Bakersfield tattoo shops must register with Kern County Public Health under the California Safe Body Art Act, hold a city business tax certificate, and comply with bloodborne pathogen and sterilization standards.
California's Safe Body Art Act (AB 300) requires every body art practitioner including tattoo artists, piercers, and permanent makeup technicians to register with the local enforcement agency, here Kern County Public Health. Establishments must pass an annual inspection covering autoclave sterilization, single-use needles, and bloodborne pathogen training. Bakersfield additionally requires a business tax certificate under Chapter 5.02 and zoning compliance. Minors under 18 cannot receive tattoos even with parental consent under California Penal Code 653.
Unregistered operation, sanitation failures, or tattooing minors can trigger county shutdown, fines up to $1,000 per violation, criminal misdemeanor charges, and permanent practitioner registration revocation.
See how Bakersfield's tattoo & body modification rules stack up against other locations.
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