Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Las Vegas, NV

1. Employer 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.

   Official government source

   Free·Same day (online)

   Free

   Same day (online)

2. 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.

   Official government source

   Operational cost (varies)·Ongoing

   Operational cost (varies)

   Ongoing

1. SNHD Body Art Card (Tattoo Artists & Body Piercers)

   There is no statewide DPBH registration for individual tattoo artists — body art is regulated by the local health authority. In Clark County, every tattoo artist and body piercer must hold a Body Art Card from the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD): proof of bloodborne pathogen or infectious-disease-transmission training completed within the last 12 months (renewed annually), SNHD’s sanitation exam, and qualifying experience/apprenticeship in a permitted shop. The shop itself needs an SNHD body art facility permit.

   Official government source

   Per SNHD’s current fee schedule — confirm with SNHD·2–4 weeks

   Per SNHD’s current fee schedule — confirm with SNHD

   2–4 weeks

2. Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Training Certification

   Required for all tattoo artists, permanent make-up artists, and body piercers under the Southern Nevada Health District's Body Art Card requirements: proof of bloodborne pathogen (BBP) or infectious-disease-transmission training completed within the last 12 months (OSHA-approved program or American Red Cross), renewed annually, plus SNHD's sanitation exam for the Body Art Card. Covers prevention of disease transmission, handling of sharps and biohazardous waste, PPE, and emergency procedures.

   Official government source

   $30–$100 per person·1 day

   $30–$100 per person

   1 day

3. 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.

   Official government source

   LLC: $425 total initial ($75 Articles + $150 Initial List + $200 State Business License); corporation: ~$725 (license is $500 for corporations)·1–5 business days

   LLC: $425 total initial ($75 Articles + $150 Initial List + $200 State Business License); corporation: ~$725 (license is $500 for corporations)

   1–5 business days

1. City of Las Vegas Business License

   Businesses operating within City of Las Vegas limits must obtain a business license from the city's Business Licensing division (apply online via the city's Business License portal; 702-229-6281). Most business types are 'general' licenses; certain sensitive activities are 'privileged' licenses requiring an appointment and background investigation. Businesses at unincorporated-Clark-County addresses (much of the Las Vegas Valley, including the Strip) license through Clark County instead — verify jurisdiction with the city's address lookup. Body-art establishments are zoning-restricted to appropriate commercial districts — confirm the location with Planning & Zoning (702-229-6301) before signing a lease.

   Official government source

   City of Las Vegas: $50 nonrefundable processing fee for a general license ($100 for a privileged license), plus a license fee set by category — flat, incremental, or gross-revenue-based billed per six-month period (e.g., $55 per 6-month period for gross revenue up to $30,000). Confirm the category fee with city Business Licensing, 702-229-6281 (needs_review for exact category amount).·1–2 weeks

   City of Las Vegas: $50 nonrefundable processing fee for a general license ($100 for a privileged license), plus a license fee set by category — flat, incremental, or gross-revenue-based billed per six-month period (e.g., $55 per 6-month period for gross revenue up to $30,000). Confirm the category fee with city Business Licensing, 702-229-6281 (needs_review for exact category amount).

   1–2 weeks

2. 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.

   Official government source

   $150/year tattoo/permanent-makeup only, or $350/year for combined Body Piercing & Tattoo (county fee schedule rev. 09.2024).·1–3 weeks

   $150/year tattoo/permanent-makeup only, or $350/year for combined Body Piercing & Tattoo (county fee schedule rev. 09.2024).

   1–3 weeks

3. 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.

   Official government source

   $399/year tattoo/permanent-makeup establishment permit; body piercing $138–$399/year by risk; artists need a $25 SNHD Body Art Card (exam $150). Per SNHD EH fee schedule eff. 07/01/2026.·3–6 weeks

   $399/year tattoo/permanent-makeup establishment permit; body piercing $138–$399/year by risk; artists need a $25 SNHD Body Art Card (exam $150). Per SNHD EH fee schedule eff. 07/01/2026.

   3–6 weeks

4. 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.

   Official government source

   Varies with underlying permits — confirm with the issuing building department (needs_review).·2–6 weeks

   Varies with underlying permits — confirm with the issuing building department (needs_review).

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• Southern Nevada Health District – Body Art
• City of Las Vegas Business Licensing
• Clark County Business License
• Nevada SilverFlume

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