Apply for tattoo operator licence
You must have a tattoo operator licence to run a body art tattooing business in Queensland.
To be a licensed operator you must:
- be 18 or older
- be an Australian citizen or Australian resident
- complete the required training if you also want to work as a tattoo artist.
You'll need a separate operator licence for each premises you plan to operate. This includes mobile premises.
You'll also need a higher risk personal appearance services licence from your local council.
If you're also a tattooist, you don't need to hold a separate tattooist licence unless you'll work at another studio.
What tattoo operators do
Tattoo operators run body art tattooing businesses.
Body art tattooing is performed for decorative purposes—it doesn't include cosmetic tattooing.
Ready to apply online?
Apply for a tattoo operator licence
You can apply for 1 or 3 years.
Read more about applying online.
Supporting documents
You must attach the following supporting documents to your application (where relevant).
Proof of identity
When you lodge the form, you need to attach 100 points of certified identification (ID)—the points are explained on the application form.
Please don't post originals or email us copies of your certified ID.
Photos
You need to attach 2 passport-sized photos of yourself. They must be certified and signed by someone who is over 18 and has known you for at least 12 months. You can upload copies to your online application.
Find out more about what's required
Explore for more information about applying for a tattoo operator licence.
You can't apply for a tattoo operator licence if you:
- are subject to a relevant control order that restricts you from carrying on a business, engaging in an occupation or performing an activity that requires a licence
- have been convicted of a prescribed offence under the Tattoo Industry Act 2013 within the last 10 years where a conviction was recorded.
You will need to pay the required fees when you lodge your application, including fingerprinting and criminal history check fees.
To be a tattoo operator you'll also need a Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services licence from your local council. This is to make sure you:
- follow the required safety guidelines
- have a clean, safe place of business
- keep a copy of infection control guidelines onsite.
You'll need both licences to operate.
We encourage you to apply for your tattoo operator licence first. This will save you time and money if you're not eligible for a tattoo operator licence.
You need to have the following police checks to confirm your suitability to hold a tattoo operator licence.
Finger and palm printing
You'll need to have your finger and palm prints taken if you haven't done this in Queensland before for tattoo licensing purposes. This applies even if you have provided fingerprints in another state or territory.
You'll get a confirmation letter explaining the process and what you need to do.
If you refuse, you won't be issued a tattoo operator licence and the application will be withdrawn.
Your fingerprints will be matched with the 100 points of identity from your application.
Criminal history check
We'll submit your application to the Queensland Police Service for a criminal history check. This check may take some time.
If you were born in New Zealand or have a New Zealand passport, contact the New Zealand Ministry of Justice for a copy of your criminal history or a letter showing you have no criminal history in New Zealand.
Please note this information about New Zealand criminal history checks:
- It takes 20 working days to process a request.
- The check is free.
- We can only accept original documents that are dated within 1 month of the date you send them to us.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a partial refund if you withdraw your application or we refuse it.
If the criminal history check hasn’t started, you may also get a refund of that fee.
Incomplete applications
We'll contact you for more information if your application is incomplete. If you don't provide the requested information, we might withdraw your application and you'll need to re-apply.
Other ways to apply
Complete the application for a tattoo operator licence form.
You can lodge the form:
In person—visit one of our locations
By post
Industry Licensing Unit
Office of Fair Trading
GPO Box 3111
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Note: You can't apply by email or phone.
Unsuccessful applications
If your application is not approved, we'll send you a letter explaining the reasons for the decision.
If you disagree, you can apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal to have the decision reviewed.
Processing times
Applications usually take 4 to 6 weeks to process. It can take longer if you haven't supplied all the information we need or paid the correct fees.
More information
- Find out how to transfer an interstate tattooist licence to work in Queensland.
- Read more about the legal requirements for the tattoo industry.
- Find out about tattoo industry breaches and penalties.