Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Greenville, SC

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina.

Verified 2026-09-03 5 stops $300–$1,000 est. 3–8 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop
  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of South Carolina

2 stops
  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.

  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.

City of Greenville / Greenville County

2 stops
  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, successor to DHEC's health-regulatory functions) under S.C. Code Section 44-34-10 et seq. and Regulation 60-111, Standards for Licensing Tattoo Facilities. DPH performs a certification measurement of the proposed site and inspects the facility before the license is issued, and each artist must hold a DPH-approved certificate in bloodborne pathogens and tattoo infection control.

    Official government source

    $50 certification-measurement fee is submitted with Part A of the application. The license fee 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 Greenville Business License

    All businesses conducting business within the City of Greenville must hold a business license, issued by the city's Business License & Revenue Center (Finance Department). The license is renewed annually and must be displayed at the place of business.

    Official government source

    Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 3–8 weeks

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