Body Art Card FAQs
You will need to schedule an appointment using our online scheduling portal. At the appointment you will need to provide the information requested. If you are an apprentice, you can find the required documents on our Body Art or Microblading Apprentice Card page. If you have experience as a body artist, you can find the required documents on our Body Art or Microblading Card page. At the appointment you will need to pass a multiple-choice exam. Study information for the exam may be found on those pages.
When you arrive for your exam appointment, you will need to provide a valid photo ID, proof of bloodborne pathogen training completed within the last year and one of the following:
- Applicants for a permanent Body Art Card must provide proof of at least six months experience or training outside Clark County, NV, in the form of a letter from the shop or facility where they worked, or a permit or license issued from the previous jurisdiction in which they operated if they were self-employed.
- New apprentices must provide a completed Apprenticeship Application and Employment Verification form showing where they will complete their training.
Health District regulations require that body art staff meet certain requirements, including six months of training in with a person holding a Mentor Card, they must be 18, must have completed infectious disease training, and pass an exam with a minimum score of 80 percent.
If an artist does not meet these requirements, they must obtain the Body Art Apprentice Card first.
Applicants for a permanent Body Art Card must provide proof they have completed the above requirements and provide an employment letter from the shop or facility with health district permit.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Health District’s body art program, (702) 759-0677.
A microblading card is issued to those who only practice microblading and is limited to the face. There may be up to fifteen microblading apprentices for every mentor. A Body Art Card is needed if a person wishes to provide body art services that include tattoo, permanent makeup or piercing anywhere on the body.
Health cards are no longer issued and have been replaced by the Body Art Card. The Body Art Card ensures that you meet certain requirements. You do not need TB screening or proof of any immunizations. However, the Health District recommends that you review your hepatitis A/B immunization status.
Body artists who wish to train apprentices must have a Mentor Card. Mentor Cards will be issued upon request and application after a body artist has at least four consecutive years of experience. There may only be up to five body art apprentices or fifteen microblading apprentices for every mentor.
No, you only need to hold a Body Art Card. The Mentor Card is only for those who want to train apprentices.
No, your Mentor Card is your Body Art Card or Microblading Card.
Only if you want to limit your practice to microblading as defined in the 2021 SNHD Regulations Governing the Sanitation and Safety of Body Art Establishments. Microblading artists are limited to applying body art to the parts of the face that result in mimicry of hair.
Only after completing an apprenticeship under a Body Art Mentor to perform tattooing or piercing.
Yes. If you have held a valid Body Art Card for four consecutive years, you can request a Mentor Card. You will need to schedule an appointment online by filling out the form found here, submit the form, and follow the instructions provided. At the time of the appointment, you will need to pay the $25.00 card processing fee. Your new Mentor Card will be valid for two years from the date of issue.
The fee is $175 ($150 exam fee plus $25 card fee). The renewal is $25. An additional $25 late fee will be applied to card renewals that have expired.
Body Art Cards are good for two years.
Body Art Apprentice Cards: Once your training is complete, you can submit your Experience Verification Form and your apprentice card will be exchanged for the permanent Body Art Card. The expiration date will remain the same.
It is at the employer’s discretion to sign off on your experience. The Experience Verification Form must be submitted when your employer determines your training is complete. You must renew your Body Art Apprentice Card if it expires before your training is complete and will be charged the regular fee for a card renewal.
The Health District requires that all Body Art Card holders receive infectious disease training, such as the Preventing Disease Transmission training offered by the American Red Cross or Bloodborne Pathogen training offered by an OSHA approved training program. You must complete the training prior to taking the health district exam. Visit the American Red Cross webpage for information on their course.
If you have another question not addressed here, please send an e-mail to healthcards@snhd.org.
Updated on: December 27, 2023