Laser Tattoo Removal Regulations by State
USA Tattoo Removal Regulations
Laser tattoo removal regulations are set by each state, usually through the state medical or licensing board. These rules decide who can operate a laser, who can delegate the procedure, and who can own the device. Requirements range from minimal oversight to physician-only rules, so check your state before you start.
Use this page to find laser tattoo removal regulations by state for your business. Select your state on the map or from the list below, then read on for what most states require and how to confirm the rules where you plan to open.
What are the laser tattoo removal regulations in your state?
Each state page below summarizes that state’s laser regulations for tattoo removal and other aesthetic treatments. Select your state on the map or from the alphabetical list. Rules change, so confirm the details with your state’s medical or licensing board before you open or add services.
Please Click on Your State Below:
Choose your state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
What do most states require for laser tattoo removal?
Some states don’t require the clinic owner or the laser operator to hold a medical license. The most common requirements are an FDA-cleared laser, a physician who serves as medical director, and an operator with hands-on laser training and laser safety certification. A few states set stricter rules for who can fire the laser.
- An FDA-cleared laser device
- An affiliated physician who serves as medical director
- A certified laser operator with at least 16 hours of hands-on training
- Laser safety training and certification
In some of these states, the medical director doesn’t need to be on site. They delegate treatments and check in periodically. Only a few states require a physician on the premises, plus a mid-level practitioner to perform treatments.
Non-medical professionals make up a lot of the industry, and entrepreneurs without medical backgrounds run laser tattoo removal businesses in many states.
Learn more about the medical director’s role in medical directors for laser tattoo removal clinics. Every state’s requirements start with the device, so explore our FDA-cleared tattoo removal laser equipment and Astanza’s hands-on laser training and certification.
How do laser tattoo removal rules differ from state to state?
State rules fall along a range. A small number of states have little or no regulation, most require a physician medical director and a trained operator, and a few allow only physicians to fire the laser. Where your state falls decides who can perform treatments and how you staff your business.
See your state’s page for more information.
How do you confirm the laser tattoo removal rules in your state?
Contact your state medical or licensing board and ask specifically about laser tattoo removal. Boards set who can operate a laser, who can delegate the procedure, and who can own the device. Because answers can vary by staff member, also consult an attorney who knows your state’s medical laws before you open.
Ask about laser tattoo removal by name. Agency staff sometimes confuse it with laser hair removal, which can fall under different rules.
Don’t stop at a first “no.” Staff may answer incorrectly, and some agencies have given out wrong information.
Find the right office. Use our State Medical & Licensing Board Contact Information list.
Download the guide. Get our Guide to Researching Laser Regulations in Your State.
Talk to our team. Astanza’s Business Development Managers can help you understand your state’s requirements, including the medical director requirement.
Contact form- USA Tattoo Removal Regulations
Frequently asked questions about laser tattoo removal regulations
Do you need a medical license to perform laser tattoo removal?
In many states, no. Many states allow a trained, non-medical laser operator to perform laser tattoo removal under a physician medical director. A few states allow only physicians to fire the laser, so check your state’s rules before you hire staff or schedule treatments.
For details, see Who Can Perform Laser Tattoo Removal? State Regulations Guide.
Who regulates laser tattoo removal?
Each state regulates laser tattoo removal, usually through its medical board or another licensing board. These rules set who can operate the laser, who can delegate the procedure, and who can own the device. Because many boards don’t issue strict mandates, working with a medical director is often a smart choice.
For details, see Who Can Perform Laser Tattoo Removal? State Regulations Guide.
More resources on state laser regulations
- DOWNLOAD: Guide to Researching Laser Regulations in Your State
- Who Can Perform Laser Tattoo Removal? State Regulations Guide
- What Is the Best Way to Find Accurate State Laser Regulations?
- How Do State Laser Regulations Vary by Aesthetic Treatment?
- How Do Laser Classifications Impact Practitioner Treatment Permissions?
- How to Start a Tattoo Removal Business
- Common Pitfalls Laser Tattoo Removal Business Owners Make
- 10 Critical Questions to Ask Before Buying an Aesthetic Laser
Ready to Speak to an Expert?
Our Busciness Development Managers can walk you through your state’s requirements and what it takes to add laser tattoo removal to your business.
This page is general information, not legal advice. State rules change, so confirm current requirements with your state board or an attorney.