What happens when you move your tattoo business to a new state
You cannot straightforward move your tattoo license from one state to another — each state issues its own license, and there is no reciprocal agreement that lets you carry one across state lines. When you relocate, you will need to obtain a new license from your destination state's health department or licensing board. The process varies significantly by state: some require you to pass a written exam, others accept proof of your current license plus work history, and a few demand additional bloodborne pathogen training or a practical demonstration.
The timeline matters. Some states process new licenses within two to four weeks; others take two months or longer. If you have already signed a lease on a new shop or have clients waiting, you cannot legally tattoo anyone until your new state's license is in hand. Starting this process before you move — sometimes even before you give notice at your current location — prevents gaps in your income and keeps your business plan on track.
Key Takeaways
- Your current state's tattoo license does not transfer; you must obtain a new license from your destination state's health department or licensing board.
- Requirements vary by state and may include a written exam, proof of your current license and work history, bloodborne pathogen certification, or a practical skills test.
- Contact your destination state's licensing board before you move to learn their specific requirements and current processing times.
- You cannot legally tattoo clients in your new state until you hold that state's active license, even if you are fully licensed elsewhere.
- Some states accept reciprocal credentials from other states, while others require you to meet their full licensing standards regardless of your experience.
Find your destination state's licensing authority
Start by identifying which agency in your new state oversees tattoo licensing. In most states, this is the health department, environmental health division, or a dedicated body art licensing board. A few states have no state-level regulation and instead require licensing through individual cities or counties. Search "[your destination state] tattoo license" or "[your destination state] body art license" to find the correct office.
Once you locate the agency, call or visit their website to request their licensing requirements and process packet. Ask specifically whether they recognize licenses from other states, what documents they need from you, whether an exam is required, and how long processing typically takes. Write down the name of the person you speak with and the date, in case you need to follow up later.
Gather documents from your current state
Your destination state will almost certainly ask for proof that you hold a valid license in your current state. Request an official copy of your current license from your state's licensing board — not a photocopy you make yourself, but a certified or official document they issue. Some states provide this free; others charge a small fee. Ask whether they can mail it directly to your new state's licensing board or whether you need to pick it up and submit it yourself.
You will also need documentation of your work history: how long you have been licensed, whether you have any disciplinary actions on your record, and proof of any continuing education or certifications you have completed. Gather your bloodborne pathogen training certificate, CPR certification if required, and any apprenticeship records or proof of formal training. If your current state required you to pass an exam to get licensed, bring proof of that as well. The more complete your file is before you submit, the faster your new state can process your request.
Review your destination state's specific requirements
States fall into three broad categories. Reciprocal states accept your current license as proof of competency and may waive the written exam if you meet their other standards — typically bloodborne pathogen training and a clean disciplinary record. Exam-required states will let you use your current license to show you are experienced, but you must still pass their written test on their specific rules and health codes. Full-credential states treat you as a new applicant and may require you to pass both a written exam and a practical demonstration, regardless of your experience elsewhere.
Some states also require you to complete their specific bloodborne pathogen training course or to hold a current CPR card from a recognized provider. A few demand that you work under a supervising tattoo artist for a set number of hours before you can open your own shop or work independently. Read the requirements document carefully and make a checklist of everything you need to submit. If anything is unclear, call the licensing board again and ask for clarification in writing — an email confirmation is helpful if there is a dispute later.
Complete the process and submit your documents
Fill out your destination state's tattoo license process form completely and accurately. Include your full legal name, current address, and the address of the shop where you will be working (if you know it yet). Some states allow you to list a temporary address or to update this information later. Attach all required documents: your certified license from your current state, proof of bloodborne pathogen training, your work history, and any exam scores or certifications.
Check the process instructions for the correct mailing address or online submission portal. Some states accept applications only by mail; others use an online system. If you are mailing documents, use certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof the package arrived. Keep copies of everything you submit for your own records. If the licensing board has a tracking number or case number, write it down and use it for all future correspondence.
Prepare for an exam if your state requires one
If your destination state requires a written exam, ask the licensing board what topics it covers and whether study materials are available. Most state exams test knowledge of bloodborne pathogen transmission, sterilization and sanitation procedures, state health codes, and safe tattooing practices. Some states provide a study guide or sample questions; others do not. Contact local tattoo shops in your destination state and ask whether they have taken the exam recently — they may be able to tell you what to expect or point you toward study resources.
Schedule your exam as soon as the licensing board tells you it is available. Exam dates may fill up weeks in advance, especially in larger cities. If your destination state requires a practical skills test as well as a written exam, ask whether you can demonstrate your skills at a testing facility or whether you must do so at an actual shop. Plan your move date around your exam schedule if possible, so you are not paying rent on a new apartment while waiting for test results.
Follow up on your process status
After you submit your process, the licensing board will send you a confirmation. If you do not receive one within a week, call to confirm they received your documents. Check in every two to three weeks if processing is taking longer than the stated timeframe. If your process is delayed, ask whether additional documents are needed or whether there is a problem with what you submitted.
Once your license is approved, the board will either mail it to you or notify you to pick it up in person. Some states issue temporary licenses that allow you to work while your permanent license is being printed. Ask whether this option is available to you. Do not begin tattooing clients until you have your actual license in hand or have received explicit written permission to work under a temporary license. Working without a valid license in your new state can result in fines, criminal charges, and permanent damage to your professional record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tattoo clients in my new state while my process is being processed?
No, not unless your destination state issues a temporary license that explicitly permits it. Working without an active license is illegal and can result in fines and criminal charges. Some states offer temporary permits while your process is under review — ask your licensing board whether this is an option.
What if my current state's license has disciplinary action on it?
Disclose it on your process. Your destination state will see it anyway when they contact your current state for verification. Honesty about past violations is better than having the board discover it during their background check. The severity of the violation and how long ago it occurred will determine whether it affects your new license.
Do I need to take a bloodborne pathogen course in my new state, or can I use my current certification?
This varies by state. Some accept bloodborne pathogen training from any accredited provider; others require you to complete their specific course or one from an approved list. Check your destination state's requirements before you move. If they require their own course, you may be able to take it online before you relocate.
How long does it usually take to get licensed in a new state?
Processing times range from two weeks to three months, depending on the state and whether an exam is required. States with reciprocal agreements and no exam requirement are typically faster. Contact your destination state's licensing board for their current processing time before you move.
What if I move to a state that has no state-level tattoo licensing?
Some states do not regulate tattoos at the state level and instead leave licensing to individual cities or counties. Research the specific city or county where you plan to work and contact their health department or licensing office for their requirements. These local rules can vary widely, so do not assume that one city's standards explore to another.