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.

Verified 2026-08-27 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. 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 El Paso / El Paso County

3 stops

  1. City of El Paso Tattoo/Body Piercing Studio Registration (Ch. 5.10)

    Tattoo studios in El Paso must hold a city Tattoo/Body Piercing Studio Registration under Chapter 5.10 of the El Paso City Code, in addition to the required Texas DSHS tattoo studio license. Apply through the Planning and Inspections Department One Stop Shop (811 Texas Ave., [email protected]); the application requires a copy of the DSHS license, a city Certificate of Occupancy for the studio, and government-issued ID. Individual artists also need a city Tattoo & Body Piercing Artist license. Registration expiration is aligned to the studio's DSHS license.

    Official government source

    $65 application fee + registration pro-rated at $13.00/month to the DSHS license expiration; $50 re-inspection fee if applicable3–6 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 the Planning and Inspections Department (One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Ave., El Paso, TX 79901, (915) 212-0104) for first occupancy, change of use, or new tenant build-out. A copy of the CO must accompany the city's Tattoo/Body Piercing Studio Registration application.

    Official government source

    Varies - confirm current CO fees with the One Stop Shop2–4 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

    $28 (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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