Apply for tattoo operator licence
You must have a tattoo operator licence to run a body art or tattooing business in Queensland.
If your business provides body art tattoos—whether they are in combination with other tattooing procedures or activities—it is a body art tattooing business.
Body art tattooing is a tattooing procedure performed for decorative purposes—it does not include cosmetic tattooing.
To get a licence, you must:
- meet the eligibility criteria
- fill out and lodge the application for a tattoo operator licence form or apply online with the Fair Trading individual new application form.
If you plan to operate your body art tattooing business from more than 1 premises a separate operator licence is required to be held by a person for each premises.
A ‘premises’ is defined as a:
- building or other structure—or part of a building or other structure—that has a permanent address
- vehicle, building or other structure ordinarily moved from place to place (mobile).
An operator can also be a tattoo artist. You do not need to hold a separate tattooist licence unless you wish to tattoo at another studio other than your own.
You must hold a current certificate in Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments (HLTINF005) if you personally perform body art tattooing.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a tattoo operator licence you must:
- be 18 years or older
- be an Australian citizen or Australian resident
- not be subject to a relevant control order or registered corresponding control order that restricts you from carrying on a business, engaging in an occupation or performing an activity that requires a licence
- not be convicted of a prescribed offence under the Tattoo Industry Act 2013 where a conviction was recorded within the last 10 years
- undertake a criminal history check with Queensland Police Service.
Lodgement
You can lodge your application with the Office of Fair Trading at the following address, one of our regional offices or a Queensland Government service centre:
Industry Licensing Unit
Office of Fair Trading
GPO Box 3111
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Fees
You will need to pay the required fees when you lodge your application, based on the licence period—1 or 3 years.
You can pay by:
- cheque
- money order
- credit card.
Identification
When you lodge the form you will need to attach 100 points of identification. These documents must be either original—if lodged at the counter—or certified copies.
Your identification must include at least 1 of the following 5 documents:
- birth certificate or extract
- passport
- ImmiCard
- driver licence
- 18+ card.
You may also need to include some of the following documents to make up your 100 points:
- citizenship certificate
- ID card
- Health Care Card
- letter from your employer
- any other official letter, card or statement listed on the application form.
Finger and palm printing
By law, the police need to take your finger and palm prints. We will contact you after you lodge your application to explain what you need to do.
Photographs
You will need to attach 2 passport-size photos of yourself. They must be certified and signed by a person who is at least 18 years of age and has known you for at least 12 months.
Processing time
We will decide your application as quickly as we can. It may take some time, as multiple government agencies take part in the approval process. For this reason, you should lodge your application as soon as possible.
We will not decide your application unless:
- you’ve filled it out completely
- you include all the required documents.
Refunds
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a partial refund if:
- you withdraw your application
- we refuse your application.
Unsuccessful applications
If your application fails, we will send you a letter to explain the reason for the decision.
If you disagree, you may apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a review.
Higher risk personal appearance services licence
Your tattoo business also needs a Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services licence from your local council. This is to make sure that you:
- follow the required safety guidelines
- have a clean, safe place of business
- keep a copy of infection control guidelines on site.
You will need both licences to operate.
If you haven't applied for either licence yet, you are encouraged to apply for your tattoo operator licence first. This will save you time and money if you are not eligible for a tattoo operator licence.