Transfer to a Queensland tattoo licence
You must hold a Queensland licence or permit. However, you can apply to transfer a licence from another Australian state.
This is known as mutual recognition.
Currently, only New South Wales has a tattooist licence.
If your application for mutual recognition of a tattooist licence is successful, we will grant you an equivalent Queensland licence.
You may operate as we consider the application, as long as:
- you have received a receipt for the application fee
- your interstate licence is valid at the time of lodgement.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a licence, you must:
- be 18 years or older
- be an Australian citizen or permanent 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 Act where a conviction was recorded within the last 10 years
- undertake a criminal history check with Queensland Police Service
- give us proof of your previous, current or upcoming employment (this includes as an apprentice).
- hold a current certificate in Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments (HLTINF005).
Lodgement
You can lodge your application with the Office of Fair Trading at the address below, at one of our regional offices or at a Queensland Government service centre.
By mail:
Industry Licensing Unit
Office of Fair Trading
GPO Box 3111
Brisbane QLD 4001
Fees
We grant licences for 1 or 3 years. You will need to pay the required fees when you lodge your application.
You can pay by:
- cheque
- money order
- credit card.
Identification
When you lodge the form, you will need to attach formal identification. These documents must be certified copies.
Your identification must include 1 of the following 3 documents:
- A driver’s licence
- Birth certificate or extract
- Passport
- An 18+ card
- Immicard
You will need to include at least 1 (sometimes 2) of the following documents:
- Citizenship certificate
- An ID card
- Health Care Card
- A 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 form 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 the applicant 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.
Make sure that you have all your declarations and identification documents. We will not consider your application unless you do.
Refunds
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a partial refund if:
- you withdraw your application
- we refuse your application.
You may also get a refund on the fees for:
- fingerprinting
- your criminal history check.
Unsuccessful application
If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a letter outlining the reason/s for the decision.
If you disagree, you may apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a review.