1. Understand Minnesota’s Body Art Law
Minnesota’s body art law is found in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 146B. It requires a state license for anyone who performs tattooing or body piercing, with separate license types for tattooing, piercing, or both (a dual license).
Licensure is mandatory
Since 2011, you may not legally tattoo in Minnesota unless you hold a valid state body art technician license (or you are specifically exempt, such as a physician working within the scope of medical practice).
The Minnesota Department of Health administers technician licenses and body art establishment licenses (for shops) through its Body Art Program and online licensing portal.
2. Meet the Age Requirement
Before you apply for a Minnesota body art technician license for tattooing, you must be able to provide a copy of a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport showing you are at least 18 years old.
3. Complete Bloodborne Pathogens & Infection-Control Training
Minnesota requires body art technician applicants to complete at least five hours of approved bloodborne pathogens and infection-control training within the year before you apply.
The training must cover topics such as:
- Bloodborne pathogens (HBV, HCV, HIV, and others)
- Prevention of disease transmission
- Infection control
- Aseptic technique
Helpful Tip
Make sure you take a bloodborne pathogens course that has been approved by the Minnesota Department of Health such as the Minnesota BBP course offered by Body Art Training Group.
Body Art Training Group offers online training designed for tattoo artists and piercers. However, you should always confirm with MDH or your local health department that any course you take meets current Minnesota requirements.
4. Complete Supervised Experience in a Licensed Shop
Minnesota expects new tattoo artists to gain supervised, hands-on experience before applying for a full body art technician license. In general, you must log at least 200 hours of supervised tattooing under a Minnesota-licensed tattoo technician in a licensed body art establishment.
Your supervising tattoo artist must sign a notarized affidavit confirming the accuracy of your log.
Step 1
Find a licensed mentor
Look for a Minnesota-licensed body art technician who meets the requirements to be a supervisor and who is willing to supervise you. Make sure the shop itself holds a valid body art establishment license.
Step 2
Complete a log showing the required supervised experience
Use a consistent format to record each procedure. Incomplete logs can delay your application.
Step 3
Get the affidavit notarized
After you reach the required hours, have your supervisor sign the affidavit in front of a notary and keep a copy for your records.
License by reciprocity.
MDH will issue a tattoo technician license to a person who holds a current license, certification, or registration from another state if the commissioner determines that the standards for licensure, certification, or registration in the other jurisdiction meet or exceed Minnesota requirements for licensure and a letter is received from that jurisdiction stating that the applicant is in good standing.
5. Apply Online Through the BATLS Portal
All Minnesota body art technician applications are submitted online through the Body Art Technician Licensing System (BATLS) hosted by MDH.
Be prepared to create an account, answer application questions, and upload documentation:
- Government-issued photo ID (proof you are 18 or older)
- Bloodborne pathogens training certificate(s)
- Supervised experience log
- Notarized supervisor affidavit
The current fee for an initial body art technician license is $420, and this license is typically valid for two years. Renewal fees for technicians are also $420 every two years, and late renewals can trigger additional penalties.
Apply early
Processing times can vary. Apply before any planned start date so you are licensed before you begin tattooing clients on your own.
6. Temporary, Guest, and Dual Licenses
Minnesota offers several license types to handle different situations. Fee amounts below are set in state law.
- Temporary technician license: For artists in training who are still gaining supervised experience. The fee is typically $240 for issuance or renewal.
- Guest artist license: For out-of-state artists who want to work at Minnesota conventions or guest spots. The fee is usually $140, and the license is valid for a limited number of days per year.
- Dual technician license: For artists who perform both tattooing and body piercing; the fee is similar to a full technician license.
Always check the Minnesota Department of Health website for the latest fee schedule and license-specific requirements, as these can change over time.
7. Licensing Your Tattoo Shop in Minnesota
In addition to the individual technician license, Minnesota requires most tattoo studios to hold a Body Art Establishment license issued by MDH.
Establishment licensing focuses on infection prevention and public health. See 2025 Minnesota Statutes,146B.02 Establishment License Procedures for details
State law currently sets the initial and renewal fee for a body art establishment license at $1,500 for a two-year period (provisional licenses and late renewals have separate fees).
Be aware of local city and county rules
Counties and cities—such as Anoka County or the City of Minneapolis—often have additional body art ordinances, inspection checklists, and temporary-event rules. Be sure to review both state and local requirements before opening your shop or working at a convention.
8. Keep Your License in Good Standing
Once you are licensed, your responsibility shifts to maintaining your license and practicing safely over the long term.
- Renew on time: Technician licenses are renewed every two years; late applications can trigger technical violation fees.
- Maintain training: Continue to take bloodborne pathogens and infection-control courses so your knowledge stays current and your documentation is up to date.
- Follow your exposure control plan: Every professional studio should follow a written exposure control plan that aligns with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
- Respect age and consent rules: Never tattoo minors, and always obtain informed consent from adult clients.
- Respond to inspections: Cooperate fully with state or local inspectors and correct any violations quickly.
Building a reputation as a safe, compliant artist not only keeps you on the right side of the law— it also builds trust with your clients and local health officials.
9. How Body Art Training Group Can Help
Body Art Training Group focuses on helping tattoo artists, piercers, and permanent cosmetics professionals meet bloodborne pathogens and infection-control training requirements. Our courses are designed with body art procedures in mind and emphasize practical, real-world infection prevention strategies.
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