Tattoo, piercing, and permanent-makeup shops in unincorporated LA County need a Title 11.36 health permit from LA County DPH Body Art Program plus LASD operator clearance. State Penal Code §653 bans tattooing anyone under 18, with no parental consent exception.
LACO Title 11.36 implements the California Safe Body Art Act (Health and Safety Code sections 119300 to 119328) through the LA County Department of Public Health Environmental Health Body Art Program. The program issues annual facility permits and registers individual practitioners after they complete OSHA bloodborne-pathogen training. Single-use needle cartridges, autoclave sterilization, and approved finishes are required. Sheriff Title 7.18 operator clearance applies to ownership. Penal Code section 653 bars tattooing anyone under 18 statewide. Mobile body-art events need a separate event permit. The county program covers unincorporated areas plus all 88 cities, since LACDPH is the public-health authority countywide except for Long Beach, Pasadena, and Vernon.
Operating without permits is a misdemeanor under Health & Safety Code section 119308 and LACO Title 1.25. Tattooing a minor is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 653, with fines up to $1,000 and six months jail.
See how Santa Monica's tattoo & body modification rules stack up against other locations.
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