Apply to be a tattooist
You must be licensed to work as a tattooist in Queensland.
To be licensed you must:
- be 18 or older
- be an Australian citizen or Australian resident
- complete the relevant training.
Note: If you run a body art tattooing business, even if you work from home, you must have a tattoo operator licence.
What tattooists do
Tattooists perform body art tattooing procedures for decorative purposes, for a fee or reward. This doesn't include cosmetic tattooing.
Ready to apply online?
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.
Evidence of training competency
You need to attach a training certificate from a registered training organisation showing you are competent in the subject called Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments (HLTINF005).
Use the training.gov.au website to find other optional training relevant to the tattoo industry.
Find out more about what's required
Explore for more information about becoming a licensed tattooist.
You can't apply for a tattooist 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.
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If you refuse, you won't be issued a tattooist licence and the application will be withdrawn.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 tattooist 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.