Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Las Vegas, NV
Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Las Vegas / Clark County Requirements
4 requirementsCity of Las Vegas Business License
Required for tattoo studios operating within Las Vegas city limits. Tattooing is classified as a body art establishment. Apply through the City of Las Vegas Department of Planning. Zoning confirmation is required — commercial zones only, not residential. Renew annually.
Clark County Business License (if in unincorporated Clark County)
Required for tattoo parlors in unincorporated Clark County, which includes the Las Vegas Strip corridor and many commercial areas outside city limits. Issued by the Clark County Business License Department.
Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) Body Art Establishment Permit
Issued by the Southern Nevada Health District. All tattoo studios and body piercing establishments in Clark County must obtain this permit. SNHD inspects for sterilization equipment (autoclave with spore testing), single-use needles, proper sharps disposal, handwashing stations, lighting, ventilation, and general sanitation. Permit class is based on services offered. Must be renewed annually.
Certificate of Occupancy
Required before opening a tattoo studio in a commercial space. Confirms the location complies with local building codes including proper ventilation, lighting standards, plumbing, fire safety, and ADA accessibility. Any tenant improvements (walls, plumbing, electrical) must be separately permitted through the city or county building department.
Nevada State Requirements
3 requirementsNevada DPBH Tattoo Artist Registration
Issued by the Nevada Department of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH). Every individual tattoo artist and body piercer working in Nevada must register with DPBH. Registration requires proof of bloodborne pathogen training (completion of an approved BBP course), CPR/First Aid certification, and a valid government-issued ID. Registration must be renewed annually.
Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Training Certification
Mandatory for all tattoo artists and body piercers under Nevada law (NRS 585). Training must be completed through an OSHA-compliant or Nevada-approved provider. Covers prevention of disease transmission, proper handling of sharps and biohazardous waste, use of personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures. Must be renewed annually.
Nevada SilverFlume Business Registration
Register your tattoo studio as an LLC or corporation through Nevada's SilverFlume portal. Tattoo parlors face significant liability exposure from allergic reactions, infections, and client dissatisfaction — LLC formation is strongly recommended to protect personal assets. Nevada has no state income tax.
Federal Requirements
2 requirementsEmployer Identification Number (EIN)
Issued by the IRS at no cost. Required if you have employed artists, operate as an LLC or corporation, or open a business bank account. Note: Many tattoo studios have both employees and booth-renting independent contractors — consult a tax professional about correct worker classification.
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards Compliance
Tattoo studios with employees are subject to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), which requires an Exposure Control Plan, regular BBP training for all staff, hepatitis B vaccination offer to employees, and proper sharps disposal containers and biohazardous waste management.
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