FAST FACT: DOL also regulates more than 30 professions

Tatoo artist Hanz Zarate of Pierced Hearts Tattoo Parlor in Seattle. (Seattle Times photo by Michelle Archer)

While most everyone knows we issue driver licenses, ID cards and vehicle tabs, an often overlooked area of the Department of Licensing’s responsibilities is business and professional licensing.  We regulate 34 professions that represent more than 264,000 active licensees. 

A recent  Seattle Times article provides a great overview of our programs.

DOL is more than just driver licenses and car tabs

Every working day, DOL is serving Washington residents. The agency licenses and regulates drivers, vehicles and vessels and works with law enforcment to ensure our roadways and the traveling public is safe.

But there’s a whole other side of the agency that isn’t as obvious, but is critical to consumer protection in our state. DOL licenses and regulates 30 different professions, and issues business licenses through the Master License Service.

Each year, we:

Manage about 262,000 professional licenses.

Register nearly 4,000 complaints regarding professional licenses.

Issue over 3,000 cosmetology operator licenses for cosmetologists, barbers, manicurists, and estheticians.

Licensing for body art, tattoo, and body piercing starts July 1

by Christine Anthony

Tattoo and body artists and body piercers across the state can begin applying for their industry’s new professional licenses starting this month.

The Legislature directed DOL to create a tattoo, body piercing, and body art licensing program in 2009 as a measure to protect public health. The law requires tattoo artists, body piercers, and permanent makeup cosmetic technicians to get and maintain a state license. Business establishments where these services are offered also must obtain a license.

The new regulations and licensing information are posted on the Department of Licensing website at www.dol.wa.gov/business/tattoo.