Washington microblading and permanent makeup rules
Do you need a license to do microblading in Washington?
Yes. In Washington, a person who applies permanent eyeliner, eyebrows, lip liner, lip color or re-pigmentation by implanting pigment under the skin needs a permanent cosmetic artist license from the Department of Licensing. The applicant must be at least 18 and hold a current bloodborne pathogens certificate, and the renewal fee is $275. Below: the studio license, the agency that issues them, local rules and what Washington says about microblading itself, each answered from Washington's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026.
- Artist license
- License needed
- Studio license
- License needed
- Artist fee
- $275
- Local rules
- County or city too
Licensed by Washington State Department of Licensing.The agency's page The state's own words
The artist
Do you need a license to do permanent makeup in Washington?
Yes. In Washington, a person who applies permanent eyeliner, eyebrows, lip liner, lip color or re-pigmentation by implanting pigment under the skin needs a permanent cosmetic artist license from the Department of Licensing. The applicant must be at least 18 and hold a current bloodborne pathogens certificate, and the renewal fee is $275.
- License needed
- License needed
- License name
- Permanent cosmetic artist license
- Training hours
- Not stated
- State fee
- $275
The studio
Does a microblading studio need a license in Washington?
Yes. A shop or business that offers this work must hold a state artist shop license, which costs $330 per location for a first license, and must hold a Department of Revenue certificate of registration.
- License needed
- License needed
- License name
- Artist shop, mobile unit, and event license
- State fee
- $330
Microblading by name
Is microblading considered tattooing in Washington?
Not by name. Washington's official pages we read do not use the word microblading, but they license permanent makeup or tattooing, and microblading deposits pigment in the skin the same way. Ask the Washington State Department of Licensing before you treat it as anything else.
Local rules
Do counties or cities license permanent makeup in Washington?
Yes. Under state law the Department of Licensing may contract with local health authorities to conduct shop inspections, but the state issues the license.
Good to know
What else Washington asks of permanent makeup artists
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must have a current and active bloodborne pathogens certificate.
- Every licensee must follow the Department of Health sterilization and infection-control rules in WAC 246-145.
Sources
What Washington's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of Washington's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026. Rules change, and counties can add their own: confirm with the Washington State Department of Licensing before you start.
- The artist's license
“If you apply permanent eyeliner, eyebrows, lip liner, lip color, or re-pigmentation by implanting pigment under the skin, you need a permanent cosmetic artist license”
dol.wa.gov “Find out what the requirements are to get a license to work as a tattoo, body piercing, body art, or permanent cosmetic artist.”
dol.wa.gov “Complete a Body Art, Body Piercing, Tattoo Artist, Permanent Cosmetics License, Renewal or Reinstatement Application”
dol.wa.gov “$275 ($385 if late)”
dol.wa.gov - The studio's license
“It is unlawful for any person to engage in a practice listed in subsection (2) of this section unless the person has a license in good standing as required by this chapter.”
lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov “(b) Operates a shop or business.”
lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov “Artist shop, mobile unit, and event license fees”
dol.wa.gov “$330 per location”
dol.wa.gov - Local rules
“The director may contract with health authorities of local governments to conduct the inspections under this subsection.”
lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov - Also good to know
“Be at least 18 years old”
dol.wa.gov - Also good to know
“Have a current and active bloodborne pathogens certificate”
dol.wa.gov - Also good to know
“Every licensee shall comply with the requirements established by the department of health under WAC 246-145-015 , 246-145-050 , and 246-145-060 .”
lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov
Questions
Washington microblading licenses, answered
Do you need a license to do microblading in Washington?
Is microblading considered tattooing or permanent makeup in Washington?
Does a permanent makeup studio need a license in Washington?
Who licenses permanent makeup artists in Washington?
How much does a permanent makeup license cost in Washington?
Does a cosmetology or esthetician license cover microblading in Washington?
Plan the rest
Licensed and ready to book clients
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- What Washington requires to open a salon or studio
- What Washington 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
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