Tattoo, Body Piercing and Permanent Cosmetics Program

The Tattoo, Body Piercing and Permanent Cosmetics Program regulates tattoo, piercing and permanent cosmetic facilities in order to ensure the proper maintenance, cleanliness and sterilization procedures.

 

Principal Activities and Services

• Issue Permits
• Conduct yearly inspections of all facilities for general maintenance and cleanliness, proper sterilization procedures.
• Maintain and issue registration documents and registration cards to all active practitioners.
• Promulgates and publicizes new or revised existing ordinances and regulations.

 

Obtaining a Permit

See the SFDPH Fee Schedule for current application fee information. Send all application forms and fees to:

• Environmental Health Branch
• Attn: Tattoo, Body Piercing and Permanent Cosmetics
• 49 South Van Ness Ave., Suite 600
• San Francisco, CA 94103

 

Permit for business owner/operator

A business owner/operator is someone who engages in the practice of tattooing, body piercing or applying permanent cosmetics. To apply for a business owner/operator permit:

1. If your business is not registered with the San Francisco Treasurer & Tax Collector, you must first register at sftreasurer.org
2. Fill out and complete the Application for Body Art Establishment (pdf)
3. A check for the application fee payable to the SF Department of Public Health
4. A completed Application for Registration Card (pdf)
5. Provide copies of the following for each practitioner:
1. Driver's License or Photo ID
2. Current Blood-Borne Pathogens Training Certificate (that meets Cal OSHA requirement of not less than 2 hours of instruction)
3. Hepatitis Vaccination Certificate or completed Declination Form
6. Tattoo Consent Form
7. Tattoo After Care Instructions
8. Exposure Control Plan
9. Floor Plan or Layout for existing tattoo establishments

 

Permit for practitioners

Practitioners are persons who are solely engaged in the practice of tattooing, body piercing or applying permanent cosmetics. To apply for a practitioner permit:

1. A completed Application for Registration Card (pdf)
2. A check for the application fee payable to the SF Department of Public Health (See Fee Schedule doc under "Helpful Links")
3. Provide copies of the following for each practitioner:
1. Driver's License or Photo ID
2. Current Blood-Borne Pathogens Training Certificate (that meets Cal OSHA requirement of not less than 2 hours of instruction)
3. Hepatitis Vaccination Certificate or completed Declination Form

 

Temporary permits

Temporary permits are required for tattooing, body piercing or permanent cosmetics booth at special events. For a temporary permit, fill out and submit the following forms:

1. Special Event Vendor and Sponsor Application to Operate Tattooing, Body Piercing and Permanent Cosmetics Booth (pdf)
2. Copy of current San Francisco Tattoo Practitioner License or a completed Application for Registration card (pdf)
3. Provide copies of the following for each practitioner:
   
   1. Driver's License or Photo ID
   2. Current Blood-Borne Pathogens Training Certificate (that meets Cal OSHA requirement of not less than 2 hours of instruction)
   3. Hepatitis Vaccination Certificate or completed Declination Form
4. Tattoo Consent Form
5. Tattoo After Care Instructions
6. Exposure Control Plan
7. Floor Plan or Layout of Booth
8. A check for the application fee payable to the SF Department of Public Health (see Special Event Vendor and Sponsor Application for fees)

 

 

 

Making a Complaint

If you would like to make a complaint regarding a tattoo, body piercing or permanent cosmetic business or practitioner you may call 311.