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?

Apply for a tattooist licence

Select Liquor, Gaming and Fair Trading Individual New Application.

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.

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Your suitability to apply

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.

Fees

You will need to pay the required fees when you lodge your application.

Police checks

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.

Refunds

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.