Tattoo Facilities

Tattoo facilities are regulated under Baltimore City Health Code Title 13.  A tattoo facility must have a Use & Occupancy permit for their establishment.

No person may maintain or operate a tattoo establishment in the City or otherwise conduct tattooing without a license to do so. 

No person may tattoo any minor, under the age of 18, regardless of parental or guardian permission.

All tattooing must be done in conformance with the State regulations governing skin-penetrating body adornment procedures (COMAR 10.06.01.06).

Mobile tattoo facilities and the practice of conducting “tattoo parties” are prohibited in the City of Baltimore.

The Baltimore City Health Department periodically receives reports of unlicensed tattoo establishments and the tattooing of minors. We appreciate all of these reports and ask that you continue to call 311 or go to Baltimore CitiTrack Service Request System online to make a report.  You may remain anonymous.  Below is a list of currently licensed tattoo establishments that will be updated each month. Please note that all licensed tattoo establishments must post their BCHD Tattoo License visibly on the premises.

​Note: Licenses must be renewed every year.

All Tattoo Establishments must post the following notice in a prominent place:

NOTICE

Any procedure that involves penetrating the skin, such as body piercing or tattooing, carries some risks. The risks from such procedures include pain, bleeding, swelling, infection at the site of the procedure, the transmission of blood-borne infections, scarring, and nerve damage. 

The technician performing your procedure should:

• Obtain written consent for the procedure.
• Properly wash his/her hands.
• Cleanse your skin.
• Use sterile instruments, equipment, and bandages.
• Use proper techniques to prevent infection at the site of the procedure.
• Provide you with written instructions to tell you what to expect about healing and how you should care for the area after the procedure has been done.

Applying for a license? Please go to the Plan Review section.

RECALL NOTICES:

August 2015

• The FDA has announced a voluntary nationwide recall of Thousand Virgins Corp grey wash tattoo inks and tattoo kits due to microbial contamination. Please see the FDA's website for additional information.

July 2014

• The FDA has announced a voluntary nationwide recall of White & Blue Lion Inc. tattoo kits, tattoo ink, and needles due to microbial contamination. Please see the FDA's website for additional information.

Contact Us:

Phone: 410-396-4428

Mail: Environmental Health, 1001 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.