Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Denver, CO
Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.
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
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Colorado
3 stopsCO DORA Body Art Establishment License
Colorado requires tattoo establishments to be licensed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). State rules govern facility sanitation, equipment sterilization, recordkeeping, and artist qualifications.
$100–$200/year2–4 weeks
$100–$200/year
2–4 weeks
Colorado Tattoo Artist Registration
Individual tattoo artists in Colorado must register with DORA. Registration requires proof of bloodborne pathogen training, a portfolio review, and completion of state application forms.
$50–$100 per artist2–4 weeks
$50–$100 per artist
2–4 weeks
Colorado Sales Tax License
Required for selling taxable merchandise (aftercare products, merchandise). Issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Official government source$16/yearImmediate (online application)
$16/year
Immediate (online application)
City of Denver / Denver County
4 stopsDenver Business License
Required for all businesses operating in Denver. Issued by the Denver Department of Excise & Licenses. Tattoo establishments must register before opening.
Official government source$25–$50/year1–2 weeks
$25–$50/year
1–2 weeks
DDPHE Body Art Establishment License
Required for all tattoo and body art establishments in Denver. Issued by the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. The facility must pass a pre-opening inspection verifying sterilization equipment (autoclave), proper sharps disposal, ventilation, handwashing stations, and artist credentials.
Official government source$200–$300/year2–4 weeks after application and inspection
$200–$300/year
2–4 weeks after application and inspection
Certificate of Occupancy
Required before opening in a commercial space. Issued by Denver Community Planning and Development after zoning, building, and fire inspections confirm the space meets code requirements.
Official government source$100–$4002–6 weeks
$100–$400
2–6 weeks
Fire Inspection
Required as part of the Certificate of Occupancy process and annually thereafter. Denver Fire Department inspects for fire suppression systems, extinguisher placement, and emergency exits.
Official government sourceNo separate feeScheduled with CO process
No separate fee
Scheduled with CO process
Terminus
Open for business — est. $500–$1,200 · 4–8 weeks to complete all permits, inspections, and licensing
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