Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

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. Tennessee Department of Health Body Art Establishment Registration

   Tattoo establishments must register with the Tennessee Department of Health in addition to obtaining local permits. The state registration ensures compliance with TCA 62-38 (the Tennessee Body Art Act), which sets minimum sanitation and safety standards statewide.

   Official government source

   $50-$150/year·2-4 weeks

   $50-$150/year

   2-4 weeks

2. Tennessee Tattoo Artist Registration

   Each individual tattoo artist working in the studio must be registered with the Tennessee Department of Health. Registration requires proof of bloodborne pathogen training and compliance with personal hygiene and sanitation requirements under the Tennessee Body Art Act.

   Official government source

   $50-$100/year per artist·2-4 weeks

   $50-$100/year per artist

   2-4 weeks

3. Tennessee Secretary of State Business Registration

   Required if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership in Tennessee. Protects your business name and establishes your legal entity in the state.

   Official government source

   $50-$300 depending on entity type·1-2 weeks (online filing)

   $50-$300 depending on entity type

   1-2 weeks (online filing)

1. Metro Nashville Business Tax License

   Required for all businesses operating within Metro Nashville-Davidson County. Issued by the Metro Nashville Finance Department. Tattoo studios must obtain this license before opening to the public.

   Official government source

   $15-$100/year based on gross revenue·1-2 weeks

   $15-$100/year based on gross revenue

   1-2 weeks

2. Metro Nashville Public Health Body Art Establishment Permit

   Required for all tattoo and body art establishments in Nashville-Davidson County. Issued by the Metro Public Health Department. The permit requires passing a sanitation inspection verifying compliance with sterilization, biohazard disposal, and hygiene standards before the studio can operate.

   Official government source

   $200-$350/year·2-4 weeks after application and inspection

   $200-$350/year

   2-4 weeks after application and inspection

3. Certificate of Occupancy

   Required before opening a tattoo studio in a commercial space in Nashville. Issued by Metro Nashville Codes Administration. The studio must meet zoning requirements for personal service establishments and pass fire safety inspection.

   Official government source

   $100-$500 depending on build-out scope·2-6 weeks

   $100-$500 depending on build-out scope

   2-6 weeks

4. Fire Safety Inspection

   Required before obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy for a tattoo studio in Nashville. The Nashville Fire Marshal inspects the premises for proper exits, fire extinguishers, and compliance with fire codes for personal service establishments.

   Official government source

   No separate fee (included in CO process)·Scheduled as part of CO process

   No separate fee (included in CO process)

   Scheduled as part of CO process

Official Sources

• Tennessee Department of Health - Tattoo Artists
• Metro Nashville Public Health Department
• Metro Nashville Codes Administration
• Tennessee Secretary of State - Business Services

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