Arizona has very few restrictions when it comes to tattooing. However, this is likely to change in the next few years.
Some lawmakers have pushed to regulate every tattoo parlor and other "skin penetrating" business endeavors (like body piercing).
House Bill 2442 has been introduced, and it may change tattooing laws. But as of June 2022, this bill has not yet been passed.
Tattooing in Arizona: The Basics
Residents of Maricopa County: Tattoo establishments must register with the Business Registry.
While the state does not require it, you may need additional forms or documentation depending on your county. If your county has additional regulations, you can find them here.
Tattoo Training Options
Even though tattoo artists aren’t legally required to have training, you should still consider following regulations followed by most of the country (especially if you want to travel, go to conventions, etc.): |
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Take a bloodborne pathogens training course to protect yourself and clients from disease. |
Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B. |
Even though tattoo artists aren’t legally required to have training, you should still consider following regulations followed by most of the country (especially if you want to travel, go to conventions, etc.):
- Take a bloodborne pathogens training course to protect yourself and clients from disease.
- Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
Tattoo Businesses in Arizona
Arizona's health services authorities have very few regulations in place when it comes to tattoo shops and other body art establishments.
You do not need a license or certification to engage in the practice of piercings, tattooing, branding, scarification, or other similar procedures.
That said, although body piercing and tattoo shops are not regulated on the state level, there are individual guidelines set forth by certain towns and counties in Arizona. All tattoo artists go through the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology.
If you are thinking of opening up your own body art establishment and want to hire tattoo artists - or you want to become an Arizona tattoo artist yourself - be sure to check with your county department of public health to see what requirements they have. Most of the time, in Arizona (unlike other states, like NC or OR) you do not need a license to work in an Arizona tattoo shop.
You'll also want to follow all statewide and countywide procedures for obtaining and maintaining business licenses. These are usually administered at the county level but in many cases are also governed by individual cities in Arizona.
In addition, you may want to consider taking a course in blood borne pathogens (like hepatitis infections) that can pose a risk any time the skin is penetrated with a needle. These courses are required by health services departments all around the country for individuals seeking business licenses as a tattoo parlor.
You can find additional training options suggested by Arizona’s health department here.Coconino County Regulations
Currently, Coconino County is the only location in Arizona that regulates the tattoo industry.
All body art operators in Coconino County must obtain a business license and register their shop. Each tattoo artist must have a license and participate in an annual training course on bloodborne pathogens and how to prevent infections.
Note: This may change, as House Bill 2442 will require all Arizona tattoo parlor and body art professionals to follow tattooing sanitation guidelines. Each location would have to complete annual bloodborne pathogens training to obtain and maintain a license. Local health departments would also be required and allowed to inspect premises and investigate complaints of any Arizona tattoo parlor.
Things You Should Know About Arizona Tattoo Laws
Things You Should Know:
Arizona laws require that tattoo artists use sterilized needles while tattooing. That's really the only Arizona tattoo law that applies statewide for all body art practitioners.
It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 without the physical presence of a parent or legal guardian. That is regardless of the cost or location.Things You Should Know:
Arizona laws require that tattoo artists use sterilized needles while tattooing. That's really the only Arizona tattoo law that applies statewide for all body art practitioners.
It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 without the physical presence of a parent or legal guardian. That is regardless of the cost or location.AZ legislation 13-3721: 13-3721 - Tattoos, brands, scarifications and piercings; minors; anesthesia; exception; defense; violation; classification; definitions (azleg.gov)
Body art industry research:https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03721.htm
https://boc.az.gov/
https://boc.az.gov/content/online-services
https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/1r/summary/s.1232heath-ced.doc.htm
Disease prevention Hepatitis B vaccination info: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/hepatitis-b
Prepare for a Tattooing Career with the Artist Accelerator Program
Learning the steps you need to take to get licensed is an important step in your journey, but it can also be pretty eye-opening to how difficult tattooing can be. Without the right knowledge, it’s impossible to level up your skills and become a professional tattoo artist.
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