Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Huntington, WV

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. West Virginia State Tax Department — Business Registration

   Before engaging in business activity in West Virginia every individual or business entity must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the WV Tax Division (WV Code §11-12-1 et seq.), applied for through the Business for West Virginia portal at business4.wv.gov or on form BUS-APP. A separate certificate is needed for each business name and each location. The certificate is permanent — it does not expire — until the legal name, location or ownership changes, and it must be surrendered when the business stops operating in West Virginia. It also authorises you to collect the 6% state sales tax plus any municipal sales tax of up to 1%.

   Official government source

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location·1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location

   1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

2. Bloodborne Pathogen Training (OSHA employer requirement, not a WV state license)

   West Virginia's Tattoo Studio law (WV Code Sec.16-38) does not require a state-issued bloodborne pathogen certification for individual artists. Instead, under federal OSHA rules (29 CFR 1910.1030), employers whose workers have occupational exposure to blood must provide bloodborne pathogens training, with annual retraining. Separately, tattoo studios must obtain a WV business registration certificate and register with their local or regional board of health for inspection (WV Code Sec.16-38-6).

   Official government source

   Employer-provided at no direct cost, or $20-$80 per person if purchased from a private OSHA-training vendor·Half-day course

   Employer-provided at no direct cost, or $20-$80 per person if purchased from a private OSHA-training vendor

   Half-day course

1. Cabell-Huntington Health Department — Tattoo Studio Operating Permit

   Tattoo and body art studios in Huntington must hold a West Virginia business registration certificate and be permitted by their local board of health — the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, 703 7th Avenue, (304) 523-6483 ext. 262 — which inspects body art studios every six months. New studios, renovations and changes of ownership go through plan review first, then an opening inspection. All tattooing, piercing and microblading must be done in a permitted studio, and body piercers must hold a current state registration. Tattoo studios fall under WV Code 16-38; body piercing studios under 64 CSR 80.

   Official government source

   $200 flat operating permit fee, set by statute at WV Code §16-38-6(e) and collected by the local board of health; plus the one-time $30 WV business registration certificate·2–6 weeks (the board must attempt inspection within 10 days of request; a 30-day temporary permit may be issued in the interim)

   $200 flat operating permit fee, set by statute at WV Code §16-38-6(e) and collected by the local board of health; plus the one-time $30 WV business registration certificate

   2–6 weeks (the board must attempt inspection within 10 days of request; a 30-day temporary permit may be issued in the interim)

2. City of Huntington Finance Department — General Business License

   Huntington requires a General Business License for businesses operating within city limits. The Finance Department processes applications; a copy of the WV Business Registration Certificate is required. The license must be renewed annually (July 1-June 30) and displayed at your place of business. A Business & Occupation gross-receipts tax and a $5/week/employee City Service Fee apply separately.

   Official government source

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee·1–3 weeks

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• West Virginia Department of Health — Tattoo/Body Piercing Permit
• City of Huntington City Clerk

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