Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Boise, ID
Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Boise, Ada County, Idaho.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Idaho
2 stopsIdaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit
Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Idaho. Idaho charges a 6% state sales tax. Some cities have local option taxes. Register with the Idaho State Tax Commission online.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online via TAP)
Free
Immediate (online via TAP)
Bloodborne Pathogen Training (federal OSHA requirement, not Idaho-specific)
Idaho has no state tattoo licensing or DHW-approved bloodborne pathogen course. Federal OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires employers of tattoo artists (occupational blood exposure) to provide BBP training, generally annually; any generic OSHA-compliant BBP course satisfies this — there is no Idaho DHW approval list. Local health districts (e.g., Central District Health for Boise/Meridian, Southwest District Health for Nampa) may set additional body-art practitioner requirements; confirm locally.
Official government source$20–$80 per person (private BBP course, not state-set)Half-day course
$20–$80 per person (private BBP course, not state-set)
Half-day course
City of Boise / Ada County
2 stopsNo Idaho Tattoo Parlor License
Idaho has no statewide tattoo or body-art licensing program. The Department of Health and Welfare does not license tattoo parlors, Idaho Code Title 39 contains no body-art article, and neither Central District Health (Ada County) nor Southwest District Health (Canyon County) lists tattoo studios among the establishments it licenses. What does apply is federal: OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, requires an exposure control plan, training, hepatitis B vaccination offers, sharps handling, and recordkeeping for any employee with reasonably anticipated exposure. Confirm separately whether your city imposes any local ordinance, and expect the usual zoning approval and Certificate of Occupancy for the space.
Official government source$0 — no state or health district tattoo permit exists. Budget instead for OSHA bloodborne pathogens training (commonly $25–$50 per person) and autoclave/sterilization equipment.N/A — no state or health district permit to apply for
$0 — no state or health district tattoo permit exists. Budget instead for OSHA bloodborne pathogens training (commonly $25–$50 per person) and autoclave/sterilization equipment.
N/A — no state or health district permit to apply for
City of Boise — No General Business License
Boise does not require a general/blanket business license. Businesses must instead comply with zoning, required building/health permits, and any applicable activity-specific city license (Animal, Food & Alcohol Beverage, Security Services, Vehicle Licensing). Most professional/personal-service businesses fall under none of these categories and need no city business license — verify your specific business's obligations with the City Clerk's Licensing page.
Official government sourceN/A — no general business license existsN/A
N/A — no general business license exists
N/A
Terminus
Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 3–8 weeks
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