Houston, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- TX H&S Code Chapter 146
- License issuer
- Texas DSHS
- License term
- Two-year renewal
- Minor tattoo
- Generally prohibited
- Records retained
- Two years per client
Summary
Tattoo and body-piercing studios in Houston operate under a Texas Department of State Health Services license issued under Health and Safety Code Chapter 146, with the Houston Health Department supporting inspections. Tattooing minors is generally banned and reusable instruments must be autoclaved.
Sec. 146.012. TATTOOS PROHIBITED FOR CERTAIN PERSONS. (a) A tattooist may not tattoo:(1) except as provided by Subsection (a-1), a person younger than 18 years of age; or(2) a person who the tattooist suspects is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.(a-1) A tattooist may tattoo a person younger than 18 years of age if:(1) the tattoo will cover a tattoo that contains:(A) obscene or offensive language or symbols;(B) gang-related names, symbols, or markings;(C) drug-related names, symbols, or pictures; or(D) other words, symbols, or markings that the person's parent or guardian considers would be in the best interest of the person to cover; and(2) the person has obtained consent from the person's parent or guardian to cover the tattoo.
Full Breakdown
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 146 requires every tattoo and body-piercing studio in Houston to register and obtain a DSHS license, renewed every two years, before opening. Studios must use single-use needles, autoclave reusable instruments, maintain client records for two years, post sanitation procedures, and refuse anyone under 18. Tattooing minors is allowed only to cover gang-related marks with parental and judicial consent; ear piercing on minors requires parental consent. Houston Health Department supports DSHS inspections and handles bloodborne-pathogen complaints. Studios must comply with Houston Code Chapter 6 (Buildings) for occupancy and Chapter 28 zoning for retail commercial location, though Houston has no traditional zoning. Operators face license revocation for repeat infection-control failures.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a DSHS license, tattooing minors outside narrow exceptions, reusing single-use needles, or lacking sanitation logs produces administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation, license revocation, and possible Class A misdemeanor charges under Section 146.012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 17-year-old get tattooed in Houston with parent permission?
Where can tattoo studios open in Houston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
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