Iowa Tattoo License Fast Facts
Licensing authority Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing
License name Tattoo Artist Permit
Minimum age 18 years old
Exam requirement No state written or practical exam
Training requirement Bloodborne pathogens training and standard first aid
Artist permit fee $75
Permit term Permits expire on December 31
Shop permit required Yes, separate establishment permit required
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Tattoo License in Iowa
Step 1
Meet Iowa’s basic eligibility requirements
Iowa requires tattoo artists to be at least 18 years old and to apply for a permit before practicing tattooing. You will also need government-issued identification as part of the application process.
Step 2
Complete bloodborne pathogens and first aid training
Before Iowa will issue your tattoo artist permit, you must upload documentation showing completion of bloodborne pathogens training and standard first aid training.
Step 3
Submit your Iowa tattoo artist permit application
Apply through Iowa’s online permitting system. Be prepared to submit your application, proof of age, and your training documents.
Step 4
Pay the permit fee
Iowa charges a $75 fee for tattoo artist applications and renewals. If you renew late, additional delinquency fees may apply.
Step 5
Wait for permit approval before tattooing
Iowa requires the permit to be issued before you begin practicing. Do not perform tattoo services until your permit has been approved.
Step 6
Work only in a properly permitted tattoo establishment
In Iowa, artist permitting and shop permitting are separate. Even if you hold an artist permit, the establishment where you work must also hold its own tattoo establishment permit.
Step 7
Renew on time each year
Iowa tattoo permits expire on December 31. Renew before the deadline to avoid late fees and possible permitting gaps.
Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Iowa Tattoo Artists
Iowa requires tattoo artists to complete bloodborne pathogens training and standard first aid training as part of the permit process.
This is important because tattoo artists work in an environment where contact with blood can occur. Bloodborne pathogens training helps artists understand infection control, cross-contamination prevention, cleanup procedures, and safer work practices.
If you are choosing a course, make sure it is appropriate for tattoo artists and provides documentation you can keep for your records and upload with your permit materials.
Tattoo Shop Licenses in Iowa
Iowa requires a separate permit for the tattoo establishment. A tattoo artist permit does not authorize a shop to operate on its own.
What shops should expect
- The establishment must obtain a tattoo establishment permit before operating.
- A floor plan must be submitted with the establishment application.
- The permit must be posted in a conspicuous location.
- The shop must follow Iowa sanitation and infection control requirements.
Why this matters
Iowa regulates both the individual artist and the facility. That means artists should confirm that the studio where they plan to work is properly permitted and operating lawfully.
Average Tattoo Artist Income in Iowa
A current salary estimate places the average tattoo artist salary in Iowa at about $52,700 per year, though actual earnings can vary widely based on experience, reputation, location, clientele, commission structure, and whether the artist owns the shop.
Entry-level artists may earn less while they build a client base, and experienced artists with strong books of business may earn substantially more.
Income figures for tattoo artists are usually estimates rather than precise state labor data because tattooing is not always reported as a separate occupation in government wage tables.
FAQ
Do tattoo artists need a license in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa requires a Tattoo Artist Permit before a person may practice tattooing.
Does Iowa require a tattoo exam?
No. Iowa does not list a state written or practical tattoo exam as part of the tattoo artist permit process.
Does Iowa require bloodborne pathogens training?
Yes. Iowa requires documentation of bloodborne pathogens training, along with standard first aid training.
Do tattoo shops need their own license in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa requires a separate tattoo establishment permit for the shop.
Can I tattoo in Iowa if the shop is not permitted?
No. Iowa regulates both the artist and the establishment, so the shop must also be properly permitted.
How often do Iowa tattoo permits expire?
Iowa tattoo artist permits expire annually on December 31.
Need Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Tattoo Artists?
Body Art Training Group offers bloodborne pathogens exposure control training designed for tattoo and body art professionals.
View Training Options
This guide is a plain-language summary to help new artists understand the process. It is not legal advice. Always review the current state and local regulations and check with your local health department for exact requirements where you plan to work.
