Body Artist

You can access the online application by clicking on the blue buttons on the right-hand side of this page.

A body artist or temporary body artist applicant can check the status of an application at any time through the online application portal. Please download our Application Status Check-In Guide(PDF, 457KB) for step by step instructions.

We strongly recommend using Google Chrome or Safari browsers to complete the online application.

We recommend that current body artists apply for a new body artist license 30 days before their current license expires. This will ensure that Excise and Licenses has plenty of time to process the application so that there is no lapse in the body artists ability to work.

Temporary body artists must submit their applications at least 30 days before the scheduled event.

Before beginning your online application, please take the following actions:

1. Read the ordinance here governing body artist and temporary body artists licenses to ensure that this license is right for you.
2. Start gathering all of the required documents listed in the next section of this website. Make sure the documents are filled out completely and uploaded onto your computer. Note that some documents may take several days to obtain, such as a Colorado Driving Record.
3. Ensure that you have a banking account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card that you can use to pay online.
4. Start your application!

Upon application, you will need to pay a $25 license fee. These fees can be paid with a bank account or a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover Card. 

The following documents are required upon application:

• A Copy of Valid State or Federally Issued Identification (i.e. driver's license, passport, etc...)
• A Headshot Photo that meets Badging Criteria
• An OSHA Compliant Bloodborne Pathogen Training Certificate (must be valid and taken within last twelve months)

NOTE - Excise and Licenses will strive to process any application for a new body artist or temporary body artist license within 7 business days. The application review process may take longer if the application is found to be incomplete or if a police review is required.

The application process for a new body artist or temporary body artist license is as follows:

1. The applicant submits an application online. All required documents must be uploaded before the application is submitted.
2. Excise and Licenses will review the application and supporting documents for completeness. If the application is found to be incomplete, a "notice of deficiency" email will be sent to the applicant allowing 14 days for corrections.
3. If the applicant is found to be eligible for licensing, a copy of the body artist's professional license and a temporary badge document valid for ten (10) calendar days will be emailed to the applicant, allowing the body artist to immediately start working. Meanwhile, a permanent body artist badge will be mailed to the address provided in the online application if requested, or the body artist may come in to Excise and Licenses to pick up the badge. Be sure to read and follow all conditions printed on the temporary badge document and the professional license.
4. The body artist should read the section below titled 'Once You Have Your License' and be sure to adhere to each of the specified requirements of licensure.

License Must be Carried and Badge Must be Displayed While Working

Excise and Licenses will email a professional license to all body artists and temporary body artists. This license (or a clear picture of the professional license) must be carried by the body artist or temporary body artist at all times during which the body artist or temporary body artist is working.

The permanent body artist or temporary body artist badge issued by Excise and Licenses must be worn on the outermost part of their clothing in a clearly visible manner at all times during which the body artist or temporary body artist is working. If a badge is lost or damaged, a replacement badge can be requested online.

Requirement to Keep Contact Information Up to Date

If a body artist's contact information changes, they must file an online amendment application notifying Excise and Licenses of the change.

Requirement to Renew Annually

Professional licenses expire annually. It is unlawful for a body artist to work with an expired license. Renewal applications must be filed online with Excise and Licenses before a license expires. This is for body artists only. Temporary body artist licenses expire at the end of the event.

WHEN & HOW TO FILE

If you would like to update your contact information, please use the link on the right-hand side of this page to access our online licensing portal. Once you arrive at the "My Licenses" page, select the "Amendment" action for the license you wish to update, and then follow the prompts.

LEGAL NAME CHANGES

If your legal name changed, please e-mail a written request to licenses@denvergov.org and include one of the following documents in your e-mail:

• A certified copy of a marriage certificate indicating your new name
• A certified copy of a final divorce decree in which the judge listed your desired name change directly on the decree
• Other certified court documents granting a legal name change

WHEN TO FILE

If your body artist badge has been lost or stolen.

HOW TO FILE

Please use the link on the right-hand side of this page to access our online licensing portal. Once you arrive at the "My Licenses" page, select the "Amendment" action for the license you wish to update, and then follow the prompts.

NO DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED TO REQUEST A REPLACEMENT BADGE