Tattooing and Piercing

Rules

Laws

Licenses for Body Art Establishments and Body Artists

Body art establishments and body artists both require licensing in Yellowstone County. Licenses are issued annually and are valid for the calendar year. Artists must have current certificates in Bloodborne Pathogen Training and Basic First Aid Training and successfully pass a Sanitation Quiz. Renewal notices will be mailed to licensees before the end of the calendar year.

New Licenses for Body Art Establishments and Body Artists

Step 1: Complete and submit Plan Review Application and required fee to RiverStone Health. A Plan Review must be completed for the establishment and for each artist.

Step 2: Contact local agencies for building, zoning and fire code and obtain required permits.

Step 3: Upon written approval of plans, construction/remodeling can begin.

Step 4: Contact RiverStone Health 406.256.2770 to schedule a pre-opening inspection.

Step 5: The license fee will be collected and the license issued during the pre-opening inspection.

Plan Review Applications

 Plan Review Application for artists and establishments

License Renewals

Licenses are reviewed and issued annually (January 1- December 31) by RiverStone Health Environmental Health Services. Current license holders will receive a renewal application in November. Renewal payments are due by December 31 to avoid a late fee. For questions on renewals, contact Environmental Health Services at 406.256.2770.

Inspections

Each body art establishment and artist is inspected at least once every year to determine compliance with regulations. Inspections include an examination of training certificates and other pertinent records. Additional inspections of the body art establishment or artist may be performed as often as necessary for enforcement of the regulations. The RiverStone Board of Health charges a follow-up fee for a third or subsequent inspection it may conduct if a violation is not corrected by the end of the second visit to the body art establishment or artist.

Required Training for Artists

  • Bloodborne Pathogen Training
  • Basic First Aid

These two trainings are available online or in a classroom setting by organizations such as the American Red Cross. Training must be OSHA compliant.

Information for Artists