Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $516–$1,500 est. 6–12 weeks
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 Georgia

1 stop

  1. Georgia DPH Body Art Rules and Regulations (Chapter 511-3-8)

    Georgia's statewide Body Art regulations under Chapter 511-3-8 of the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Department of Public Health were adopted March 6, 2023 and became effective April 6, 2023 (full compliance required by October 6, 2023). These rules set standards for studio facilities, sterilization, bloodborne pathogen control, and practitioner training. All permits are issued at the local county level by county environmental health offices. There is no separate state-issued studio permit — the county permit (Fulton County Board of Health) fulfills the state regulatory requirement.

    Official government source

    No separate state fee — regulated at county levelN/A

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

3 stops

  1. Fulton County Board of Health — Body Art Studio Permit

    All tattoo studios in Fulton County (including the City of Atlanta) must obtain a Body Art Studio Permit from the Fulton County Board of Health Environmental Health division. The studio must pass an inspection confirming compliance with Georgia's Body Art Rules and Regulations (Chapter 511-3-8, adopted March 2023; effective April 6, 2023, full compliance by October 6, 2023). Submit a completed Body Art Establishment Permit Application with the applicable fee to the Fulton County Environmental Health Office.

    Official government source

    Contact Fulton County Board of Health for current studio permit fee4–8 weeks (includes facility inspection)

  2. Fulton County Board of Health — Body Artist License (per artist)

    Each individual tattoo artist must obtain a Body Artist License from the Fulton County Board of Health. The license application fee is $125 per artist, renewable annually. Artists must demonstrate required training and pass a Body Artist Certification exam ($50 per exam). All practitioners must show knowledge of infection control, bloodborne pathogen safety, and relevant Georgia regulations.

    Official government source

    $125 (license application fee) + $50 (certification exam) = $175 per artist2–6 weeks

  3. City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate (Business License)

    All businesses operating within the City of Atlanta must obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate from the City of Atlanta Department of Finance. As of 2026, the annual registration fee is $191, plus $25 per employee (first employee exempt). Apply online through the ATLBIZ portal. Zoning confirmation may also be required from the Atlanta Department of City Planning.

    Official government source

    $191 annual registration fee (plus $25 per additional employee)1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $516–$1,500 · 6–12 weeks

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides