9545 Reseda Blvd. unit 2, Northridge, CA (818) 700-2818

Unlicensed tattooing

I don't wanna do a single tattoo while being unlicensed. I'm a good artist. I have my tattoo equipment on te way. And I'm gonna practice on fake skins/pig skins until I get some basics. I wanted to know if I can get my license without an apprenticeship. My uncle is a former tattoo artist but no longer has a shop. All the shops near me are closed down now. So could I just learn from my uncle and get my license without a true apprenticeship? And I so where/how do I get it?


Replies:

RE:Unlicensed tattooing

Talk to your local department of health, I am sure they will point you in the right direction and tell you everything you need to know.
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RE:Unlicensed tattooing

if ur uncle is a former tattoo artist that once had his own shop in the area where u r trying to obtain a state tattoo license then i dont see ur logic in coming here to ask about it instead of talking to ur uncle.......???? every state has their own laws and regs on tattooing, license fees and requirements, and apprenticeship requirements.
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RE:Unlicensed tattooing

In the state of California they recently got more strict on tattoo artists, every tattoo artist needs to be certified by the state under the Body Art Program. They are also laying down some heavy code regulations for the tattoo shops, some things are ridiculous and some of the things are good. I also recently found out that it is now a felony to tattoo out of your house in California.
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RE:Unlicensed tattooing

Hey Mike ,I have family in law enforcement .They could not find anything on tattoo+home=felony .would love to find out more on this .can you please tell me where this info is listed.
Many Thanks
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RE:Unlicensed tattooing

Not sure where it's listed, I got the information from my friend that owns a tattoo shop, his shop got checked by some health/city inspectors that are going around shop to shop and they told him that. So I'm not 100% sure , that's just what he told me.
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RE:Unlicensed tattooing

Thanks for the quick response ,you are a great inspiration to many including myself.
They are going to check in detail and let me know .They did mention that any charges that extreme may be intended for convicted felons caught in illegal activity( violating any laws).the more charges they can slap on a felon the more likely they will secure a conviction.
Would love to hear your experience with the Spektra.
Thanks
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RE:Unlicensed tattooing

sorry i haven't replied i haven't had internet at home. Also sorry for the confusion my uncle worked at a shop under another artist who had his license. So he never had to be licensed and thats why i had a few questions.
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RE:Unlicensed tattooing

A trip to your local department of health or even a quick google search should give you the information you need as it varies state to state. I know for new york the only state regulation is that your clients MUST be 18 years of age to receive a tattoo, the rest of the health codes and regulations vary from county to county. One that I've worked in had extremely strict regulations, requiring an apprenticeship and certification and licensing from the county health department, while the current county I'm in has absolutely no regulations or standards whatsoever
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RE:Unlicensed tattooing

I don't know what state you live in but here in Florida you don't have to take any 2 year apprenticeship to acquire your tattoo artist licence. The only requirements that need to be met are completing a FDOH approved 3 hr BBP course and a $60 initial licence fee that must be renewed yearly. Just remember, the fact that you procured a tattoo artist licence doesn't make you a good tattoo artist. If you don't plan on taking an apprenticeship at the very least you should take the time to research proper set up of your equiptment, health precautions and procedures, the quality of your inks, ect. People are putting thier trust in you and expect you to provide you a professional service and to recieve good quality work on thier bodies. Good luck!
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