Rhode Island requires you to have a Tattoo Artist License issued by the state. A license costs $90 (application fee).
Licenses expire every year on December 31st, and must be renewed annually. Renewing a license costs $90.
Tattoo Artist Application
To get a Rhode Island Tattoo License, applicants must submit the following forms: |
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A completed Tattoo Artist License application. You will need to sign Section 13 of the application in front of a notary, who will then notarize the application. Find a notary near you here. |
Your $90 application fee. |
A passport-type 2 x 3 inch photograph taken within 1 year (you can get these taken at a CVS near you). |
An official certified copy of your birth certificate |
If born outside the US, instead of a birth certificate, provide proof of citizenship, lawful alien status, or legal entry. |
Practical exam results from the Rhode Island Department of Health. After you complete the application, call 401-222-2566 to schedule an appointment for your exam. |
An original BCI (Background Check) with stamp and seal directly from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office or Local Police Department. |
If you have ever been licensed in another state, license verifications must be sent directly from that state. |
It is highly recommended that all tattoo artists go through a bloodborne pathogens training program. |
To get a Rhode Island Tattoo License, applicants must submit the following forms:
- A completed Tattoo Artist License application. You will need to sign Section 13 of the application in front of a notary, who will then notarize the application. Find a notary near you here.
- Your $90 application fee.
- A passport-type 2 x 3 inch photograph taken within 1 year (you can get these taken at a CVS near you).
- An official certified copy of your birth certificate
- If born outside the US, instead of a birth certificate, provide proof of citizenship, lawful alien status, or legal entry.
- Practical exam results from the Rhode Island Department of Health.
- After you complete the application, call 401-222-2566 to schedule an appointment for your exam.
- An original BCI (Background Check) with stamp and seal directly from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office or Local Police Department.
- If you have ever been licensed in another state, license verifications must be sent directly from that state.
It is highly recommended that all tattoo artists go through a bloodborne pathogens training program.
Note:
This application is the same one you’ll use for body piercing, if you offer both services.
Transferring a Tattoo License from Another State:
An out-of-state license can be used as proof of experience, but can not be used in place of a Rhode Island license.
Note:
The Rhode Island Department of Health only gives you a wallet license card. If you want a license certificate to frame in the shop, you will need to submit a second check for $30 made payable to RI General Treasurer.
Turn in Your Application
Applications must be submitted by mail or drop off. The address is:
Rhode Island Department of Health (Tattoo Artists/Body Piercers)
Room 104, 3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097
You will receive your license about 30 days after you submit your application.
Regulations for Licensed Tattoo Parlors
Find the registration application for tattoo parlors here.
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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