Body Artist Certification

What is a body artist?

Body art is the practice of physical adornment by establishments and artists utilizing, but not limited to, the techniques of body piercing and tattooing. It does not include ear piercing. A body artist is anyone who performs body art on another person. To obtain a body artist license in Georgia, artists must be working at a licensed body artist studio.

Read the Board of Health regulations for body artists.

A temporary body artist permit can be issued to allow body art procedures outside a licensed body art establishment for a one-time event such as a trade show or educational seminar.  They are only valid in a licensed temporary body art facility. An applicant for a temporary body artist permit must apply no fewer than 30 days before the event. If you are licensed as a body artist in Denver, you do not have to obtain a temporary body artist license to work an event in the city.

A body artist must be 18 years or older to apply.

How to get certified

Online

Step 1.Make sure you have the time to apply

This application will take about 30 minutes to complete once you have gathered your information. You will be able to save your application and resume later if you need more time.

Step 2.Review the requirements

You will need the following information to complete this online application:

  • Application Contact Information (name, date of birth, residence address, mailing address, phone number)
  • Photocopy of government issued ID

  • Proof of United States Citizenship or lawful residence in the United States

  • Proof of successful completion of an OSHA-compliant Bloodborne Pathogen/Universal Precautions training program

  • Proof of successful completion of Basic First Aid/CPR classes given or approved by the Department

  • Valid documentation of his or her Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) vaccination status including:

    1. Documentation of HBV vaccination; or
    2. Laboratory evidence of immunity or documentation of no response following two full HBV vaccine series; or
    3. Documentation stating the vaccine is contraindicated for medical reasons. Contraindications require a dated and signed licensed health care professional’s statement specifying the name of the Body Artist applicant or employee and that the vaccine cannot be given;or a
    4. Signed certificate of vaccination declination of HBV as required by OSHA

Step 3.Have your credit/debit card ready

You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the permit fee. We accept Visa and MasterCard, and ACH payments.

The fees for a body art license exam are as follows:

  • $50 Body Art Certification Exam

  • $60 Body Artist License Fee (valid for 1 year, $50 per year renewal fee)

Step 4.Apply Online

Get Started

Step 5.Complete certification exam

You will need to complete and pass a department-approved exam on body artist requirements and risks.  Click here to find an approved exam.

 

Paper Form

Phone

In Person