your government issued ID.
Exam License Required
Once you have finished and submitted your application, you will need to take the Licensure Exam. Information on the exam can be found here and here. Each individual performing tattooing in the state must have a high school diploma and have passed this formal exam in order to practice tattooing or body piercing.
Additional County Application and Testing Information
If your county has additional regulations, you can find them on the respective county health departments pages.
Transferring a License for Cosmetic Tattooing From Another State
Turn in Your Application
You can submit your online application and renew your license here or here. Or, you can mail the forms here:
Kansas Board of Cosmetology
714 SW Jackson Street Ste. 100
Topeka, KS 66603
After you have submitted your application and taken your exam, you will receive your license within 7-10 business days.
Things You Should Know:
It is illegal to perform tattooing on any person under the age of 18 without the prior written and notarized consent of a parent or court-appointed guardian. The person giving such consent must be present during the tattooing.
This license does not allow you to perform laser tattoo removal.
How to Get a Valid Establishment License for Body Piercing and Cosmetic Tattooing in Kansas
Kansas tattoo artists must meet the following requirements in order to obtain a license from the state health department: be at least 18 years old, complete an approved training program, pass a written exam, and pay the required fees.
Once you have obtained your license, you will be able to start working as a tattoo artist anywhere with a currently valid establishment license in the state of Kansas.
Disclosure document: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/foodsafety/assets/tattoodisclosurestatement.pdf
https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/montgomery/body-art.html
https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/foodsafety/assets/bafapp.pdf
https://www.adph.org/foodsafety/assets/BodyArtRules2007.pdf
https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/foodsafety/assets/tattoodisclosurestatement.pdf
+1 (334) 206-9332 (Montgomery, AL department of health))
https://www.jcdh.org/SitePages/Programs-Services/EnvironmentalHealth/CommunityEnvironmentalProtection/BodyArt.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/pay-for-vaccines.html
https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/foodsafety/assets/albodyartrules.pdf
Disease prevention Hepatitis B vaccination info: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/hepatitis-b
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