North Dakota tattoo requirements
North Dakota regulates tattoo work mainly through the studio or facility rather than a separate statewide artist license. Confirm the facility credential and any local, guest or event requirements before working.
Regulatory model
North Dakota licenses and inspects tattoo and body-art establishments. It does not issue a separate statewide tattoo-artist license. State HHS is the regulator in most areas, while eight local public-health units handle tattoo and body-art licensing or inspection in specified jurisdictions.
Quick answers
Start with the direct answer, then use the permit paths and official links below for the exact job you plan to do.
North Dakota does not use a separate statewide individual tattoo artist credential. The tattoo studio or facility is regulated separately. Check the exact work location before treating that as permission to tattoo.
North Dakota does not publish a separate guest-artist credential. A visiting artist must work through a properly licensed establishment and meet the operator and personnel requirements that apply on the work date. From October 1, 2026, the new code requires current CPR and First Aid certification plus annual bloodborne-pathogen training for body artists performing procedures.
Under the current code, a temporary demonstration license request must be submitted at least 30 days before the event and may cover no more than 14 calendar days per event. The temporary site must be inspected and licensed before body-art procedures begin. The replacement code taking effect October 1, 2026 continues a temporary body-art establishment license framework, so events on or after that date should use the new HHS requirements.
North Dakota Health and Human Services / designated local public-health units is the main starting point, but local rules can also matter. Check the city, county or health authority for the exact place where you plan to work.
Main authority
First determine whether HHS or one of the eight local public-health units regulates the work address. The current body-art code remains in force through September 30, 2026; a replacement code takes effect October 1, 2026.
What are you planning?
The official names vary, so start with the job: regular practice, the licensed work location, renewal, a guest spot, a convention or event, or moving an existing credential from elsewhere.
Regular practice
Regular tattooing must take place through a licensed body-art establishment. The current annual Tattoo and Body Art establishment fee is $135. Artists are regulated through the establishment and operating rules rather than a separate state artist license.
Official sources: North Dakota HHS - Tattoo and Body Art Establishments, North Dakota Administrative Code Chapter 33-41-01, North Dakota HHS 2026 License Fee Schedule, North Dakota HHS - Areas of Licensing Jurisdiction
Convention / event
Under the current code, a temporary demonstration license request must be submitted at least 30 days before the event and may cover no more than 14 calendar days per event. The temporary site must be inspected and licensed before body-art procedures begin. The replacement code taking effect October 1, 2026 continues a temporary body-art establishment license framework, so events on or after that date should use the new HHS requirements.
Official sources: North Dakota Administrative Code Chapter 33-41-01, North Dakota Body Art Code changes effective October 1, 2026
Facility licensing is a separate job from an individual artist credential. See the tattoo shop permits and facility regulations guide for the broader premises boundary, then use this state page for the jurisdiction-specific rule.
Official sources
Rules, forms and fees change. Open the current government page, confirm the exact work location and use the regulator's current application.
Guest spot or convention?
Use the checker to compare guest, event and relocation requirements for the state where you plan to work, then confirm with the issuing authority.
Requirements can change and local rules may also apply. The issuing authority makes the final eligibility and approval decision.