Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

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. Ohio Department of Health Body Art Establishment Registration

   Tattoo establishments in Ohio must comply with body art regulations administered through local health departments. Columbus Public Health is the primary licensing authority, but Ohio law requires individual artists to complete bloodborne pathogen training that meets OSHA standards. Contact Columbus Public Health for the combined local/state compliance requirements.

   Official government source

   Included in Columbus Public Health license·Concurrent with local license process

   Included in Columbus Public Health license

   Concurrent with local license process

2. Bloodborne Pathogen Training (per artist)

   Each tattoo artist working in the studio must complete OSHA-compliant bloodborne pathogen training before practicing. Columbus Public Health verifies this training as part of the establishment and artist registration process. Training must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $25-$75 per artist·4-8 hours online or in-person

   $25-$75 per artist

   4-8 hours online or in-person

3. Ohio Secretary of State Business Registration

   Required if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership in Ohio. Establishes your legal business entity in the state and protects your business name.

   Official government source

   $99-$125 depending on entity type·1-3 weeks (online filing)

   $99-$125 depending on entity type

   1-3 weeks (online filing)

1. Columbus Public Health Body Art Establishment License

   Required for all tattoo and body art establishments operating within the City of Columbus. Issued by Columbus Public Health, Environmental Health Division. The license requires a pre-operational inspection verifying compliance with sterilization, sharps disposal, surface sanitation, and record-keeping standards before the studio may open.

   Official government source

   $150-$250/year·2-4 weeks after application and inspection

   $150-$250/year

   2-4 weeks after application and inspection

2. City of Columbus Business License

   Required for all businesses operating within the City of Columbus. Issued by the Columbus Division of Income Tax. Tattoo studios must obtain this general business license in addition to their health department permit.

   Official government source

   $25-$50/year·1-2 weeks

   $25-$50/year

   1-2 weeks

3. Certificate of Occupancy

   Required before opening a tattoo studio in a commercial space in Columbus. Issued by the Columbus Division of Building and Zoning Services. The studio must meet zoning requirements for personal service establishments and pass a fire safety inspection by the Columbus Division of Fire.

   Official government source

   $100-$500 depending on build-out scope·2-6 weeks

   $100-$500 depending on build-out scope

   2-6 weeks

4. Columbus Division of Fire Inspection

   Required as part of the Certificate of Occupancy process for tattoo studios in Columbus. The Columbus Division of Fire inspects for proper exits, fire extinguishers, and compliance with fire codes for personal service establishments.

   Official government source

   No separate fee (included in CO process)·Scheduled as part of CO process

   No separate fee (included in CO process)

   Scheduled as part of CO process

Official Sources

• Columbus Public Health - Environmental Health
• Columbus Division of Building and Zoning Services
• Ohio Secretary of State - Business Filings
• City of Columbus - Division of Taxation

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