Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

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. Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO) Body Art Facility License

   The Health Licensing Office (HLO), part of the Oregon Health Authority, requires a separate license for body art facilities under the Board of Electrologists and Body Art Practitioners. The facility license is in addition to individual artist licenses and covers the physical establishment (OAR 331 division 925).

   Official government source

   $150 original facility license (one year); renewal $125 online / $150 by mail·2–4 weeks

   $150 original facility license (one year); renewal $125 online / $150 by mail

   2–4 weeks

2. Oregon Health Licensing Office (OHLA) Individual Tattoo Artist License

   Oregon requires each tattoo artist to hold an individual license from the Health Licensing Office (HLO), part of the Oregon Health Authority — one of the few states licensing tattoo artists statewide. Requirements include a Board-approved course of at least 360 hours (210 theory, 150 practical) with a minimum of 50 completed procedures, bloodborne pathogen/infection control training, and passing the required examinations. The license renews annually.

   Official government source

   $50 application + $50 written exam + $100 practical exam + $50 original license; renewal $45–$50/year·2–6 weeks

   $50 application + $50 written exam + $100 practical exam + $50 original license; renewal $45–$50/year

   2–6 weeks

3. Oregon Secretary of State Business Registration

   All formal business entities operating in Oregon must register with the Oregon Secretary of State. An LLC is recommended for tattoo parlors due to liability exposure from the nature of the work.

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC filing fee)·1–2 weeks

   $100 (LLC filing fee)

   1–2 weeks

1. Oregon Health Licensing Office - Body Art Facility License

   Tattoo parlors in Portland need a Body Art Facility License from the STATE Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO) under ORS 690.365 - not a Multnomah County permit. The facility must meet Oregon's body art facility standards (hand-washing sinks, sterilization/single-use equipment, infection control) and is subject to HLO inspection. Each tattoo artist must also hold an individual HLO tattoo practitioner license. Renewal per HLO schedule.

   Official government source

   HLO facility license fees per the state fee schedule (verify current amounts with HLO; no county fee)·3–5 weeks

   HLO facility license fees per the state fee schedule (verify current amounts with HLO; no county fee)

   3–5 weeks

2. City of Portland Business License Tax Registration (Revenue Division)

   Portland has no flat-fee general business license. All businesses operating in Portland - including sole proprietors and home-based businesses - must register for the City of Portland Business License Tax with the Revenue Division within 60 days of starting business. Registration is free. The tax is 2.6% of net business income with a $100 minimum, filed annually on a combined return with the Multnomah County Business Income Tax (2% of net income; gross receipts under $100,000 are exempt from the county tax). Businesses with gross receipts under $75,000 (tax years beginning in 2026; rising to $100,000 in 2027) are exempt from the city tax but must still register. The Metro Supportive Housing Services 1% business income tax applies only to businesses with gross receipts over $5 million.

   Official government source

   Free to register; no annual license fee. Tax: 2.6% of net income ($100 minimum) only if gross receipts exceed $75,000 (2026 threshold; $100,000 from 2027)·1–2 weeks

   Free to register; no annual license fee. Tax: 2.6% of net income ($100 minimum) only if gross receipts exceed $75,000 (2026 threshold; $100,000 from 2027)

   1–2 weeks

3. Certificate of Occupancy (tattoo parlor)

   If your tattoo parlor build-out involves construction or changes the building's use or occupancy classification, a permit from Portland Permitting & Development (PPD, formerly BDS) is required. Plumbing work for the hand-washing and cleaning sinks required by Oregon's state body art facility rules will need plumbing permits. A space already approved for the same use needs no new Certificate of Occupancy.

   Official government source

   Permit fees are valuation-based; confirm with PPD·3–8 weeks

   Permit fees are valuation-based; confirm with PPD

   3–8 weeks

4. Portland Fire & Rescue Inspection

   Portland Fire & Rescue conducts occupancy inspections for commercial businesses, including tattoo parlors, to verify compliance with fire code requirements such as sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, and exit signage.

   Official government source

   Routine fire code inspections of commercial occupancies occur periodically; any inspection/re-inspection fees follow the current Portland Fire & Rescue fee schedule - verify with PF&R·2–4 weeks

   Routine fire code inspections of commercial occupancies occur periodically; any inspection/re-inspection fees follow the current Portland Fire & Rescue fee schedule - verify with PF&R

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Oregon Health Licensing Office — Body Art
• Multnomah County Environmental Health — Body Art
• City of Portland Bureau of Development Services — Permits
• City of Portland Revenue Division — Business License

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