Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Dallas, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 7 stops $1,200–$2,000 est. 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and pass state and local inspections
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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 are 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 Dallas / Dallas County

3 stops

  1. Texas DSHS Tattoo Studio License (no City of Dallas body art permit)

    There is no City of Dallas body-art or tattoo establishment health permit. Tattoo studios are licensed at the state level by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) under Health and Safety Code Chapter 146, which sets the sanitation, sterilization, infection-control, and recordkeeping requirements and inspections. Apply through DSHS; see the DSHS licensing page for current studio license fees. A Dallas studio also needs a Certificate of Occupancy for its space.

    Official government source

    $0 city permit (none exists); DSHS tattoo studio license fees apply -- see the DSHS licensing page3–6 weeks (application, inspection, permit issuance)

  2. City of Dallas Certificate of Occupancy

    Required before opening a tattoo studio in a commercial space in Dallas. Issued by Dallas Development Services; a CO is required for first occupancy, change of use, or a new tenant. Apply through the DallasNow portal; the space must comply with building and zoning codes for the use.

    Official government source

    $375 (Certificate of Occupancy - General Permit fee)2–4 weeks after application and inspections

  3. Dallas County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    Required if operating the tattoo studio under any name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Dallas County Clerk. Valid up to 10 years.

    Official government source

    $23 ($0.50 for each additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if a deputy takes the acknowledgment instead of a notary)Same day

Terminus

Open for business — est. $1,200–$2,000 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and pass state and local inspections

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