Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Updated 2026-03-12 7 stops $1,171–$1,731 est. 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and pass state inspection
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 Texas

3 stops

  1. Texas DSHS Tattoo Studio License

    All tattoo studios in Texas must be licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) under Health and Safety Code Chapter 146. Applications must be submitted online through the DSHS Regulatory Services Online Licensing System. DSHS will inspect the studio before issuing the license to verify compliance with sanitation, sterilization, infection control, waste disposal, and recordkeeping requirements. The license is valid for two years and is tied to the studio address.

    Official government source

    $927 (2-year license)4–8 weeks after application and DSHS inspection

  2. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Training (per artist)

    Each tattoo artist working in the studio must complete an OSHA-approved Bloodborne Pathogen training course. This is a requirement for the state DSHS studio license application. Certificates must be on file at the studio.

    Official government source

    $20–$80 per person (online course)4–8 hours (online)

  3. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required for collecting and remitting Texas sales tax. Tattoo services are taxable in Texas. Retail merchandise sales (aftercare products, apparel) are also taxable. Free to obtain from the Texas Comptroller.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Austin / Travis County

3 stops

  1. Certificate of Occupancy

    Required before occupying a commercial space as a tattoo studio in Austin. Issued by the City of Austin Development Services Department. Required for first occupancy, change of use, or new tenant. The space must comply with building and zoning codes for personal service use. Tattoo studios may also need to confirm zoning compliance for use as a body art establishment.

    Official government source

    $200–$600 depending on square footage and scope of improvements2–4 weeks after application and inspection

  2. Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate — Travis County

    Required if operating the studio under any name other than your own legal name. Filed with the Travis County Clerk's Office. Valid for 10 years.

    Official government source

    $24 (single owner; $0.50 per additional owner)Same day

  3. Written Local Health Department Zoning Confirmation

    Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 146 requires tattoo studio applicants to obtain written confirmation from the local health authority (Austin Public Health) verifying that tattooing is permitted at the proposed studio address. This is submitted with the state DSHS license application.

    Official government source

    No fee (administrative process)1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $1,171–$1,731 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and pass state inspection

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Official Sources

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