The Environmental Operations Program is responsible for ensuring tattoo and body piercing studios, including temporary locations, comply with minimum licensing standards established to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Texas. To accomplish this objective, inspections of studios and temporary locations are conducted. If voluntary compliance with the licensing standards cannot be achieved, the branch recommends regulatory actions when necessary. In addition, the branch provides technical assistance to its licensees, answers inquiries from consumers and investigates complaints involving possible violations of the state requirements for operating tattoo and body piercing studios

Licensing

We require any business engaged in tattooing (for example, the practice of producing an indelible mark or figure on the human body by scarring or inserting pigments under the skin using needles, scalpels or other related equipment) or body piercing (for example, the practice of creating an opening in a person's body, other than the earlobe, to insert jewelry or another decoration) to be licensed with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). In addition, we require temporary locations at which tattooing or body piercing is performed for not more than seven days in conjunction with a single event or celebration to be licensed with the Department. To learn more on how to become licensed, visit the licensing requirements webpage.

Effective January 9, 2023, all Tattoo Studio Permit Initial and Renewals will be required to be submitted online through the Regulatory Services Online Licensing System. You will need to create an account to submit your application online. For more information, visit our website at dshs.texas.gov/tattoo-piercing

To start Application, visit our website vo.ras.dshs.state.tx.us

• New User must create a new online account. Log in with the one-time password emailed to you to access online services. (Make sure to change password after successfully created an account)
• To apply for New License application:
  • Choose the board Tattoo and Body Piercing
  • Select “Initial Tattoo Studio Permit” or “Initial Body Piercing Studio Permit”, then click select
  • Follow the steps and enter all required information
    • If you are applying for a Temporary Event License, make sure to enter the Event Dates, if not please skip this process.
  • Attached valid zoning letter that states the physical location of the studio is in the correct zoning classification. (e.g., Tattoo/ Body Piercing or retail or commercial business, etc. are allowed)
  • Review application summary, then submit
  • After submission it will ask to pay now or later.
  • Once paid application will be in queue for processing

In creating an Initial Application make sure to fill out the Contact Information:

• Main Address
• Physical Location
• Mailing Address

• To Renew existing License:
  • Under Additional Activities, select “Add Licenses to Registration”
  • Select Yes, then click next
  • Choose the board Tattoo and Body Piercing 
  • Choose license type Tattoo Studio or Body Piercing Studio, then click next
  • Enter:
    • License Number
    • Organization (Business) Name
    • Mailing address Zip code
    • Finish security captcha questions, then click next

• Confirm if the information is correct, then hit next
  • If you receive an Error message, email your license information and user ID to tbp.reg@dshs.texas.gov
• Once Completed it will send you back to the main menu, and you should see a renewal listed under “It is time to Renew!”
• Select the license number to start the process of application.
• Follow the steps and enter all information required
• Review application summary, then submit
  • If there are changes in physical location, DBA, and owner, please email tbp.reg@dshs.texas.gov
• After submission it will ask to pay now or later.
• Once paid application will be in queue for processing

If you have any questions & concerns, email us at tbp.reg@dshs.texas.gov

Contact Information

For General Program Assistance

Email: Tattoo and Body Piercing Program
Phone: 512-834-6711
Fax: 512-206-2777

For Licensing Assistance

Email: Environmental & Sanitation Licensing Branch
Phone: 512-834-6600 

Mailing addresses may be found on the contact page.