Santa Clara County, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Practitioner registration
- Required before practicing body art
- Facility permit
- Required per location, must be displayed
- Enforced by
- County Public Health Department
- Applies
- Countywide: cities and unincorporated area
Summary
Body art practitioners and facilities anywhere in Santa Clara County, including San Jose and other cities, need Public Health Department permits and registration under the county's Safe Body Art Act rules.
Any person owning or operating a body art facility shall obtain a facility permit from the Department and pay an annual facility permit fee established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The facility permit shall be on display at the facility at all times. No person whose facility permit has been suspended or revoked shall continue to allow the practice of body art in the facility, unless and until, in the case of suspension, the Director has reinstated the facility permit. If the facility permit is suspended or revoked, the permit shall be surrendered to the Director upon demand.
(Ord. No. NS-517.82, § 3(B11-522), 2-26-13; Ord. No. NS-300.1002, § 54, 10-21-25)
Sec. B11-507.1. - Applicant requirements.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Anyone practicing body art in Santa Clara County, tattooing, piercing, or similar procedures, must hold a practitioner registration card and a practitioner permit from the Public Health Department, and each facility must hold a separate facility permit that stays on display. Practitioners can only work at a permitted facility. Section B11-500 directs the Director of Public Health or County Health Officer to enforce this chapter throughout both the incorporated cities and the unincorporated area, alongside The Safe Body Art Act.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a valid permit or registration, or continuing after suspension or revocation, violates Sections B11-505 through B11-507; enforcement follows Health and Safety Code §§ 119319-119323.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside San Jose, or only unincorporated areas?
What permits does a tattoo shop need?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.