Board of Electrologists and Body Art Practitioners - Tattoo Artists - License Information

Application requirements

Two forms of original identification issued by a government agency. Acceptable identification options can be found under Oregon Administrative Rule, Chapter 331, Division 30. Both forms of ID must include the applicant's current legal name and one must be photographic. Front and back of legible photocopies must be provided if submitted by mail.
Submit proof of being at least 18 years of age.
Submit proof of having a high school diploma or equivalent education. If you attended a school outside the U.S., you must have your education evaluated for equivalency.
Submit proof of a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification (CPR), basic first aid training, and blood borne pathogens training.
Pay all required fees.
Provide documentation of completing a qualifying pathway (see below).

Pathway 1: Oregon school

Applicant must graduate from an Oregon licensed tattooing career school after completing the following required training:

Completion of approved training program including 360 hours of training (210 theory/150 practical), chairside supervision under a licensed tattoo artist.
Must have documentation showing a minimum of 50 completed procedures (which means "a tattoo that has been finished, including any touchups or additional work following initial healing and the client is released from service")
Training must be conducted by an Oregon licensed tattoo artist registered as a teacher by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission's Private Career Schools division.
A registered teacher must provide direct supervision of practical training on a one-to-one student/teacher ratio for students performing practical training while the student is working on the general public. Direct supervision means the teacher is present and actively involved in direct oversight and training of students.
Licensed tattoo schools must submit official transcripts directly to the Health Licensing Office.
Take and pass a written examination.

Pathway 2: Reciprocity

Submit an affidavit of licensure demonstrating proof of holding a current license as a tattoo artist, which is active with no current or pending disciplinary action. The licensing requirements must be substantially equivalent to Oregon licensing requirements, or if not substantially equivalent, the applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the HLO that the applicant has been working as a tattoo artist with the equivalent of three years of experience which was obtained within the last five years or five years out of the last ten years. Documentation proving experience may include, but is not limited to, paystubs, W-2 forms, state and federal tax documents, employer letters or business licensing.
Pay application and examination fees.
Take and pass a written examination within two years from the date of application.
Upon passage of the required examination and before issuance of a license, applicant must pay the required license fee.

Examinations

Tattoo applicants must complete and pass the tattoo written examination.

Tattoo Examination Information Bulletin

Examination information for testing at the HLO:

The examinations are conducted on a walk-in basis (no appointment necessary).
HLO testing hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You are allowed 100 minutes to take the examination.

Bring two forms of acceptable original identification issued by a federal, state or local government agency of the United States. One form of identification must be photographic, and the names on each ID must match each other and your certification, or you must bring court documentation showing the name change.

After passing the required examination and paying all fees, you will receive your Oregon license the same day.

Identification requirements

Applicants are required to produce two (2) forms of original identification issued by a federal, state or local government agency of the United States at the time of the examination. One form must be photographic, and the legal names on both pieces must match. See the Identification Requirements page for details.

Examination retake policy

Applicants who fail the written examination after one or more attempts must wait seven days or more before retaking the examination. After the third and sixth failed attempts, applicants must obtain additional training from an Oregon educational institution.

Review requirements for retaking the written examination, including recertification of training.

Blood borne pathogen and CPR information

Blood borne pathogen courses must be compliant with U.S. Federal guidelines 29 CFR 1910.1030 and may be obtained through hands-on, online or blended course instruction.

CPR and First Aid certification courses must be obtained through hands-on training, or blended training that includes a hands-on skills assessment examination for certification. Course provider certifications for these courses must include an evaluator/instructor name and authorization number on the certification card.

License renewal

Tattooing licenses are valid for one year.
Licensees receive a renewal form in the mail approximately 45 days prior to the license entering inactive status.
Licensees must attest on the renewal form that they have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation from an approved provider, current first aid training from an approved provider, and current certification in blood borne pathogens training from an approved provider.
Licensees must also attest upon renewal that they have obtained required continuing education.
Renew your license online.

Tattoo Artists Fees