New Mexico Tattoo License

It is not easy to obtain a New Mexico tattoo license. However, if an individual follows the state rules and procedures, he/she will probably succeed. Find below all the precious details about acquiring an operation permit.

How to get a New Mexico Tattoo License?

For working as a body art technician, a person should have New Mexico tattoo license. However, it is not easy to get it. There are certain steps that one needs to take.

First of all, there is a requirement for completing an apprenticeship/training course. Then, you should find a qualified sponsor that has been practicing in NM for at least 5 years.  In its turn, the sponsor also has to complete a special verification form that is accessible on the official website of the NM Department of Regulation and Licensing.

Application for the apprenticeship requires the following paperwork:

• A photo that has a passport quality
• Photocopy of driver’s license
• Exam on Jurisprudence
• A fee of $50

After working under the supervision of the certified sponsor, and reaching 1,400 hours of work, you may apply for the licensure. The latter is for the operator and establishment. Read the article to get all the needed info on the rules and the payments.

Application Procedure

Before applying for the permit make sure you have proof of:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (First aid)
• Bloodborne pathogens certificate: it is for those employees that are exposed to blood or other toxic fluids at their workplace. So, they should attend an online course by setting up an account. Do the payment of $15, and enroll in the course.
• Photo of passport quality
• Driver’s certificate
• A fee of $100
• Show proof of passing the theory exam (Professional credential services provide that paper.)

Requirements for the Establishment

• No one may operate a body art salon without approval issued by the Department.
• Each year you have to renew the permit.
• Department requires fees (non-refundable) for each salon.
• The facility permit cannot be transferred to another place or person.
• Attach valid permit on the visible place, as the patients can read and observe it.
• Only those who have complied with the operator’s certificate requirements may work at the facility.

Operator Permit

• A person who wants to practice in this field has to get authorization first. Moreover, he/she has to pay a non-refundable fee.
• The permit is valid for two years and after expiration, you have to renew it.
• To apply for the certification, you have to fill out an application form. Provide the following information: your details, mailing address, telephone number, places of employment, and training in the sphere.
• Within 3 months of receiving the first authorization, the operator should provide proof of participation in the Bloodborne Pathogen course.
• The Department investigates the applicant’s compliance with the laws. Only after that, it does issue the license.
• The license should be attached to the visible place.

Laws

In NM body art technicians should follow special rules and regulations of the sphere. There are prohibitions that we want to mention in this section:

• First of all, it is illegal to operate a body art establishment or work as a tattoo artist without state authorization.
• Secondly, it is also prohibited to get licensure using fraud.
• An artist cannot perform a tattoo on a person that is under the age of 18. The latter should present the written consent of the parent or legal guardian. Moreover, the parent or legal guardian should personally pass the consent to the operator. He/she also needs to show a photo ID or driving certificate for authorization.
• Finally, it is illegal to tattoo a person that is under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

There are also a lot of regulations on the establishment.

In brief, it has to be clean and sterilized. All the surfaces, walls, and floors have to be washable and without holes and other damages. The workers should keep their instruments clean and packed inside a closed container. The use of an autoclave for sterilization is a must. Each artist must have a separate room with a separate hand-sink. Besides, they have to keep themselves clean.