Moving to Oregon?

 

Here's a list of things you will need to get your license via the reciprocity pathway.

1. CPR & First Aid Certification. They specifically want artists to attend in-person seminars for initial license obtainment. (best to book them same day):
http://www.cprlifeline.com/

2. If you have a license from another state, they will want proof of license to transfer. If you are coming from another state without licensing they have recommended possibly ordering a Washington Tattoo License and transferring that to Oregon. ($250 fee with a 2-4 week processing window):
https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/tattoo/tattoolicense.html

This is a list directly from the OHLA of the states whose licenses are equivalent to Oregon and will transfer via reciprocity and may not need the additional steps listed. If your state is not on this list see the fields below.

They may also ask for a notarized note of employment from a previous employer, depending on your current state of residence and your other documents.

3. Official Copy of High School Diploma or GED. Not everyone has proof of their high school diploma. Many people are coming from other countries which requires a third party verification, this is a 6 week process which costs roughly $260. Alternatively, one could take the GED test for $152 at a local community college or online. https://www.pcc.edu/testing/high-school-equivalency/

4. Proof of taxes isn’t mandatory anymore (several newly license reciprocity artists have confirmed but their website may not reflect that) and a letter from a previous employer can work in it’s place. If they do end up wanting taxes the State requires 3 years minimum PLUS any documentation including employment related documents such as: paystubs, W-2 Forms and federal tax forms, letters from employers, etc. You want to have as much information as possible to prove that you have been a working tattooer for the previous 3 years. Anything that supports that case is useful.

5. Two forms of original identification issued by a federal, state or local government agency of the United States to be produced at the time of the examination. One form must be photographic, and the legal names on both pieces must match.

6. Compile all above information. Take it to the Health and Licensing Office and pay the application and examination fees in person.

7. Take exam same day.

Health and Licensing Info Page:

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Pages/Board-Body-Art-Practitioners-Tattoo-Artists-License.aspx