Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Dover, DE

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Delaware — No Sales Tax

   Delaware has no state or local sales tax. Instead, Delaware levies a Gross Receipts Tax on the seller of goods or provider of services, based on total receipts. Register with the Delaware Division of Revenue.

   Official government source

   Free (gross receipts tax registration)·Immediate (online)

   Free (gross receipts tax registration)

   Immediate (online)

2. Bloodborne Pathogen Training (per body art operator)

   Delaware's Body Art Establishment regulations (16 DE Admin Code 4451), administered by DPH's Health Systems Protection Body Art Program, require every body art operator to complete a bloodborne pathogen / infection control course before working, and to renew it annually. Proof of training must be kept at the establishment and produced on inspection, alongside the establishment's own DPH permit.

   Official government source

   $20–$80 per person for an approved OSHA bloodborne pathogen course (private providers); DPH charges no separate training fee·Half-day course; renew annually

   $20–$80 per person for an approved OSHA bloodborne pathogen course (private providers); DPH charges no separate training fee

   Half-day course; renew annually

1. Delaware Division of Public Health — Body Art Establishment Permit

   Tattoo and body art establishments in Delaware must obtain a Body Art Establishment Permit from the Division of Public Health's Body Art Program (Health Systems Protection). Plan review and approval are required before opening, followed by inspection; the permit is renewed annually. Applications go to the Environmental Health Field Services office for the county where the establishment is located.

   Official government source

   $100/year (permanent or restricted establishment permit); plan review is free; temporary permits of up to 14 consecutive days carry no fee·2–6 weeks

   $100/year (permanent or restricted establishment permit); plan review is free; temporary permits of up to 14 consecutive days carry no fee

   2–6 weeks

2. City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department — Business License

   Every business operating within Dover city limits must hold a city business license (City Code ch. 26, art. II), separate from any Certificate of Occupancy for the space. Fees are set per business-type category in Appendix F, most recently revised by Ordinance 2024-22 (adopted July 8, 2024). Manufacturers and contractors instead pay a rate on gross receipts, and merchants and bottlers a rate on gross purchases for resale, each with a minimum fee. Licenses are annual and prorated quarterly for businesses that start mid-year.

   Official government source

   Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).·1–3 weeks

   Set per category in Appendix F — e.g. barber or beautician $64, manicurist $32, massage therapist $60, fitness trainer $72, food truck $180, eating establishment $128, car wash $192, health spa/club $192, pest control $96, photographer $128; businesses not listed pay $52 (1–3 employees) to $320 (51–100 employees). Contractors and manufacturers pay $0.00046 of gross receipts (minimum $128); merchants and bottlers $0.00046 of gross purchases for resale (minimum $64).

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Delaware Division of Public Health — Body Art Establishment Permit
• City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department

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