Body art is an art form that uses the human body as a medium. It includes tattooing, piercing, and microblading. Body art has become popular throughout the United States and the world. The Georgia Department of Public Health regulates many body art practices because they can spread bacterial infections and bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis.
The Georgia Department of Public Health regulates body artists and body art studios by issuing permits, performing routine inspections, and investigating complaints. Our goal is to make sure tattoos and piercings are done in a safe, healthy environment for both the artist and the customer.
Legal authority: Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Chapter 16-5-71 and Chapter 31-40, relating to preventing certain piercings of minors without the consent of a parent or guardian.
Body Art Studio Permits
Body Art Studios are regulated by the Environmental Health Office on the local level. To acquire a permit for a body art studio, please submit the following to your local county’s Environmental Health Office via mail:
- A completed Body Art Establishment Permit Application and applicable fee (call your county office for details)
- Body Art Studio Plan Review Checklist
- A detailed floor plan (minimum 8 ½” by 11”, drawn to scale). All required Standard Operating Procedures (see Plan Review Checklist)
- A completed Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application
Body Artist Licenses
Body artists are regulated through Georgia DPH’s Environmental Health Office. Artists will need to take and pass the State of Georgia Body Art Exams for their specific field of work. Once the exam is passed the artist will be contacted by the State Environmental Health Office and asked to complete an on-line application.
The below items will be required:
- A copy of a Government Issued ID
- A signed and notarized Verification of Residency Form
- Bloodborne Pathogen Training Certificate
- First Aid Training Certificate
- CPR Training Certificate
- Hepatitis B Vaccination Status
Applicants for a Body Art License must also pass a Departmental Body Art Exam. Please contact your local Environmental Health Office for more information.