Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Boston, MA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. MA DPH Body Art Establishment License

   Required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health under 105 CMR 124 (Body Art Establishment Regulations). All body art facilities in Massachusetts must be licensed by MA DPH. The application requires detailed facility plans, sterilization protocols, and compliance with state bloodborne pathogen standards.

   Official government source

   $150-$300/year·6-10 weeks

   $150-$300/year

   6-10 weeks

2. MA DPH Individual Tattoo Artist License

   Each tattoo artist working in the establishment must hold an individual license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health under 105 CMR 124. Requires completion of a state-approved bloodborne pathogen training course and registration with MA DPH.

   Official government source

   $50-$100/artist·4-8 weeks

   $50-$100/artist

   4-8 weeks

3. MA Secretary of State Business Registration

   Required by the Massachusetts Secretary of State for LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities operating in Massachusetts.

   Official government source

   $35-$500 (one-time filing, varies by entity type)·1-2 weeks

   $35-$500 (one-time filing, varies by entity type)

   1-2 weeks

1. Boston Public Health Commission Body Art Establishment Permit

   Issued by the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), this permit is required for all body art establishments including tattoo parlors in Boston. Includes a comprehensive facility inspection for sterilization equipment, sanitation standards, hand-washing facilities, and compliance with BPHC body art regulations.

   Official government source

   $300-$500/year·4-8 weeks

   $300-$500/year

   4-8 weeks

2. City of Boston Business Certificate

   A Business Certificate (DBA) is required from the Boston City Clerk for any business operating under a trade name in Boston. Must be obtained before operating the tattoo parlor.

   Official government source

   $65 (for 4 years)·1-2 weeks

   $65 (for 4 years)

   1-2 weeks

3. Boston Inspectional Services Certificate of Occupancy

   Required from the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for the tattoo parlor premises. Confirms the commercial space meets building code, fire safety, and zoning requirements for body art facility use. Requires inspection before opening.

   Official government source

   $100-$500·2-6 weeks

   $100-$500

   2-6 weeks

4. Boston Licensing Board Approval

   Body art establishments in Boston must receive approval from the Boston Licensing Board. The board reviews applications for compliance with city regulations and may hold a public hearing. This is an additional layer of approval specific to Boston's regulatory environment.

   Official government source

   $100-$300·4-8 weeks

   $100-$300

   4-8 weeks

5. Boston Fire Department Inspection

   Required by the Boston Fire Department prior to opening. Ensures the tattoo parlor meets Boston Fire Code requirements including proper egress, fire suppression systems, extinguisher placement, and occupancy limits.

   Official government source

   $50-$200·1-3 weeks

   $50-$200

   1-3 weeks

Official Sources

• MA DPH - Body Art Establishment Regulations (105 CMR 124)
• Boston Public Health Commission
• Boston Licensing Board
• Boston Inspectional Services Department

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