Iowa State Law

Iowa State Law:

IOWA Department of Public Health

Stephen C. Gleason, D. O., Director
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
515-281-5787

Division of Family & Community Health

Bureau of Disease Prevention

Tattoo Permit Program

The 1989 General Assembly enacted legislation (Iowa Code Section 139.43) regarding permit and operational requirements for tattoo establishments and tattoo artists. The administrative rules to implement this statute were effective January 1990 and provide for an application, fee, and inspection process. Tattoo artists are required to have a permit from the Iowa Department of Public Health and work in an establishment that also has a permit from the Iowa Department of Public Health. Establishments are inspected for use of sterilized needles and supplies. The law prohibits tattooing of minors (under the age of 18).

For more information:

Call (515) 281-4775

TATTOO ARTIST

Licensing Authority	Tattoo Permit Program Division of Health Protection Iowa Department of Public Health Lucas State Office Building Des Moines, IA 50319-0075 PHONE: (515)281-3031 FAX: (515)281-4570
Legal Authority	Code of Iowa, Chapter 135.37; Iowa Administrative Code 641, Chapter 22
Job Description	A tattoo artist examines a patron's skin surface to be tattooed for any evidence of skin infection; prepares the area to be tattooed by applying an antiseptic approved by the Department of Public Health, using sterile cotton or sterile gauze; applies a sterile dressing to the tattooed area after the tattooing is complete; provides the patron with printed instructions regarding tattoo care during the healing process, and instructs patron to consult a physician if signs and symptoms of an infection develop. He or she must also verify that individual requesting a tattoo is not a minor.
Education & Experience Required	An applicant does not have to meet any particular education or experience requirements. However, an applicant cannot own, control or lease, act as an agent for, conduct, manage, or operate an establishment to practice the art of tattooing or engage in the practice of tattooing without first applying for and receiving a permit from the Department of Public Health.
Continuing Education	There are no continuing education requirements for license renewal.
Examination	There are no examinations required.
Fees	Application: $40.00 Duration: One Year - All permits expire on December 31 of each year, regardless of the date of issue. Renewal: $40.00 Other: Fees are prorated to the number of months remaining in the calendar year and shall include the month the initial application is received by the Department of Public Health. Permits are not transferable and are valid for no longer than a 12-month calendar year.
OES Code & Title	69999 - All Other Service Workers
Number of Licenses Issued	1997: 115 1996: 83