Tattoo Artist / North Carolina
2026 data North Carolina board official source

North Carolina Tattoo Artist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Performs tattooing and permanent makeup. Licensed in most states.

What the North Carolina data shows for Tattoo Artists

Becoming a licensed tattoo artist in North Carolina means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,500 training hours, a passing score on a state-approved exam, plus a background history check. North Carolina regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Budget $75 to get started on a 2-year cycle. North Carolina doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

North Carolina evaluates out-of-state credentials case-by-case rather than through a published reciprocity list.

Licensing Ease Score

C-
Licensing Ease Score
53/100
Tattoo Artist · North Carolina

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 North Carolina

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 North Carolina licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with North Carolina licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Tattoo Artist in North Carolina? ▼
In North Carolina, the license path calls for 1500 education/training hours, a passing exam score, and a $75 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Tattoo Artist in North Carolina? ▼
Certification as a tattoo artist in North Carolina means clearing the state's checklist: 1500 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The North Carolina licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Tattoo Artist license to North Carolina from another state? ▼
North Carolina doesn't publish a standing reciprocity policy for tattoo artists; each out-of-state application is reviewed on its own merits. Some professions fall under interstate compacts that ease portability regardless. The North Carolina licensing board can confirm what applies to your case.
Does North Carolina require a background check for Tattoo Artist licensing? ▼
Yes, North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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.