Body art is art that uses the human body as the medium, with the most common forms being decorative tattoos, piercings and permanent make-up. Though a popular practice throughout the world, body art poses risk to environmental health primarily caused by blood-borne pathogens such as Hepatitis.
District 4 is responsible for regulating Body Artists and Body Art studios by administering permits, performing routine inspections, and investigating complaints. Our goal is to ensure that tattoos and piercings are administered in a safe, healthy environment for both the artist and customer.
The legal authority is Chapter 16-5-71 and Chapter 31-40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to preventing certain piercings of the bodies of minors without the consent of a parent or guardian.
For Board of Health Rules and Regulations, or if you have further questions, please contact your local Environmental Health Office.
Body Art Studio Permits
To acquire a permit for a body art studio, please submit the following to your county’s Environmental Health Office via mail:
- A completed Body Art Establishment Permit Application and applicable fee (call your county office for details)
- A list of names and duties of all staff
- At least three copies of a detailed floor plan (minimum 8 ½” by 11”, drawn to scale)
- A completed Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application
Body Art Licenses
To obtain a Body Art license, please submit the following to your local Environmental Health Office via mail:
- A completed Body Art License Application and applicable fee (call your county office for details)
- Basic First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens/Universal Precautions trainings certificates
- A copy of your photo ID
- A completed Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application
Applicants for a Body Art License must also pass a Departmental Body Art Exam. Please contact your local Environmental Health Office for more information.