Tattoo Program

On July 8, 2009, the State Board of Health adopted the revised 641 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 22, "Practice of Tattooing". The rules will go into effect on January 1, 2010, and will include new requirements for tattoo artists/permanent color technologists, establishments, and inspectors.

Artists or establishment owners who fail to meet the requirements of Iowa Code section 135.37 or 641 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 22 shall be guilty of a serious misdemeanor.

Iowa Tattoo Regulations:

• Iowa Code Section 135.37  
• 641 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 22 (Not effective until January 1, 2010)

Artist Permit Requirements:

• Must provide documentation of Bloodborne Pathogens and Standard First Aid training.
• Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. (Artists permitted prior to Jan 1, 2010 will be grandfathered)
• Must be 18 years of age to receive a permit. (Must submit a copy of birth certificate or other equivalent document)
• Annual, nonrefundable application fee of $75
• 2009 Application for a Tattoo Artist Permit  
• 2010 Application for a Tattoo Artist Permit  

Establishment Permit Requirements:

• Must be inspected annually.
• Must keep client records for a period of three years.
• Annual, nonrefundable application fee of $100.
• 2009 Application for Permit to Operate a Tattoo Establishment  
• 2010 Application for Permit to Operate a Tattoo Establishment  

Other Permits:

• Application for Mobile Unit Permit  
• Application for Temporary Establishment Permit  

Current lists of permitted tattoo artists and establishments:

• Licensed Tattoo Artists  
• Licensed Tattoo Establishments  

More Information:

Contact Talisa Miller at (515) 281-7726 for questions or concerns.

Interested in receiving periodic updates and reminders? Join the Tattoo mailing list by sending a blank email to: join-tattoo@lists.ia.gov.

Documents denoted by are available in Portable Document Format (.pdf).