Oregon microblading and permanent makeup rules
Do you need a license to do microblading in Oregon?
Yes. In Oregon, microblading is treated as tattooing, so the person doing it needs a Health Licensing Office tattoo license, which is valid for one year. The 360-hour figure applies to the career-school route; the reciprocity route for license holders from other states lists no hours. Below: the studio license, the agency that issues them, local rules and what Oregon says about microblading itself, each answered from Oregon's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026.
- Artist license
- License needed
- Studio license
- License needed
- Artist fee
- $50
- Local rules
- Not stated
Licensed by Oregon Health Licensing Office (Board of Electrologists and Body Art Practitioners).The agency's page The state's own words
The artist
Do you need a license to do permanent makeup in Oregon?
Yes. In Oregon, microblading is treated as tattooing, so the person doing it needs a Health Licensing Office tattoo license, which is valid for one year. The 360-hour figure applies to the career-school route; the reciprocity route for license holders from other states lists no hours.
- License needed
- License needed
- License name
- Tattoo License
- Training hours
- 360 hours
- State fee
- $50
The studio
Does a microblading studio need a license in Oregon?
Yes. A studio where tattooing is done must hold a body art facility license from the Health Licensing Office, in addition to the practitioner's own license.
- License needed
- License needed
- License name
- Body Art Facility License
- State fee
- $150
Microblading by name
Is microblading considered tattooing in Oregon?
Yes, by name. The Health Licensing Office's practice clarification says microblading does not fit within esthetics but does fit within the statutory definition of tattooing, so it is regulated as tattooing.
Good to know
What else Oregon asks of permanent makeup artists
- A tattoo practitioner must submit proof of current bloodborne pathogen training when applying for licensure.
- A tattoo license holder must complete at least 10 hours of satisfactory continuing education every year.
- Body art facility owners must hire or use only licensed body art practitioners in licensed body art facilities.
Sources
What Oregon's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of Oregon's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026. Rules change, and counties can add their own: confirm with the Oregon Health Licensing Office before you start.
- The artist's license
“Perform or attempt to perform services in a field of practice without a license to perform services in that field of practice;”
oregonlegislature.gov “means the process by which a live human being is marked or colored by insertion of nontoxic dyes or pigments to form indelible marks for ornamentation or decoration.”
oregonlegislature.gov “not fit within the definition of esthetics, but does fit within the definition of tattooing.”
oregon.gov “A tattoo artist licensed under ORS 690.365 may perform tattooing services.”
secure.sos.state.or.us “Completion of approved training program including 360 hours of training (210 theory/150 practical), chairside supervision under a licensed tattoo artist.”
oregon.gov “(F) Tattoo - $50.”
secure.sos.state.or.us - The studio's license
“Those providing services to the public in body piercing, electrology and tattooing must also obtain a body art facility license in addition to individual practitioner licenses.”
oregon.gov “(H) Facility - $150.”
secure.sos.state.or.us - Who issues it
“The Health Licensing Office shall issue a license to perform services in a field of practice to an applicant who:”
oregonlegislature.gov - Microblading by name
“The short answer is that it appears that microblading does not fit within the practice of”
oregon.gov - Also good to know
“Submit proof of current blood borne pathogen training.”
oregon.gov - Also good to know
“To maintain licensure, a tattoo license holder must complete a minimum of 10 hours of satisfactory continuing education every year.”
secure.sos.state.or.us - Also good to know
“Body art facility owners must hire/use only licensed body art practitioners in licensed body art facilities.”
oregon.gov
Questions
Oregon microblading licenses, answered
Do you need a license to do microblading in Oregon?
Is microblading considered tattooing or permanent makeup in Oregon?
Does a permanent makeup studio need a license in Oregon?
Who licenses permanent makeup artists in Oregon?
How much does a permanent makeup license cost in Oregon?
Does a cosmetology or esthetician license cover microblading in Oregon?
Plan the rest
Licensed and ready to book clients
- Lash extensions, brow lamination, waxing and threading in Oregon: which license each needs
- Microneedling, peels, laser and Botox: what an esthetician may do in Oregon
- What Oregon requires to open a salon or studio
- What Oregon inspectors check in a salon
- Renting a room or a chair? Start from a booth rental agreement
Microblading rules in other states
Ready when you are
Licensed? Fill the book next
SalonAI plans the business side of a permanent makeup practice in Oregon: a website clients can book from in one tap, deposits for long appointments, consent forms and touch-up reminders, your Google profile and Instagram, reviews and rebooking. Founden builds and runs it while you do the work.
Built with Founden. Review your setup and running costs before activation.