Providing fingerprints for tattoo licences

Applying for a licence

You need to supply your fingerprints and palm prints in order to get either an Operator or Tattooist licence. We will match the prints with the 100 points of identity in your application.

You will need to:

• apply for the relevant licence and pay your fee
• receive a confirmation letter from us that explains the fingerprinting process
• book an appointment at one of the Queensland police stations listed at the bottom of this page.

If you refuse

We can’t issue you a licence if you don’t give your prints. You will be unable to work in the tattoo industry.

Applicants

New applicants

We will need to fingerprint anyone applying for a new licence. This means that you will need to give your fingerprints if you have:

• never held a tattoo licence
• held a licence before, but it has expired
• given fingerprints for another purpose.

If you’ve already been printed

You must give your fingerprints again, even if you have already given them for:

• any type of security licence
• a gaming licence
• a weapons licence.

Renewing applicants

You do not need to have your fingerprints and palm prints taken if you are renewing your licence.

Getting it done

Appointment

Once you receive the confirmation letter from us, you will need to:

• contact your nearest police station from those listed on this page
• find a suitable time for an appointment with them
• turn up on time for your appointment.

If you can’t make it to a police station, the letter will set out your alternative options. These only apply if you are legitimately unable to visit a police station.

When you arrive, you will need to present:

• your confirmation letter
• the same 100 points of identification that you used for your application form.

The police station will contact us when they have your fingerprints, and your application will proceed.

Storing your prints

The police will keep your prints on a nationwide archive.

Every Australian police service:

• has access to this archive
• can use it to solve crimes.

The fingerprints and palm prints will stay on this archive for as long as your licence is current.

Destroying your prints

Once your licence is expired, you must apply to the Commissioner of Police to have your fingerprints and palm prints destroyed.

If your licence is refused or cancelled, or you withdraw your application, we must destroy your prints in the presence of a Justice of the Peace.

If you re-apply for a licence, you will need to give a new set of fingerprints and palm prints and pay all fees again.