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.
Clayton County Health District’s Office of Environmental Services 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 the Office of Environmental Services.
Body Art Studio Permits
To acquire a permit for a body art studio, please submit the following to the Office of Environmental Services via mail:
- A completed Body Art Establishment Permit Application and a plan review fee of $300.
- 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 the Office of Environmental Services via mail:
- A completed Body Art Artist Permit Application and a license fee of $100.
- Basic First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens/Universal Precautions training certificates
- A copy of your photo ID
- A completed Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application