Do You Need a License to Microblade? Requirements by State

Thinking about starting a career in microblading? It’s one of the most rewarding paths in the beauty industry, allowing artists to blend creativity with precision. But before you begin shaping brows professionally, there’s an important question to answer: Do you need a license to microblade?

The short answer is yes, in most cases you do. However, the type of license you need may surprise you when it comes to microblading. Since this service is primarily a beauty service, it’s easy to assume you will need an esthetician or cosmetology license. In some states, a body art license might be required instead of or in addition to a cosmetology or esthetician license, so it’s important to check with your local health department for the exact licensing requirements. However, this guide will help you understand the true requirements and steps you should take before you start.

What Is Microblading, Exactly?

Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that uses a fine blade to implant pigment into the skin. The goal is to create natural, hair-like strokes that enhance the eyebrows. Because the process involves breaking the skin, most states view it as a form of tattooing rather than a standard beauty service.

That means microblading artists often need specific training and certification to perform the service safely and legally. Microblading regulations and microblading licensing are in place to ensure both practitioner and client are safe. License requirements can differ depending on how microblading is classified in your state, so we’ve gathered what your local health department or licensing authority has out there for you, which we’ll get to soon!

Do You Always Need a License to Microblade?

In nearly every state, microblading is a regulated profession. What varies is the type of license or registration you must hold. Some states classify it under tattooing, while others consider it part of esthetics or cosmetology. Regulations vary from state to state and even from county to county, so it's important to verify both local requirements and state requirements before proceeding

Regulations can change, and each jurisdiction may have unique rules about where and how you can perform microblading from state to state, so it’s important to understand the difference in local requirements and state requirements to ensure compliance. But if it’s all essentially the same service, does the license type even matter?

Why Licensing Matters

Licensing does more than satisfy state laws. It helps you maintain a safe, trustworthy, and professional environment. Licensed artists are trained in safety practices that protect both you and your clients from infection and cross-contamination. Getting certified is a crucial step toward becoming a professional microblading technician, since it demonstrates your commitment to the industry standards and safety.

Holding the proper credentials also builds client confidence. Clients are more likely to trust a professional microblading tech who has taken the time to get certified. When clients know you are certified and compliant, they are more likely to trust your skills and recommend you to others.

person-getting-microblading-procedure

Training and Certification Requirements

Even if your state doesn’t require a specific type of beauty license, most require proof of professional training before you can even begin working. Training programs usually include both classroom instruction and hands-on practice.

You can expect your course to cover:

Bloodborne pathogen prevention
Sanitation and sterilization procedures
Skin anatomy and pigment theory
Brow design and application techniques
Client consultation and aftercare
Tax guidance

Once you’ve completed your training and received your microblading certification, you’re considered microblading certified and can begin working toward building your own clients. The certificate you receive demonstrates that you have completed the required training and are ready to apply for a license.

What is Each States Licensing Requirements?

Looking for an easy guide to each state? We’ve compiled every state regulation in the United States with sources. As always, make sure to double check with your county and state regulations for the most up to date information.

