If you are interested in becoming a body artist in Nevada, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we will provide you with information on how to apply for a body art license in Nevada.
We will also discuss the requirements and regulations for body artists in Nevada.
Tattoo License Nevada Requirements
Body Art Cards
Southern Nevada including Laughlin, Clark County, Mesquite, Henderson, and Las Vegas require tattoo artists to have a Body Art Card. Body Art Cards expire after two years. They can be renewed within 60 days before the expiration date.
Fees to Apply
The one time fee for a Body Art Card is $138 ($118 exam fee, $20 card fee). If you miss your exam appointment with no notice, a $239 charge may be applied.
Fees can be paid via cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, money order, cashier’s checks, and business checks at all old and new locations.
The Application
An aspiring tattoo artist must first have a minimum of 6 months of continuous experience in a licensed tattoo shop in Nevada or another state before they can get a permanent Body Art Card.
Applicants who do not have this experience have to complete a 6-month or longer apprenticeship at a permitted tattoo shop with certified tattoo artists, permanent make up artists, or body piercing practitioners.
Apprentices must have a Body Art Apprentice Card before they can begin their apprenticeship.To get a Tattoo Artist Apprentice Card, you must have: |
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An ID proving you are 18 or older |
A score of 80% or higher on the Sanitation Multiple Choice Examination Schedule an appointment to take the exam here. Appointments are held in the Food Handler Card Suite at Southern Nevada Health District Main Facility: 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107 The exam includes 30 multiple choice questions. Results will be available immediately and the exam can be retaken. All body art activities must stop until the exam is passed. |
Certification/training that meets the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. This infectious disease training is essential if you want to be able to pass initial inspection and be able to practice work as a tattoo artist in a safe and sanitary manner. |
A completed Employment Verification Form |
Written documentation from the health-permitted tattoo shop providing your tattoo apprenticeship. |
To get a Tattoo Artist Apprentice Card, you must have:
- An ID proving you are 18 or older
- A score of 80% or higher on the Sanitation Multiple Choice Examination
- Schedule an appointment to take the exam here.
- Appointments are held in the Food Handler Card Suite at Southern Nevada Health District Main Facility: 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
- The exam includes 30 multiple choice questions.
- Results will be available immediately and the exam can be retaken. All body art activities must stop until the exam is passed.
- Certification/training that meets the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. This infectious disease training is essential if you want to be able to pass initial inspection and be able to practice work as a tattoo artist in a safe and sanitary manner.
- A completed Employment Verification Form
- Written documentation from the health-permitted tattoo shop providing your tattoo apprenticeship.
Plus: Experience Verification Form
After six months, you must submit a completed Experience Verification Form (completed after 6 months of training) and schedule an appointment for a New Body Art Card here.
To apply for a Body Art Card, you must: |
|---|
Have an ID proving you are 18 or older |
Possess a minimum of six months experience or training |
Have a score of 80% or higher on the Sanitation Exam Schedule an appointment to take the exam here. Appointments are held in the Food Handler Card Suite at Southern Nevada Health District Main Facility: 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107 The exam includes 30 multiple choice questions. Results will be available immediately and the exam can be retaken. All body art activities must stop until the exam is passed. |
Possess current certification/training that meets the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard |
Schedule an appointment for a New Body Art Card here. |
To renew a Body Art Card, you must: |
Complete an application in person at: Southern Nevada Health District Main Facility: 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107 |
Provide proof of valid training that meets the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard completed within the past year. |
Schedule an appointment to renew your Body Art Card here. |
Late fees will be applied to expired cards. If your card has been expired for over a year, you have to take the exam and pay the licensing fee again |
To apply for a Body Art Card, you must:
- Have an ID proving you are 18 or older
- Have a score of 80% or higher on the Sanitation Exam
- Have a score of 80% or higher on the Sanitation Exam
- Schedule an appointment to take the exam here.
- Appointments are held in the Food Handler Card Suite at Southern Nevada Health District Main Facility: 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
- The exam includes 30 multiple choice questions.
- Results will be available immediately and the exam can be retaken. All body art activities must stop until the exam is passed.
- Possess current certification/training that meets the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
- Schedule an appointment for a New Body Art Card here.
- Written documentation from the health-permitted tattoo shop providing your tattoo apprenticeship.
- Provide proof of valid training that meets the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard completed within the past year.
- Schedule an appointment to renew your Body Art Card here.
For the visiting tattoo artist, please fill out this application.
If you need a temporary permit before taking the exam, please fill out this application.
If your county has additional laws that regulate tattoo artists, permanent makeup artists, body piercers, or even tattoo removal, you can find more information to complement the above requirements here.Body Art Establishments - Licensing
The northern half of Nevada does not require individuals to be licensed in order to perform tattoos. Only the tattoo or piercing shops need (sometimes called “body art establishments” or “invasive body decoration establishments”) to hold a permit. The process for obtaining a valid health permit may be found here.
In general, tattoo facilities must meet some of the following requirements. This is just a sampling of what you'll need:
Facility Requirements:
Things You Should Know:
It is illegal to tattoo a minor or practice microblading or piercing under 14 years old in the state of Nevada, unless it is under the supervision of a medical professional. Minors under 18 require written consent and proper identification of a parent or guardian unless they’ve been legally emancipated. Any tattoos performed on a minor has to be done in the presence of a parent or guardian.
Answers to other general questions can be found in the links below.
https://www.mysincitytattoo.com/tattoo-apprenticeship.html
https://media.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/download/body-art/SNHD-Body-Art-Card-Training-2019.pdf
https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/download/eh/body-art-visiting-tattoo-app.pdf
https://media.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/download/eh/body-art-temp-permit-artist-app-2021.pdf
https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/about-us/maps/southern-nevada-health-district-main-facility/
http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/permits-and-regulations/body-art/body-art-card-requirements/
Infection control course by state: https://courseforbbp.com/states
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