Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $88–$1,800 est. 6–12 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you operate as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, or if you have employees. Apply free online through the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate

  2. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Compliance

    Tattoo parlors with employees must comply with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), including written exposure control plans, hepatitis B vaccination availability, proper sharps disposal, and annual employee training.

    Official government source

    Cost of training and supplies (~$200–$500/year)Ongoing

State of California

2 stops

  1. California Safe Body Art Act Compliance

    California regulates tattoo studios at the local county level under the California Safe Body Art Act (Health & Safety Code §§ 119300-119328). There is no separate statewide tattoo studio license issued by a state agency — compliance is enforced through county health department permits. Each county's environmental health or public health department is the issuing authority.

    Official government source

    No separate state fee — regulated and permitted at county levelN/A

  2. California Seller's Permit (if selling taxable merchandise)

    If the tattoo studio sells taxable merchandise such as aftercare products, clothing, or gift items, register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for a seller's permit. Registration is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

3 stops

  1. LA County Public Health — Body Art Facility Permit

    All tattoo studios operating in unincorporated Los Angeles County or within incorporated cities that rely on county health services must obtain a Body Art Facility Permit from the LA County Department of Public Health (DPH) Environmental Health division. The permit is annual and requires a facility inspection prior to issuance. Contact LA County DPH Body Art Program at (626) 430-5570 or [email protected] for current permit fees and application. The FY 2025-2026 fee schedule is published on the LA County DPH website.

    Official government source

    Contact LA County DPH Environmental Health for current annual facility permit fee (see FY 2025-2026 fee schedule)4–8 weeks (includes inspection)

  2. LA County Public Health — Body Art Practitioner Registration (per artist)

    Each individual tattoo artist working at the facility must register as a Body Art Practitioner with LA County DPH. Registration is annual. As of March 2025, the registration fee is $54 per artist per year, renewed annually. Artists must demonstrate compliance with the California Safe Body Art Act including bloodborne pathogen training.

    Official government source

    $54 per artist annually2–3 weeks

  3. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

    Tattoo studios within the City of Los Angeles must register with the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance for an annual Business Tax Registration Certificate. The annual tax is based on gross receipts. Zoning approval may also be required through the LA City Planning Department before opening.

    Official government source

    $34–$1,000+ depending on gross receipts and number of employees1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $88–$1,800 · 6–12 weeks

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Official Sources

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