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 (OHLA) Body Art Facility License

   The Oregon Health Licensing Office (OHLA), under the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), requires separate licensing for body art facilities. The facility license is in addition to individual artist licenses and covers the physical establishment.

   Official government source

   $100–$250/year·2–4 weeks

   $100–$250/year

   2–4 weeks

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

   Oregon requires each individual tattoo artist to hold a license issued by OHLA. Licensing requirements include bloodborne pathogen training, completion of a tattoo apprenticeship, and passing a written exam. Oregon is stricter than many states in requiring both facility and individual artist licensing.

   Official government source

   $50–$100/year per artist·2–6 weeks

   $50–$100/year per artist

   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. Multnomah County Environmental Health Body Art Establishment Permit

   Multnomah County Environmental Health issues permits for body art establishments, including tattoo parlors. The establishment must meet strict sanitation requirements: proper hand-washing sinks, autoclave sterilization equipment, adequate ventilation, and single-use needle policies. Annual renewal and inspections are required.

   Official government source

   $300–$500/year·3–5 weeks

   $300–$500/year

   3–5 weeks

2. City of Portland Business License

   Issued by the City of Portland Revenue Division, this license is required for all businesses operating within Portland city limits. The base fee starts around $100/year plus a percentage of gross revenue above a threshold.

   Official government source

   $100+/year (based on revenue)·1–2 weeks

   $100+/year (based on revenue)

   1–2 weeks

3. Certificate of Occupancy

   The Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) requires a Certificate of Occupancy when opening a new tattoo parlor or modifying an existing commercial space. This involves zoning review, fire safety inspection, and building code compliance. Tattoo parlors must install approved hand-washing sinks per Oregon Health Authority requirements.

   Official government source

   $200–$800 (depending on scope of build-out)·3–8 weeks

   $200–$800 (depending on scope of build-out)

   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

   $50–$150 (inspection fee)·2–4 weeks

   $50–$150 (inspection fee)

   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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