Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Portland, ME

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. Maine Revenue Services — Sales Tax Registration

   Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Maine. Maine charges a 5.5% state sales tax (food and lodging have different rates). Register with Maine Revenue Services online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

2. Bloodborne Pathogen Training (per tattoo artist)

   Maine's Rules Relating to Tattooing require every applicant for a tattoo practitioner license - new applicants and renewals alike - to show proof of having attended a bloodborne pathogen training program given or approved by the Department of Health and Human Services within the last 3 years. Training is delivered by private providers and professional associations, not by DHHS itself.

   Official government source

   Course fees are set by the training provider (commonly under $100 per person); DHHS charges nothing for the training itself·Typically a short course completed in a day or online; the certificate must be no more than 3 years old at each application or renewal

   Course fees are set by the training provider (commonly under $100 per person); DHHS charges nothing for the training itself

   Typically a short course completed in a day or online; the certificate must be no more than 3 years old at each application or renewal

1. Maine Tattoo Practitioner License (DHHS Health Inspection Program)

   Tattooing in Maine requires a tattoo practitioner license from the Department of Health and Human Services, issued by the Maine CDC Health Inspection Program. Licenses are issued to an individual for a specific approved establishment, so a separate license is required for each operating location, and they expire September 30 each year. New applicants and renewals must show proof of a bloodborne pathogen training program given or approved by the Department within the last 3 years, plus a demonstration of safe tattooing practice. Body piercing and micropigmentation are licensed separately. Portland's delegated health inspection agreement with Maine CDC covers eating and lodging establishments, not body art, so tattoo licensing remains a state function even in Portland.

   Official government source

   $250 per year for a Tattoo Practitioner license ($250 for Body Piercing; $300 for both; $50 for each additional location; $75 for a tattoo show). Late renewal adds $25 within 30 days or $125 after (Maine CDC Health Inspection Program fee schedule).·Licenses run to September 30 each year; the establishment must pass inspection before the license is issued

   $250 per year for a Tattoo Practitioner license ($250 for Body Piercing; $300 for both; $50 for each additional location; $75 for a tattoo show). Late renewal adds $25 within 30 days or $125 after (Maine CDC Health Inspection Program fee schedule).

   Licenses run to September 30 each year; the establishment must pass inspection before the license is issued

2. City of Portland Business License (specific regulated activities only)

   Portland does not require a business licence of every business. The City's Business License Administrator (207-874-8557, [email protected]) issues licences only for specific regulated categories: food service and liquor establishments, breweries and distilleries, food trucks and pushcarts, temporary events and catering, flea markets and second-hand dealers, marijuana businesses, massage therapists and establishments, taxi/livery/tour vehicles and valet parking, farmers market vendors, fire permits, scrap metal recycling and transient sellers. If your business is not in one of those categories, no City of Portland business licence is required. Where one does apply, most types need Zoning, Health, Code Enforcement, Fire, Police (SBI background check) and Treasury approvals first, and outstanding taxes or sewer fees will block issuance.

   Official government source

   $45 flat application fee (a single $45 fee even when applying for several licence types at once) and $35 a year to renew - not revenue-tiered. Sole proprietors and partnerships also file a d/b/a for $10.·Licences are annual. Allow time for the departmental approvals - zoning, health, code, fire, police background check and treasury - before the licence issues

   $45 flat application fee (a single $45 fee even when applying for several licence types at once) and $35 a year to renew - not revenue-tiered. Sole proprietors and partnerships also file a d/b/a for $10.

   Licences are annual. Allow time for the departmental approvals - zoning, health, code, fire, police background check and treasury - before the licence issues

Official Sources

• Maine Department of Health and Human Services — Tattoo/Body Piercing Establishment Permit
• City of Portland City Clerk / Licensing Division

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