Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in San Antonio, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.

$1150 -- $1900 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and pass state and local inspections 7 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

San Antonio / Bexar County Requirements

3 requirements
1

City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District — Body Art Establishment Permit

All tattoo studios in San Antonio must obtain a Body Art Establishment permit from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD). A pre-opening inspection is required to verify compliance with sanitation, sterilization, infection control, waste disposal, and recordkeeping requirements. SAMHD also requires submission of written local health authority confirmation for the DSHS state license application. Contact SAMHD Environmental Health at 210-207-8853.

$250–$450 annually3–6 weeks (application, inspection, permit issuance)
Official government source
2

City of San Antonio — Certificate of Occupancy / Building Permit

Required before opening a tattoo studio in a commercial space in San Antonio. Issued by the San Antonio Development Services Department. Required for first occupancy, change of use, or new tenant improvements. The space must comply with building and zoning codes for personal service/body art use. Contact Development Services at 210-207-0099.

$150–$500 depending on square footage and scope of work2–4 weeks after application and inspections
Official government source
3

Bexar County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

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

$22 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)Same day
Official government source

Texas State Requirements

3 requirements
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.

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

$20–$80 per person (online course)4–8 hours (online)
Official government source
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 San Antonio is 8.25%.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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