SERVICE
Apply for a permit to operate a body art establishment
Get a permit to own or operate a location offering tattoo, body piercing, or permanent cosmetics.
What to know
Other permits you might need
If you are performing body art, you'll also need a license to practice. If you are running a special event like a fair or festival with body art, you'll need a temporary special event permit.
What to do
1. Check that your location is zoned for body arts
Contact the Planning Department. If your location is not zoned for body arts, you will need to find a new location. If you will be constructing a building or remodeling, you need a permit from the Department of Building Inspection.
2. Register your body arts business
Make sure you have registered your business with the Treasurer & Tax Collector.
3. Complete the permit application
4. Include a list of your practitioners' information
All body art practitioners need a license to practice body art. They need to apply for a body art practitioner permit if they do not have a permit yet.
For each body art practitioner, provide their:
- Full name
- Registration number so we can confirm they have a license to practice in San Francisco
5. Gather additional documents
- Tattoo Consent Form with your business name and address on it
- Tattoo After Care Instructions
- A floor plan or layout for existing tattoo establishments. This can be drawn by hand.
Special cases
What to expect
- After we process your application, we will email you a temporary permit.
- You will get a bill from the Tax Collector.
- Once you pay the annual license fee, the Tax Collector will send you your annual license by mail.
- We will mail you a permit to operate.
You will need to renew your license and pay the annual license fee each year. The Tax Collector will mail you your renewal bill. If you move, make sure to update your mailing address.
Get help
Phone
Additional info
Helpful Documents
Partner agencies
What to know
Other permits you might need
If you are performing body art, you'll also need a license to practice. If you are running a special event like a fair or festival with body art, you'll need a temporary special event permit.
What to do
1. Check that your location is zoned for body arts
Contact the Planning Department. If your location is not zoned for body arts, you will need to find a new location. If you will be constructing a building or remodeling, you need a permit from the Department of Building Inspection.
2. Register your body arts business
Make sure you have registered your business with the Treasurer & Tax Collector.
3. Complete the permit application
4. Include a list of your practitioners' information
All body art practitioners need a license to practice body art. They need to apply for a body art practitioner permit if they do not have a permit yet.
For each body art practitioner, provide their:
- Full name
- Registration number so we can confirm they have a license to practice in San Francisco
5. Gather additional documents
- Tattoo Consent Form with your business name and address on it
- Tattoo After Care Instructions
- A floor plan or layout for existing tattoo establishments. This can be drawn by hand.
Special cases
What to expect
- After we process your application, we will email you a temporary permit.
- You will get a bill from the Tax Collector.
- Once you pay the annual license fee, the Tax Collector will send you your annual license by mail.
- We will mail you a permit to operate.
You will need to renew your license and pay the annual license fee each year. The Tax Collector will mail you your renewal bill. If you move, make sure to update your mailing address.
Get help
Phone
Additional info
Helpful Documents