Hendricks County, IN Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- County Health Officer
- Permit term
- Jan 1 to Dec 31, annual
- Minimum lighting at tattoo station
- 40 footcandles
- Tongue splitting
- Prohibited for everyone
- Minors (under 18)
- No branding, implanting, suspension
- Record retention
- 2 years, client ID + ink records
Summary
Tattoo, piercing, and body modification shops in unincorporated Hendricks County need an annual Health Officer permit, must run in an enclosed building with 40 footcandles of light at the work station, and face outright bans on tongue splitting and several procedures on minors.
(A) The following is strictly prohibited: tongue splitting. (B) The following activities are strictly prohibited to minors (under age 18): (1) Branding; (2) Implanting; (3) Suspension; (4) Scarification; and (5) Piercing of the genitalia or nipples.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-3: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2024-50, passed 12-10-2024; and State law current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
C. C. 35-45-21-4. 03(G). 04. 06 flatly prohibits tongue splitting for anyone, and prohibits branding, implanting, suspension, scarification, and piercing of the genitalia or nipples on anyone under 18. 05, including operating only from an enclosed unit and carrying waste tank capacity at least 15% greater than onboard potable water capacity. 12.
Violations & Fines
The Health Officer may revoke a permit immediately for any violation of Chapter 115, I.C. 35-45-21-4, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030, or 410 I.A.C. 1-5, per § 115.09(A)-(B), with appeals proceeding under I.C. 4-21.5-3-1 et seq. Section 115.14 authorizes civil penalties, which may include injunctive relief, under state law for any violation, and makes the violator liable for attorney fees and litigation costs if a lawsuit is needed to collect fees or penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tattoo shops need a permit in unincorporated Hendricks County?
Is tongue splitting legal at a Hendricks County body art shop?
What procedures are banned for minors under Hendricks County's body art rules?
Can a mobile tattoo unit operate in Hendricks County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hendricks County
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