Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in San Antonio, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 7 stops $1,150–$1,900 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 San Antonio / Bexar County

3 stops

  1. Texas DSHS Tattoo Studio License (no separate SAMHD establishment permit)

    Tattoo studios in San Antonio are licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), not the city — a current DSHS tattoo studio license (site-specific, displayed in the studio) is required to operate. The DSHS application requires written confirmation from the local health authority that tattooing is permitted at the proposed address; SAMHD provides that confirmation but does not issue its own body-art establishment permit. Contact DSHS Drugs & Medical Devices Group for licensing.

    Official government source

    DSHS tattoo studio license fee per the current DSHS schedule (approximately $927 per two-year license; verify with DSHS)3–6 weeks (application, inspection, permit issuance)

  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 Development Services Department (1901 S. Alamo St.) for first occupancy, change of use, or new tenant improvements; the space must comply with building and zoning codes. Contact Development Services at 210-207-1111.

    Official government source

    Fee not published on the CO page; see the DSD Development Fee Schedule (docsonline.sanantonio.gov/DSDUploads/CurrentFeeSchedule.pdf) or call 210-207-11112–4 weeks after application and inspections

  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.

    Official government source

    $13 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)Same day

Terminus

Open for business — est. $1,150–$1,900 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and pass state and local inspections

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