News and updates: Tattoos, body piercing, body art, and permanent cosmetics

Get the latest news about tattoos, body piercing, body art, and permanent cosmetics.

Professional License Review Act in 2025 

Tattoos, Body Piercing, Body Art, and Permanent Cosmetics Listening Sessions 

November 7, 2024

The Department of Licensing (DOL) would like to invite you to participate in virtual listening sessions to assist us in complying with the 2023 Professional License Review Act and your professional license.  

The intent of the listening session will be to gather feedback on any barriers or concerns facing licensees when getting licensed, why it is working as is, and hear from larger organizations related to the profession.  These sessions will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. We have included the meeting date, time, and link information.  We hope to see you there! 

Permanent Cosmetics Listening Session 

DATE: December 18, 2024 
TIME: 11:00am – 12:00pm 
DURATION: 60 minutes 

Join the meeting now 
Meeting ID: 263 296 819 853 
Passcode: WZp3aS 

Dial in by phone 
+1 564-999-2000,,727318218# United States, Olympia 
(564) 999-2000,,727318218# United States (Toll-free) 
Find a local number 
Phone conference ID: 350 008 868# 

Tattoo Listening Session 

DATE: December 19, 2024 
TIME: 11:00am – 12:00pm 
DURATION: 60 minutes 

Join the meeting now 
Meeting ID: 279 016 634 474 
Passcode: 6jqZVU 

Dial in by phone 
+1 564-999-2000,,614066266# United States, Olympia 
(833) 322-1218,,614066266# United States (Toll-free) 
Find a local number 
Phone conference ID: 350 008 868# 

Body Art and Body Piercing Listening Session 

DATE: December 20, 2024 
TIME: 11:00am – 12:00pm 
DURATION: 60 minutes 

Join the meeting now 
Meeting ID: 213 773 213 766 
Passcode: dSirkN 

Dial in by phone 
+1 564-999-2000,,865404309# United States, Olympia 
(833) 322-1218,,865404309# United States (Toll-free) 
Find a local number 
Phone conference ID: 350 008 868# 

What is the professional license review act?  

The 2023 Professional License Review Act requires the Department of Licensing (DOL) to submit an annual report reviewing 10 percent of our professional and business licenses. It is recognized by the legislature that: 

“Requirements, such as educational requirements, fees, and training hours, which an individual must fulfill before receiving a license to practice in a profession, can create barriers to an individual's upward mobility and freedom to pursue their profession of choice.” 

Why is DOL holding listening sessions? 

It is the intention of this listening session to hear from our licensees about any barriers they may face to licensure, so that future recommendations may be made,  

“To ensure that the rights and well-being of current and future practitioners of the profession be given full protection from unnecessary regulatory burden and that regulations meant to safeguard public health and safety are still warranted.” 

DOL has also sent an initial awareness email to license holders of identified professions under review, following the professional license review act compliance. The email content is copied below for your convenience. We highly encourage you to sign up to receive communications via DOL listserv for your profession.  


Professional License Review Act in 2025   

Auctioneers, Geologists, Tattoos, Body Piercing, Body Art, and Permanent Cosmetics  

November 7, 2024

What is the professional license review act?   

The 2023 Professional License Review Act requires the Department of Licensing (DOL) to: “annually review and analyze approximately 10 percent of the professional licenses regulated by the department and prepare and submit an annual report”. This process will provide a review of all business and professional licenses in 10-year cycles.  

What professions are being reviewed?   

For the 2025 reporting cycle, DOL will be reviewing the following professions:   

  • Auctioneers   

  • Geologists  

  • Tattoos, Body Piercing, Body Art, and Permanent Cosmetics  

What are we doing?    

DOL is beginning the review of the indicated professions, which includes stakeholder outreach.  This notification is serving as a beginning awareness of the review.  We will send further communications as needed.  For the detailed requirements of the review, please read HB 1301 “Professional License Review”.  

When will these changes be implemented?   

The research and planning for the report are currently being conducted. The report is due to the legislature August 31, 2025.   

What’s next?   

Licensees should expect minimal to no impact while DOL conducts the review. As stated, further communications will be provided as needed.   

Once complete, the report will be made available to the public on the Department of Licensing Reports to the legislature webpage starting in late 2025.   

Questions?    

Please direct any questions or concerns to:  DOL-BPDPLRA@dol.wa.gov

Sign up to get email updates

Was this information helpful?