Tattoo Artist / Missouri
2026 data Missouri board official source

Missouri Tattoo Artist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Performs tattooing and permanent makeup. Licensed in most states.

What the Missouri data shows for Tattoo Artists

Missouri's path to tattoo artist licensure runs through 1,500 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on a state-approved exam, plus a criminal history screening. Missouri folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

The initial price tag is $75 every 2 years. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Missouri, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

Missouri handles out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis instead of a standing reciprocity list.

Licensing Ease Score

C-
Licensing Ease Score
53/100
Tattoo Artist · Missouri

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,500 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee B+
$75
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden N/A
N/A
Renewal fee annualized over the renewal cycle
Continuing Education N/A
N/A
Continuing-education hours annualized over the renewal cycle
Experience Required N/A
N/A
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Missouri

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,500 hours
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Tattoo Artist All Missouri licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Missouri licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Tattoo Artist in Missouri? ▼
Missouri's requirements cover 1500 hours of education or training, a state exam, and an initial fee of $75. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Tattoo Artist in Missouri? ▼
Missouri licenses tattoo artists who complete its requirements (1500 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Missouri licensing board.
Can I transfer my Tattoo Artist license to Missouri from another state? ▼
Out-of-state tattoo artist credentials get a case-by-case review in Missouri rather than automatic recognition. Interstate compacts exist for a number of professions and might still help. Confirm the details with the Missouri licensing board.
Does Missouri require a background check for Tattoo Artist licensing? ▼
Yes, Missouri requires a criminal background check as part of the tattoo artist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.

Related Guides

What to do with this tattoo artist license

Tattoo Artist in Missouri is one requirement row in a tattoo artist-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Missouri licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.