Body Art (Tattoo and Piercing)

Tattooing and body piercing carry risks of infection and bloodborne disease transmission as well as allergic reactions, prolonged bleeding, swelling, scarring, and general discomfort. Existing medical conditions such as allergies, heart disease, diabetes, skin disorders, or conditions that affect the immune system may increase the risk of complications from tattooing and body piercing. You may wish to speak with a physician regarding potential health risks before getting a tattoo or body piercing. For more information, go to: Us Food & Drug Administration – Are Tattoos Safe?

If you get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure the person:

• Washes their hands before tattooing and uses clean gloves
• Cleans the skin to be tattooed or pierced
• Uses a disposable razor to shave the skin if needed
• Uses sterile needles, tubes, clamps, and single use ink cups
• Provides aftercare instructions ahead of time and after procedure
• For tattoo: covers the tattooed skin with a sterile bandage

Expect to answer questions about the facility and its operation. Licensing inspections are mostly about the physical facility. No problems should arise as long as you adhered to the approved plans. The inspector will review some operational expectations, future inspections as well as annual license renewal. Assuming the inspection goes well, a license application will be completed and mailed to the State accompanied by your first year’s license fee. You will need a check or money order to pay this fee. More details about what to expect on a preopening/licensing inspection are available on our preoperational inspection checklist.