Body Tattoo/Body Piercing establishments and operators are permitted in all Northeast Health District counties. Environmental Health Specialists routinely inspect establishments to ensure the health and safety of clients and artists as outlined in the Body Tattoo/Body Piercing Establishments and Operators Rules and Regulations. Permits and the most recent health inspections must be posted and visible to the public. If you are going to undergo a procedure, please ask to see the establishment permit, the permit of the operator that will be performing your work and the last routine inspection report.
There are several health risks associated with tattooing including infection, hepatitis B and C, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureaus), HIV, allergic reactions, keloid formations and granulomas. Additional information is available on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.
Body Art Rules & Forms
DPH Body Art Rules & Regulations
DPH Body Art Studio Application
DPH Body Art Guest Artist Application
Body Art Artist/Operator Applications: Tattooing, Piercing, and Microblading exams must be taken at the local Environmental Health office. Passed tests will be submitted to the state office by Environmental Health and the state office will email the application and list of required items directly to the person requesting the permit.
Body Art/Tattoo/Piercing Establishment Permit Application Guidelines
For the Studio (establishment):
Submit the completed application to the county environmental health office that has jurisdiction for the location where the applicant intends to operate a body art studio at least 14 days prior to the start of construction. This application must be accompanied by the following:
Each application for a permit shall be accompanied by an 8 ½” x 11” or larger page containing a detailed, to-scale floor plan of the body art studio. Such plan shall show the accurate placement of each of the following: windows, doors, chairs, tables, sinks, restrooms, waiting area, and all equipment placement whether affixed or not for clients or staff, and shall include room measurements.
Specification sheets for all equipment to be in the studio shall be provided as determined by the Health Authority. Studios using all commercially purchased, individually packaged, sterile, single-use, disposable instruments and jewelry shall provide adequate manufacturer documentation to avoid requirements for an ultrasonic cleaner and autoclave.
Before being granted a permit, each body art studio shall develop a written statement of policies and standard operating procedures that address:
- Sterilization and Emergency Sterilization Procedures;
- Body Artist and Employee Health;
- Body Artist and Employee Drug and Alcohol Use;
- Sanitizing areas and equipment between use;
- Disposal of waste;
- Record keeping;
- Client screening;
- Aftercare;
- Exposure control plan;
- Emergency plan for accidents that address first aid procedures; and
- Water interruption plan
The applicant shall certify in its application the names and exact duties of the employees and body artists who will be responsible for carrying out the rules and policies adopted by the permit holder. The following information shall be included for each such person:
- Valid driver’s license or Government-issued I.D.
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Home address
- Telephone numbers
- Department-issued body artist certification of all artists who will practice in the studio
