Dallas County, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- TX H&S Code Ch. 146
- License issuer
- Texas DSHS
- License term
- Two-year renewal
- County support
- DCHHS Environmental Health
- Records retained
- Two years per client
Summary
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 146 requires every tattoo and body-piercing studio in Dallas County to hold a Texas Department of State Health Services license. Dallas County HHS supports inspections in unincorporated areas; cities like Dallas and Irving handle in-city zoning and code enforcement.
Sec. 146.003. LICENSE APPLICATION. (a) To receive a tattoo studio license, body piercing studio license, or temporary location license, a person must submit a signed, verified license application to the department on a form prescribed by the department and must submit an application fee. In addition, the person must submit evidence from the appropriate zoning officials in the municipality or county in which the studio is proposed to be located that confirms that the studio is in compliance with existing zoning codes applicable to the studio. (b) The department may issue a license or temporary location license for a tattoo or body piercing studio after determining that the studio is in compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and zoning codes.
Full Breakdown
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 146 and 25 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 229 Subchapter K, DSHS licenses tattoo and body-piercing studios statewide on a two-year cycle. Operators must use single-use needles, autoclave reusable instruments, follow infection control plans, post sanitation procedures, retain client records for two years, and refuse minors except narrow gang-mark exceptions with parental and court consent. Dallas County does not run a separate body-art permit program. Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) Environmental Health supports DSHS with inspections in unincorporated areas; in-city studios are inspected by DSHS and city code compliance. Mobile, temporary, or convention tattoo events still need DSHS event permits.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a DSHS Chapter 146 license, tattooing minors outside narrow exceptions, reusing single-use needles, or skipping sanitation logs triggers fines, license revocation, and possible Class A misdemeanor charges under HSC 146.020 referred to the Dallas County DA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Dallas County resident under 18 get tattooed with parental consent?
Does Dallas County HHS issue tattoo permits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas business licensing & operations overview
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