Alabama: Microblading is regulated as body art. An operator permit and a body art facility license are required through county health departments under state rules.
Alaska: Microblading is “permanent cosmetic coloring” under 18 AAC 23. Practitioners and shops must meet state sanitation rules; oversight is through Environmental Health.
Arizona: Body art establishments require a local public health certificate of operation under state law. Permanent makeup and microblading performed in barbering or cosmetology salons must follow posted disclosure rules.
Arkansas: Tattooing and permanent cosmetics artists must hold a state license and work in a licensed establishment under the Arkansas Department of Health’s body art rules.
California: Microblading is “permanent cosmetics” under the Safe Body Art Act. Practitioners register with the local environmental health agency and work only in a permitted facility.
Colorado: Body art is regulated for safe and sanitary practice under the Code of Colorado Regulations and implemented by local health departments that license and inspect facilities.
Connecticut: Microblading falls under Tattoo Technician licensing by the Department of Public Health. The state provides training permits, and the statute outlines supervised practice for student technicians.
Delaware: The Body Art Program sets minimum standards. Body art establishments must be permitted and follow 16 DE Admin.
Florida: Microblading is treated as tattooing. Artists need a Tattoo Artist License with bloodborne pathogen training and must work in a licensed tattoo establishment.
Georgia: Statewide Body Art Rules took effect, with permitting and exams administered by the Department of Public Health and county health offices.
Hawaii: Tattoo artists are licensed by the Department of Health, Sanitation Branch. The state publishes licensing procedures and lists licensed artists and permitted shops. Permanent cosmetics and microblading fall under this framework.
Idaho: There is no statewide tattoo or body art licensing program. Make sure to check the county for accurate information.
Illinois: Permanent makeup, including microblading, is regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health under the Body Art Establishment program. Facilities must be registered and meet sanitation standards.
Indiana: Tattooing and permanent makeup are regulated through local health departments under state guidance. Counties such as Marion County license and inspect body art businesses.
Iowa: The state issues Tattoo Artist Permits and Tattoo Establishment Permits. Local health agencies conduct inspections under state rules.
Kansas: Cosmetic tattooing is regulated by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. Rules and regulations in Article 15 set training and licensure standards.
Kentucky: Persons who tattoo, including microblading and cosmetic tattooing, must register with the local health department. State regulation 902 KAR 45:065 applies.
Louisiana: Louisiana Department of Health regulates “commercial body art,” which includes cosmetic tattooing. Practitioners and facilities must be registered and permitted.
Maine: DHHS licenses micropigmentation. Microblading is explicitly treated as micropigmentation; applicants must meet training and supervision requirements and obtain a practitioner license.
Maryland: State health rules address disease control and signage. Licensing is set locally, so artists follow county or city health regulations.
Massachusetts: State DPH publishes model body art regulations. Local boards of health permit body art practitioners and establishments, including cosmetic tattooing.
Michigan: MDHHS licenses body art facilities. State law requires that tattooing and microblading occur only in a licensed body art facility.
Minnesota: MDH licenses body art technicians and oversees establishments. Permanent cosmetics and micropigmentation are within the program.
Mississippi: MSDH registers individuals who perform tattooing and regulates body art. Rules cover sanitation, training, and aftercare for tattooing and permanent makeup.
Missouri: The Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding licenses artists and shops and publishes rules and forms.
Montana: DPHHS licenses tattooing and cosmetic tattooing. A 2025 rule update defines permanent cosmetics and sets sanitation and facility standards.
Nebraska: DHHS licenses body artists and facilities. “Permanent color technician” covers permanent makeup; Title 172 Chapter 44 sets standards.
Nevada: Southern Nevada Health District regulations govern sanitation and safety for body art facilities, including microblading. Body Art Cards are required for artists in that jurisdiction.
New Hampshire: State rules and local ordinances regulate tattooing and permanent makeup. Statute addresses age limits for body art on minors.
New Jersey: NJ Administrative Code Title 8, Chapter 27 is the state sanitary code for body art and ear piercing. Cosmetic procedures like microblading are covered and require compliance with state and local enforcement.
New Mexico: The Regulation and Licensing Department licenses permanent makeup practitioners, artists, establishments, and events.
New York: New York State advises on body art and risks while local health departments license. In New York City, a Tattoo License and completion of the DOHMH infection control course are required; NYC confirms that microblading needs this license.
North Carolina: The Tattoo Program issues permits through local health departments. Administrative rules set permitting and sanitation requirements for tattooing and permanent color technologists.
North Dakota: Department of Health and Human Services enforces licensing under Administrative Code 33-41 for tattoo and body art.
Ohio: Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-9 regulates body art, including permanent cosmetics. Local health departments license and inspect establishments.
Oklahoma: State law requires licensure for tattoo and body piercing operators and artists. Medical micropigmentation and cosmetic tattooing fall within the Oklahoma State Department of Health framework.
Oregon: The Health Licensing Office’s Board of Electrologists and Body Art Practitioners licenses tattoo artists and body art facilities. Oregon Administrative Rules set standards for tattoo practice and facilities.
Pennsylvania: Regulation is primarily local. For example, Philadelphia requires certificates for artists and establishments under city health regulations. State legislation has been introduced to standardize tattooing requirements, but local rules currently control.
Rhode Island: Tattoo artists must be registered with the Department of Health. The code defines tattooing to include cosmetic procedures such as microblading.
South Carolina: DHEC licenses tattoo facilities and enforces Regulation 60-111. The law sets standards for facilities and training.
South Dakota: Administrative Rules of South Dakota 44:12 regulate tattooing and body piercing, with Department of Health oversight.
Tennessee: The Environmental Health Program licenses artists and establishments. The state clarifies that microblading is tattooing and falls under the tattooing rules.
Texas: The Department of State Health Services regulates tattoo studios and recognizes permanent cosmetics within body art. Licensing and inspection apply to studios and artists.
Utah: Utah Administrative Code R392-701 governs body art facility sanitation. Local health departments issue facility permits and enforce requirements.
Vermont: The Office of Professional Regulation licenses tattooists, body piercers, and permanent cosmetics. Statute requires that permanent cosmetics occur in a licensed or registered shop.
Virginia: DPOR licenses Permanent Cosmetic Tattooers and tattoo parlors or permanent cosmetic salons. Rules set licensing and shop requirements.
Washington: The Department of Licensing licenses permanent cosmetics artists and shops. Laws and rules set the requirements to get and maintain a license.
West Virginia: State rule 64 CSR 80 and related code regulate tattoo and body piercing studios. Registration and exposure control training are required.
Wisconsin: State code DHS 173 applies to tattooing and body piercing; DSPS guidance confirms that permanent makeup can meet the definition of tattooing.
Wyoming: Regulation is largely at the county health level. Counties such as Laramie and Teton permit and inspect body art establishments, which include permanent cosmetics.

