Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Columbia, SC

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

   Every person who engages in business in South Carolina as a retailer must obtain a Retail License from the SC Department of Revenue before making any retail sales subject to sales and use tax, including internet sales and infrequent sales. A separate licence is required for each retail outlet. The licence does not have to be renewed while the same taxpayer keeps operating at the same location, but a new application is required after a change of ownership or after 24 months with no sales.

   Official government source

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.·Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.

   Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

2. Bloodborne Pathogen and Infection Control Training (per tattoo artist)

   Every tattoo artist working in South Carolina must hold a certificate of successful completion of a course in bloodborne pathogens and tattoo infection control approved by the SC Department of Public Health (S.C. Code Sections 44-34-20(B)(3) and 44-34-50(A)), and the statute requires that certificate to be renewed annually. DPH publishes the list of approved health training programs for tattoo and body piercing; take the training from a program on that list.

   Official government source

   No state fee — the course price is set by the DPH-approved training provider you choose.·Set by the training provider; the certificate must be renewed annually to keep working.

   No state fee — the course price is set by the DPH-approved training provider you choose.

   Set by the training provider; the certificate must be renewed annually to keep working.

1. South Carolina Department of Public Health — Tattoo (Body Art) Facility License

   Tattoo facilities in South Carolina must be licensed by the SC Department of Public Health (DPH, which took over DHEC’s health-regulatory functions) under S.C. Code Section 44-34-10 et seq. and Regulation 60-111, Standards for Licensing Tattoo Facilities. The applicant must first advertise the intended location, DPH performs a certification measurement of the proposed site, and the facility is inspected before the licence is issued. Each artist must hold a DPH-approved certificate in bloodborne pathogens and tattoo infection control.

   Official government source

   A $50 certification-measurement fee is submitted with Part A of the application. The licence fee itself is set by the department and is not published on the DPH tattoo page — request the current amount from DPH’s Bureau of Health Facilities Licensing.·Not published. The statute requires the applicant to advertise the proposed location once a week for three consecutive weeks before applying, and DPH schedules the certification measurement before the rest of the application is completed.

   A $50 certification-measurement fee is submitted with Part A of the application. The licence fee itself is set by the department and is not published on the DPH tattoo page — request the current amount from DPH’s Bureau of Health Facilities Licensing.

   Not published. The statute requires the applicant to advertise the proposed location once a week for three consecutive weeks before applying, and DPH schedules the certification measurement before the rest of the application is completed.

2. City of Columbia Business License

   Every business with a location inside Columbia city limits must hold a general business licence from the City of Columbia Business Licensing Division. The licence is renewed each year and must be displayed at your place of business. Applications and renewals are handled through the Business Licensing Self-Service Portal. Zoning compatibility for the business address is confirmed separately through Planning & Development.

   Official government source

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class under the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (S.C. Code Section 6-1-400 et seq.) — there is no flat fee. For a new business the fee is projected from the start-of-business date through December 31; at renewal it is based on the previous year’s reported gross income. Use the city’s rate-class schedule to calculate your amount.·All Columbia business licences expire April 30, with the licence year running May 1 to April 30 and renewal season opening in February. Fastest through the Self-Service Portal; the city warns that mailed renewals can take six to eight weeks between February and June.

   Based on gross income and the NAICS rate class under the SC Business License Tax Standardization Act (S.C. Code Section 6-1-400 et seq.) — there is no flat fee. For a new business the fee is projected from the start-of-business date through December 31; at renewal it is based on the previous year’s reported gross income. Use the city’s rate-class schedule to calculate your amount.

   All Columbia business licences expire April 30, with the licence year running May 1 to April 30 and renewal season opening in February. Fastest through the Self-Service Portal; the city warns that mailed renewals can take six to eight weeks between February and June.

Official Sources

• South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control — Tattoo Body Art Facility Permit
• City of Columbia Business License Division

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