Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 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. 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 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)

    Bloodborne pathogen training for tattoo artists is standard industry practice and DSHS inspections verify infection-control practices at studios; however, whether formal OSHA-approved BBP training certificates are a required element of the DSHS studio license application could not be verified against DSHS's published requirements (needs_review - check 25 TAC Ch. 229 tattoo studio rules).

    Official government source

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

  3. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required if the studio sells retail merchandise (aftercare products, apparel) - tangible goods are taxable. Tattoo services themselves are NOT subject to Texas sales tax (they are not an enumerated taxable service). The permit is free 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

    Varies by square footage and scope - confirm with Austin Development Services2–4 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

    $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)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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