Maryland Tattoo License

If you are thinking of becoming a tattoo artist, you need a license for that. Some places in the US have very strict regulations. However, some states don’t give permits. They prefer to grant them locally.

Maryland oversees this process by the Code of Regulations. It controls the skin-penetrating body adornment procedures. Some of the general rules the technician has to follow are:

• Acquiring a written consent form
• Working with sterile equipment
• Properly washing their hands
• Cleansing the skin
• Using the right technique (to prevent infections in the area of the procedure)
• Providing written instructions on aftercare

How to get a license to tattoo?

Baltimore is one of the cities in the state that requires a body art facility to have a Use & Occupancy authorization. You have to qualify to conduct the procedure on anyone. To acquire the license, you need to submit several documents to the City Health Department. They are:

• A tattoo license application (completed version)
• A notice of approval issued by an Environmental Health specialist
• If a corporation owns the facility, send a duplicate of the Articles of Incorporation (certified)
• Details on Insurance of Workman’s Compensation
• If you produce more than 32 gallons of waste, have a copy of an agreement for waste hauler services
• An approved Use and Occupancy paper
• If someone is representing the owner while getting the confirmation, they must bring a notarized Power of Attorney

Also, please remember that a notary should approve all handwritten papers you provide.

Training

As in any other profession, here, too, you should go through training to be qualified. There are many schools that provide professional training. So you can easily find a school best suitable for you. Generally speaking, you need an apprenticeship that lasts about two years. As a result, you will learn the proper material and master the necessary skills for the job.

So, the state has official schools that give quality classes to make good professionals. The classes not only teach the skill but also the business aspect of the job too. The skills you gain include:

• Machine utilization and assembly
• Area preparation
• Terminology and design
• Machine maintenance
• Healing instructions and time
• Law and regulations
• Purchasing the equipment
• Point of sale/retail sales
• Health and safety standards
• Hygiene and sterilization methods
• Color Ink mixing
• Tribal styles and meaning
• Scanning and digital technology
• Transfer methods and machine
• Business Practices and management
• Start-up costs
• Customer Sign Up/Release Form
• Blood Borne Pathogen Certification

Pricing and renewal

If you get a Baltimore certification, there is also a fee to pay. The permit costs $100. However, there might be additional costs adding up to the initial $100. Moreover, the license has to be renewed once a year. Also, you would have to pay for the renewal as well.

Transferability

Usually, the certification you have can be transferred to other jurisdictions. However, they might ask you to provide additional documents to qualify for the specific requirements. Also, you ought to pay additional fees.

If you are also interested in learning about the requirements of the Florida tattoo license, you can check this article.

Additional information

To conclude, if you want to find out more, you ought to refer to your local regulatory body. Since Maryland doesn’t have one general law, each county or city has its own rules. Thus, to get accurate information about the specific requirements of your area, be sure to refer to local authorities.