Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

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. Philadelphia Department of Public Health — Body Art Establishment Certificate

   Pennsylvania has no statewide Department of Health body-art facility registration (state law only bans tattooing minors, 18 Pa.C.S. § 6311). In Philadelphia, body art establishments are regulated by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health under its Body Art Regulations: the establishment needs a certificate and artists need Philadelphia body-art certification. Facilities must demonstrate proper sterilization procedures, hand hygiene practices, and safe waste disposal.

   Official government source

   $100-$250·4-8 weeks

   $100-$250

   4-8 weeks

2. PA Tattoo Artist Registration

   Individual tattoo artists must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Registration requires proof of completed bloodborne pathogen training and compliance with PA body art regulations. Each artist working in the studio must be registered.

   Official government source

   $50-$100/artist·2-4 weeks

   $50-$100/artist

   2-4 weeks

3. PA Business Entity Registration

   Required by the Pennsylvania Department of State for LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities operating in Pennsylvania.

   Official government source

   $70-$125 (one-time filing)·1-2 weeks

   $70-$125 (one-time filing)

   1-2 weeks

1. Commercial Activity License

   Issued by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I), this is the foundational business license required for operating a tattoo parlor in Philadelphia. All commercial establishments must hold this license.

   Official government source

   $300/year·1-2 weeks

   $300/year

   1-2 weeks

2. Body Art Establishment License

   Issued by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, this license is required for any establishment performing tattooing, body piercing, or permanent makeup. Requires facility inspection for sanitation, sterilization equipment, and compliance with Philadelphia health codes.

   Official government source

   $250-$400/year·3-6 weeks

   $250-$400/year

   3-6 weeks

3. Certificate of Occupancy

   Issued by Philadelphia L&I after a physical inspection of the premises. Required for tattoo parlors to confirm the space meets building safety codes, fire codes, and zoning requirements for health service establishments.

   Official government source

   $100-$500·2-6 weeks

   $100-$500

   2-6 weeks

4. Plumbing Permit

   Required from Philadelphia L&I for the installation of hand-washing sinks at each tattoo station, a requirement under Philadelphia health codes for body art facilities. Must be inspected and approved before opening.

   Official government source

   $100-$300·2-4 weeks

   $100-$300

   2-4 weeks

5. Fire Inspection and Permit

   Required from the Philadelphia Fire Department prior to opening. Ensures the establishment meets fire safety standards including proper egress, extinguisher placement, and compliance with the Philadelphia Fire Code.

   Official government source

   $50-$150·1-3 weeks

   $50-$150

   1-3 weeks

Official Sources

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health
• Philadelphia Dept of Licenses & Inspections
• PA Department of Health - Body Art
• PA Department of State

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