Texas Tattoo Licensing Guide • 2026

How to Get a Tattoo License in Texas

A clear step-by-step guide to Texas tattoo studio licensing, artist requirements, facility rules, and safety standards

Quick Answer

Texas does not issue a statewide tattoo artist license.

Instead, the state regulates tattooing primarily through licensing tattoo studios through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Tattoo artists must work in a licensed, compliant studio that follows the Texas tattoo and body piercing regulations.

To work legally as a tattoo artist in Texas, the key questions are:

  • Is the studio properly licensed by DSHS?
  • Are state sanitation and safety standards being followed?
  • Are there local city or county licensing requirements that apply?

Texas Tattoo License Fast Facts

Licensing authority Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

Statewide artist license required?

 No separate statewide tattoo artist license is issued by DSHS; a few local jurisdictions, however, do license tattoo artists
Facility license required? Yes, tattoo studios must hold a current DSHS license
Bloodborne pathogens standard Texas adopts the federal OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard by reference
Inspections DSHS performs routine inspections
Local permits Cities or counties may require additional permits or zoning approvals

Step-by-Step: How to Work Legally as a Tattoo Artist in Texas

1

Confirm that your studio is licensed by DSHS

In Texas, the studio license is the foundation of legal operation. A tattoo studio must hold a current DSHS license, and that license is specific to the physical location where the studio operates.

2

Apply for a tattoo license if required by your local jurisdiction.

Although Texas does not issue a statewide tattoo artist license, some cities require artists or piercers to obtain a local permit.

Examples include:

  • Wichita Falls – Tattoo artists and piercers must obtain an individual license.
  • El Paso – Tattoo artists and piercers must apply for a city permit before practicing.

Always check with the local health department or city licensing office where the studio operates.

3

Follow Texas sanitation, handwashing, and recordkeeping rules

Texas regulations require tattoo studios and artists to follow strict infection control and sanitation practices, including:

  • Practicing universal precautions to prevent the spread of infection
    • Washing hands with a germicidal soap
    • Wearing clean clothing and single-use gloves
    • Using personal protective equipment
    • Using instruments that are either disposable or are sterilized
    • Following proper handling and disposal of waste
  • Not tattooing minors (unless certain conditions are met as specified in 25 Tex. Admin. Code § 229.406)
  • Not tattooing people under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Maintaining records for each person receiving a tattoo or body piercing
  • Reporting any infection or adverse reaction to the Texas Department of State Health Services
4

Be ready for inspections and incident reporting

The Environmental Operations Program of DSHS conducts inspections of tattoo studios to verify compliance with state regulations.

Studios may be inspected:

  • During routine inspections
  • During compliance investigations
  • In response to complaints

Studios must also report infections or adverse reactions related to tattooing or piercing.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Texas does not issue a statewide tattoo artist license. Tattooing is regulated primarily through studio licensing and operating standards.

Yes. A tattoo studio must have a current DSHS license to operate, and the license must be displayed prominently in the studio.

No. If the studio changes location, name, or ownership, a new application must be submitted with the appropriate fee.

They can be used at events if they are specifically used for tattooing or body piercing, do not contain living quarters, and comply with the rest of the rules. Because licenses are address-specific, each event location must be properly licensed.

Yes. Texas adopts the federal OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (CFR Title 29 §1910.1030, which requires exposure control practices and infection prevention procedures.

Get Bloodborne Pathogens Training Now

Disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tattoo studio licensing, inspections, sanitation rules, and local business requirements may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Texas Department of State Health Services and any applicable local authority before working or opening a shop.