Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in El Paso, TX

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

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $1,150–$1,800 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. 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 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)

    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. Training 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

    Tattoo services are taxable in Texas. Retail merchandise sales (aftercare products, apparel) are also taxable. Register free with the Texas Comptroller. The combined rate in El Paso is 8.25%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of El Paso / El Paso County

3 stops

  1. City of El Paso Environmental Health — Body Art Establishment Permit

    All tattoo studios in El Paso must obtain a Body Art Establishment permit from the City of El Paso Environmental Health Department. The permit requires a pre-opening inspection to verify compliance with sanitation, sterilization, infection control, proper waste disposal, and recordkeeping requirements. A fire safety inspection from the El Paso Fire Marshal is also required before issuance. Contact Environmental Health at 915-212-6675.

    Official government source

    $250–$400 annually3–6 weeks (application, fire inspection, health inspection)

  2. City of El Paso Certificate of Occupancy

    Required before opening a tattoo studio in a commercial space in El Paso. Issued by El Paso Development Services. Required for first occupancy, change of use, or new tenant build-out. The space must comply with building and zoning codes for personal service/body art use.

    Official government source

    $150–$400 depending on square footage and scope of improvements2–4 weeks after application and inspection

  3. El Paso County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

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

    Official government source

    $24 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)Same day

Terminus

Open for business — est. $1,150–$1,800 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and pass state and local inspections

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Official Sources

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