Smyrna, GA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Article VI of Chapter 22 defines a tattoo as marking or coloring the skin by pricking in coloring matter to form indelible marks or figures, or by the production of scars, and excludes a tattoo placed by a physician, osteopath or a technician under their direct supervision (§ 22-241). A tattoo establishment is any room or place where tattooing is practiced or the business of tattooing is conducted. A tattoo operator is anyone who controls, operates, conducts or manages the establishment, and a tattoo artist is anyone who actually performs the work.

Section 22-242 requires a city permit for the establishment, the operator and the artist. A condition precedent to the city permit is satisfactory proof that the establishment has secured a permit or certificate from the appropriate county health authorities. Each permit is issued in the name of the individual applicant, states the location where the applicant will operate, and is not transferable as to artist, operator or location. No permit issues in any area zoned for any residential use by the Smyrna zoning ordinance. The permit is in addition to, not in place of, the city occupation tax certificate.

Applications go to the Smyrna Police Department on its forms. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age, is fingerprinted by the department, and furnishes two photographs showing a front and side picture of the full face, size 2½ inches by 2¾ inches. The applicant also presents a medical certificate from a medical doctor certifying that the person is sound physically and mentally, has good eyesight and is not infected with a disease that can be communicated through openings in the human skin (§ 22-242(f)).

Section 22-243 bars tattooing anyone under 16 years of age, anyone under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other stimulants or depressants, and anyone of unsound mind.