Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in San Antonio, TX

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

Updated 2026-03-13 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. 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 San Antonio is 8.25%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of San Antonio / Bexar County

3 stops

  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.

    Official government source

    $250–$450 annually3–6 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 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.

    Official government source

    $150–$500 depending on square footage and scope of work2–4 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

    $22 (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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Official Sources

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