How to Become a Full-Time Licensed Tattoo or Body Piercing Artist in Oklahoma
Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. An artist license is only valid in a licensed facility.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed Tattoo/Body Piercing Artist License Application (for each type of license pursuing)
- Notarized copy of photo ID
- Notarized copy of birth certificate
- Completed Affidavit of Lawful Presence
- Proof of licensure experience OR proof of completion of an approved apprenticeship
- Current Bloodborne Pathogen training certificate
- Current First Aid training certificate
- Current CPR training certificate
- $250 license fee (for each type of license pursuing)
- Low-Income Individual License Fee Waiver - House Bill 2933
Send all paperwork and documentation to:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Consumer Protection Division
PO Box 268815
Oklahoma City, OK 73126-8815
Competency Exam
After the two years of experience is verified and all of the above documents are received, the applicant will be mailed a Test Letter. Once received, the applicant must select an approved testing location to take the Tattoo/Body Piercing Competency Examination and contact that facility to schedule an exam.
The applicant must present the original Test Letter issued by the OSDH and a valid photo ID to the selected Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education approved testing location.
The testing fee will be $200.00, paid directly to Career Tech. Check with the selected testing location for valid forms of payment.
The applicant must receive a minimum score of 70% on the written examination that will include:
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and disease;
- Theory and application of ink;
- Safety and aseptic technique;
- Professionalism; and
- Client consultation services.
If the minimum score of 70% is not met, the applicant can retest up to two (2) times. The applicant must wait at least seven (7) days before retesting. If a passing score is unable to be met after three (3) attempts, the applicant will be required to enroll or re-enroll in an Apprentice Program.
Once the passing score is verified, the Tattoo or Body Piercing Artist License will be mailed to the applicant.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Consumer Health Service
P.O. Box 268815
Oklahoma City, OK 73126-8815
Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK
Phone: (405) 426-8250
Fax: (405) 900-7557
Email: CHSLicensing@health.ok.gov