The Mississippi State Department is currently working on a statewide permit/license program, but for now you must follow local regulations. This guide will outline the requirements in Mississippi. For other areas, contact your local health department.
Certificates of Registration expire yearly on May 31st. The cost of renewing your Certificate of Registration is $150.
Fees should be paid to the Mississippi Department of Health by certified check, cashier’s check, or money order.
The Application
Tattoo artists in Mississippi must have a Provisional Certificate of Registration (an apprentice-level license) and work under the direct supervision of someone with a Regular Certificate of Registration for at least 9 months before applying for a Regular Certificate of Registration from the Department of Public Health.
Apprentice License
To obtain a Provisional Certificate of Registration to work as a tattoo artist in the body art industry, you must submit: |
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Your completed, notarized tattoo artist license application (pages 6-7 here) |
A copy of your driver's license or social security card |
A passport style photo (guidelines here) |
Application fee - $150 |
Proof that you have successfully completed any OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training course - this training verifies that you have proper training in preventing disease transmission (like hepatitis B) and are certified in first aid from the American Red Cross |
Completed and signed supervisory agreement form (page 8 here) |
To obtain a Provisional Certificate of Registration to work as a tattoo artist in the body art industry, you must submit:
- Your completed, notarized tattoo artist license application (pages 6-7 here)
- A copy of your driver's license or social security card
- A passport style photo (guidelines here)
- Application fee - $150
- Proof that you have successfully completed any OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training course - this training verifies that you have proper training in preventing disease transmission (like hepatitis B) and are certified in first aid from the American Red Cross
- Completed and signed supervisory agreement form (page 8 here)
Regular License
To obtain a Regular Certificate of Registration to work as a tattoo artist or in body piercing, you must complete the following tasks for licensing, according to Mississippi State Public Health regulations: |
|---|
Complete a notarized application (pages 3-4 here) |
Submit a copy of your driver's license or social security card |
Pay the non refundable application fee - $150 |
Submit proof that you have successfully completed any OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training and understand the rules regarding safety, sanitation, and American Red Cross procedures |
If your county has additional regulations, you can find them here.
To obtain a Regular Certificate of Registration to work as a tattoo artist or in body piercing, you must complete the following tasks for licensing, according to Mississippi State Public Health regulations:
- If your county has additional regulations, you can find them here.
- Submit a copy of your driver's license or social security card
- Pay the non refundable application fee - $150
- Submit proof that you have successfully completed any OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training and understand the rules regarding safety, sanitation, and American Red Cross procedures
If your county has additional regulations, you can find them here.
If an artist wants to transfer their license from another state to become licensed in Mississippi, they must complete the steps listed above for the Regular Certificate of Registration, as well as the Verification of License/Registration form (page 5 here).
No Provisional Certificate of Registration is needed first for a person who has held a valid license/registration in another state within the last 18 months.
Turn in Your Application
Mail application and fee to:
Mississippi State Department of Health
Professional Licensure - Tattoo & Body Piercing
Post Office Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215
Once you have submitted your tattoo artist license application according to the regulations above, completed the proper tattoo artist training, (and paid the appropriate fees), the Department of Health will schedule a health and safety site inspection of your tattoo and body art facilities in Mississippi.
Once that is complete, you will receive licensing for your business. This will need to be renewed on a regular basis.
Things You Should Know:
It is a misdemeanor to tattoo a person under the age of 18 in Mississippi, regardless of parental consent. The penalty for tattooing a person who is underage varies depending on the frequency and severity of the violation but generally is punishable by the revocation of a license or other criminal prosecutions.
You can contact the state department of health for more information or view the list of site options below for more information on tattoo licensing and training course availability in Mississippi.
https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/879.pdf
601-364-7360
Infection control course by state: https://courseforbbp.com/states
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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I am curious, will I be able to apply for a regular artists license after I complete the Artist accelerator program? Is it equivalent to an apprenticeship? i live in Mississippi, and in my area there are very few tattoo shops around and the ones that are here are very snooty and really don't want more artists snaking in on their territory. I have been tattooing for almost four years, unlicensed. i was taught by another artist, who was my oldest brother, he unfortunately passed away this past February from cancer. I plan on opening a Private studio, being that I already have quite a few loyal clients and they are always referring their friends and family to me. I don't have an online presence as an artist mostly because it is illegal to tattoo without a license in this state. My brothers and I always planned on opening our own studio that offers body art, piercings' and permanent make up. I started out piercing at 16 years old in Louisville kentucky, and learned under a professional piercer in mobile alabama when I became a legal adult. I wasn't motivated before because it all was just a hobby to me, a very expensive one, but a hobby none the less. now that my brother has passed away i want to honor his memory by doing what we always wanted to do. He was a very talented artist and very smart in the tattoo world. everything I know up until starting this program, he taught me. from safety, to set up, and and all that jazz. I just don't want to waste my time in one of the dinky shops around here just to be pushed around and never get my license.
Thank you for your time, and for such an educational program that is fun and keeps my attention!
First off, we’re so sorry to hear about your brother. It sounds like he taught you a lot, and it’s awesome that you’re looking to honor his memory by building something you both dreamed about.
Regarding your question, we recommend reaching out to us at replies@tattooing101.com so we can discuss your situation in detail and help guide you on what steps to take from there.