Providing fingerprints for tattoo licences

Applying for a licence

You need to supply your fingerprints and palm prints in order to get either an Operator or Tattooist licence. We will match the prints with the 100 points of identity in your application.

You will need to:

  • apply for the relevant licence and pay your fee
  • receive a confirmation letter from us that explains the fingerprinting process
  • book an appointment at one of the Queensland police stations listed at the bottom of this page.

If you refuse

We can’t issue you a licence if you don’t give your prints. You will be unable to work in the tattoo industry.

Applicants

New applicants

We will need to fingerprint anyone applying for a new licence. This means that you will need to give your fingerprints if you have:

  • never held a tattoo licence
  • held a licence before, but it has expired
  • given fingerprints for another purpose.

If you’ve already been printed

You must give your fingerprints again, even if you have already given them for:

Renewing applicants

You do not need to have your fingerprints and palm prints taken if you are renewing your licence.

Getting it done

Appointment

Once you receive the confirmation letter from us, you will need to:

  • contact your nearest police station from those listed on this page
  • find a suitable time for an appointment with them
  • turn up on time for your appointment.

If you can’t make it to a police station, the letter will set out your alternative options. These only apply if you are legitimately unable to visit a police station.

When you arrive, you will need to present:

  • your confirmation letter
  • the same 100 points of identification that you used for your application form.

The police station will contact us when they have your fingerprints, and your application will proceed.

Storing your prints

The police will keep your prints on a nationwide archive.

Every Australian police service:

  • has access to this archive
  • can use it to solve crimes.

The fingerprints and palm prints will stay on this archive for as long as your licence is current.

Destroying your prints

Once your licence is expired, you must apply to the Commissioner of Police to have your fingerprints and palm prints destroyed.

If your licence is refused or cancelled, or you withdraw your application, we must destroy your prints in the presence of a Justice of the Peace.

If you re-apply for a licence, you will need to give a new set of fingerprints and palm prints and pay all fees again.

Locations

These 15 police stations from around Queensland have the equipment to take your fingerprints and palm prints. Find your closest station from the list below.

LocationAddressPhone
Beenleigh 3 Kent Street
BEENLEIGH  QLD  4207
(07) 3801 0777
Broadbeach Corner Philip Avenue and Surf Parade
BROADBEACH  QLD  4218
(07) 5581 2800
Cairns  5 Sheridan Street
CAIRNS  QLD  4870
(07) 4030 7000
Dutton Park Annerley Road
DUTTON PARK  QLD  4102
(07) 3020 8111
Gladstone 10-12 Yarroon Street
GLADSTONE  QLD  4680
(07) 4971 3222
Goodna 12 Church Street
GOODNA  QLD  4300
(07) 3436 2999
Ingham 37 Palm Terrace
INGHAM  QLD  4850
(07) 4776 9777
Mackay  57 Sydney Street
MACKAY  QLD  4740
(07) 4968 3460
Maroochydore 13 Cornmeal Parade
MAROOCHYDORE  QLD  4558
(07) 5475 2444
Maryborough  176 Lennox Street
MARYBOROUGH  QLD  4650
(07) 4123 8111
Mt Isa 7 Isa Street
MOUNT ISA  QLD  4825
(07) 4744 1140
Rockhampton  Corner Bolsover Street and Denham Street
ROCKHAMPTON  QLD  4700
(07) 4932 3500
Stafford  88 Webster Road
STAFFORD  QLD  4053
(07) 3364 1800
Toowoomba  161 Hume Street
TOOWOOMBA  QLD   4350
(07) 4631 6305 or
(07) 4631 6306
Townsville 30 Stanley Street
TOWNSVILLE  QLD  4810
(07) 4759 9777