microblading-brow-mapping-in-progress

Where You Can Work Once You’re Licensed

After obtaining your license, you have several professional paths to explore. Some artists work within established salons or spas, while others open their own studios or partner with medical professionals in medspas or dermatology clinics.

No matter where you work, make sure your space is registered and meets all health and safety requirements for body art.

Staying Compliant Over Time

Licensing is not a one-time process. Most states require renewals every one to two years, along with continuing education or sanitation refreshers. Staying informed helps you avoid fines and keeps your business compliant, but keeping up to date with education will help you stay relevant in a competitive market.

To stay current, you can:

Subscribe to your local health department updates
Join professional microblading or permanent makeup associations
Take advanced training to improve your skills

Regular education also keeps you on top of new techniques, pigment safety standards, and best practices for client care.

microblading-brow-mapping

How Vagaro Supports Microblading Professionals

Managing your microblading business takes more than skill alone. With Vagaro, you can organize your appointments, streamline client communication, and stay compliant all in one place.

Vagaro helps you:

Schedule clients online and send automated reminders
Store client consent forms digitally
Accept secure payments in person or online
Track supplies and pigment inventory
Grow visibility through the Vagaro Marketplace

These tools help you save time, build trust, and focus more on your craft.

So, Do You Need a License, Or Not?

In most places, yes. Licensing ensures you are properly trained, compliant with local regulations, and equipped to offer safe, professional services.

Taking the time to research your state’s requirements and complete and approved training program will set you up for long-term success. Once you’re ready to launch your business, Vagaro can help you grow with confidence and stay organized every step of the way.

Resources:

https://www.artofbeautyacademy.com/
https://artofmicrobladingusa.com/
https://www.3dbrowsacademy.com/
https://byrdadatto.com/
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/
https://ochealthinfo.com/

Do You Need a License to Microblade?