if you tattoo and have HIV?

Tell them... Not tryna be rude but I personally wouldn't let someone with HIV tattoo me .

The answer may depend upon state law. So that's the first place to start.

The whole idea behind universal precautions is that you assume everyone has a disease that can be passed on through blood or other bodily fluids. So unless he's cut, or coughing or sneezing he's not a risk to customers. As professional shops sterilize tubes, use new sterile needles, don't reuse ink, and cover working surfaces (and other things), the risk of infection from the tattoo process is low. Often the artists are trained in Red Cross Blood Borne Contamination.

Your friend should seek out an apprenticeship with a good shop. That way he'll learn not only the art, but the safety side of the business.

So google tattooing laws for your state for the regulations. If the law doesn't require this, I personally think he has no obligation to tell as long as he's following all safety procedures.

FYI I've worked in the medical field for years, and I've always been worried more about Hepatitis. (Even back in the day when AIDS was the most feared monster on the block.) HIV is not that easy to get or pass on. So again, if the State law doesn't mandate telling, he has obligation to tell.

Yes, you should tell them.

I'm sorry you have it): They make plenty of meds now a days though so most people with it live a long life :)

They should tell them