Q: What are the Licensing Requirements to provide services (i.e. tattooing, body piercings) at the event?

A: All body artists (i.e., those who would like to tattoo, pierce, etc. at the BTC) must apply for a Temporary Body Art Practitioner License from the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC).

You can submit applications, required documents, and the permit fee online or by mail. Please direct all questions to 617-534-5965 or EHPermits@bphc.org.

Q: Where can I find the requirements, documents needed, and fees for BPHC licensing applications?

A: Please review the BPHC Permitting Portal for a detailed list of the requirements. High level details are available below. Please note: BTC staff is not able to research applications for licensing. Please direct all questions to the BPHC team using the information above and within this link.

Body Art Practitioner License – Documents

• A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID)
• Certificate of completion of bloodborne pathogens course
• Certificate of completion of First Aid/CPR course
• Piercers only: Certificate of completion of Anatomy & Physiology course
• Proof of at least 1 year of experience such as a copy of your current body artist license/permit or other proof of professional practice such as a business license or tax certificate

Permit Fee: $75 permit fee

All complete applications must be received by at least 5 business days in advance of the Boston Tattoo Convention to ensure they are processed prior to the convention. Applications that are incomplete or that are not received will not be processed.

Q: Do you provide Distilled Water?

A: No, we do not provide distilled water. Please review the Checklist in your welcome packet for a comprehensive list on what to bring with you.

Q: Do you have massage tables available to rent/ buy?

A: No, we do not have massage tables available to rent or buy at the event.

Q: Do you provide Sharps containers?

A: Yes.

Important: At the end of the show, Sharps must be placed with a gloved hand in the BioWaste containers at the Artist Area. Booths who do not properly return their sharps may receive a violation and potential fines.

Q: Do you provide consent forms?

A: Yes. QR codes will be available for scanning at each booth and in the main areas of the event floor.

Q: Is there an artist area for printing and stenciling needs?

A. Yes. There will be an artist station for printing designs and stencils the entire event

Q: What do I need to know about Tattoo contests?

A: Unless otherwise noted, you can find our Contest Signup booth next to the Entertainment Stage. Signup ends 30 minutes prior to Judging.

Entry Fees: Tattoo of the Day/ Best In Show = $20, All other Contests = $15. Cash Only.

Size Parameters: Small = 4’x 4′ and smaller Medium = Up to 8’ x 8’ Large = Up to 12′ x 12′

General Information/Rules

• All judges are impartial and unbiased. All entries are considered fairly and equally upon their own merit.
• The performing artists remain anonymous until awards are presented, judging is based solely on the technical and artistic qualities of each tattoo.
• Winning artists and winning collectors will receive a plaque. Contest registration is open to all applicants whose artist is attending the convention
• All Tattoo of the Day entrants must be performed by artists in attendance at the convention, started and completed on the day of the contest.
• Best Of Show entrants must have been started and completed on any day(s) of the convention
•  Both the tattoo artist and the collector must be present to receive their plaque for Tattoo of the Day & Best Of Show. The collector must be present for their plaque in all other categories. In the case that either is absent, trophies will be awarded to the runner up.
• All submissions to the “Best Cover-Up” category must include a clear and publishable “before” photograph.

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