Body Art program

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We want to help you have a safe experience when you get a tattoo, piercing, or permanent make-up. While we cannot ensure the quality of the work, we can help to make sure the business is clean and follows the law. 

Before you get any body art, research the artist and the business. All body art businesses should have their last health inspection available for you to read. 

We are here to help provide safe body art in Marin. We want you to keep your business free from bloodborne illnesses and other infections. We help you follow all the applicable laws and regulations.

What we do

• Complete annual inspections
• Plan review for new businesses
• Investigate complaints
• Provide technical support 

Our permit process

All body art businesses and practitioners need to have a current health permit. New businesses will also have to complete a plan review. 

You need to submit a permit application for any of the following requests:

• New facilities
• Change of address
• Change of ownership
• New practitioner or apprentice
• Lapse of practitioner permit  
• Temporary event

• Think Before You Ink: Tattoo Safety
• Caring For Tattooed Skin
• Caring For New Piercings
• Tattoos Affect Your Immune System in Ways We're Just Beginning to Understand