Arkansas Tattoo Laws

In Arkansas the tattoo artists are required to be certified and the Certification requires six-month apprenticeship with certified artist in Arkansas for atleast minimum of 3 years. It is also neccessary the apprenticeship to be completed as well as with a written exam as per the Rules and Regulations Pertaining Permanent Tattoo Establishments. After a six month apprenticeship, practical exam is conducted. A copy of the regulations can be made available on the request.

Main purpose of these laws is to protect the health of the public. Thease laws establish some standards about prevention of diseases due to tattooing and branding. These rules are applied and interpreted in order to protect the public health.

Sterilization equipments like approved steam pressure type autoclave as well as approved autoclave packaging is required in tattoo establishments. If the Mobile tattoo units in Arkansas meets all the Rules and Regulations as per tattoo laws with provision for storage of liquid waste and a potable water system under pressure, then only the mobile tattoo units approved in Arkansas.

An annual license fee for tattoo artists or shops requires a $250 by Act 414 of 2001, which expires on 31st December of same year. Now a day, there is no artist license fees required.

5-27-228. Tattooing a minor without parental consent

• Any person who tattoos any of the minor without the written permission of that minor's parents or guardian shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and have to pay the fine in between $20.00 to $200.
• In this section followings are explained in detail :
  1. Tattoo - It means to insert pigments or indelible inks under the surfaces of the skin of a human body by using needle or otherwise, in order to produce an indelible mark or figure that is visible on the body skin.
  2. Minor - It means any person below age of 18 years.
• This section is not applicable to any act of a licensed practitioner of the healing arts performed during the practice.

History : Acts 1957, No. 277, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 41-2468 - 41-2470.