Tattoo / Piercing Permits & Licenses in Birmingham, AL

Required for all LLCs. Annual Report also required ($100 fee, due by April 15 anniversary date).

Required for all businesses. Fee varies by gross receipts and business activity schedule (Schedule 2 for personal services like tattooing).

Each tattoo artist must hold individual license. Requires bloodborne pathogen training (16 hours initial, 3 hours annual).

Required for tattoo facility. Must comply with plan review, inspections, and sanitation standards (Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-1).

Individual registration for each body piercer. Requires bloodborne pathogen training.

Separate permit if offering body piercing services. Same sanitation/inspection requirements as tattoo establishments.

Required if using DBA. Publish notice in county newspaper within 10 days ($ variable cost).

Ongoing requirement for all LLCs.

Tattoo and piercing services are generally not subject to sales tax in Alabama, but tangible goods (e.g., lotions, jewelry) sold to customers are taxable. Registration required if selling taxable items.

Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages. Applies to tattoo artists and staff if hired as W-2 employees.

Employers with one or more employees must register. Tax rate varies based on employer's experience rating (0.5% to 6.25% on first $8,000 of wages per employee annually).

All Alabama-based LLCs must file the BPT annually. Based on net income apportioned to Alabama. Due date follows federal tax year unless elected otherwise.

Most cities (e.g., Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville) require a local business license or privilege tax. Contact local clerk for specific requirements. Tattoo parlors may be subject to additional zoning or health regulations at the local level.

Even single-member LLCs may need an EIN for banking or tax purposes. Obtained via IRS Form SS-4.

All tattoo and piercing businesses must be licensed and inspected. Must follow strict sterilization, consent, and recordkeeping rules.

Many cities prohibit tattoo/piercing studios in residential areas. Commercial use may require a special permit.

Allows tax-free purchase of inventory. Must be used only for resale; misuse triggers penalties.

Required in all Alabama counties for LLCs; tattoo/piercing businesses report under retail/services classification. Specific county schedules at county treasurer offices (e.g., Jefferson: https://www.jccal.org/Default.asp?ID=2472&pg=BPL)

Every Alabama municipality requires a city business license. Tattoo/piercing classified as "personal services." Check specific city code (e.g., Birmingham Code Sec. 4-1: https://library.municode.com/al/birmingham/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_TIT4BUTA_CH4BUBULI). Not required if solely in unincorporated county area.

Tattoo/piercing often restricted to commercial/industrial zones. Requires Certificate of Zoning Compliance (e.g., Birmingham Zoning Ordinance Appendix A: https://library.municode.com/al/birmingham/codes/zoning?nodeId=ZOCOD_APAZODI). Verify with local planning office for city/county (e.g., Mobile: https://www.cityofmobile.org/departments/neighborhood-development/planning-and-zoning/).

Mandatory for all tattoo/piercing facilities. Local county health dept enforces ADPH Body Art Regulations (effective 2019). Plan review required pre-construction: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/body-art/. Specific county contacts listed on site.

Required for modifications to comply with health codes (separate sinks, sterilization areas). Example: Birmingham Building Code (IPC/UPC/IRC adoption): https://up.codes/codes/birmingham.

NFPA 1/101 compliance required. Tattoo shops often need operational permits for sterilization equipment. Specific: Birmingham Fire Code Sec. 105 (IFC 2021 edition).

Confirms zoning, building, fire, health compliance. Birmingham example Code Sec. 7-2; similar in all AL municipalities.

Size/illumination limits per zoning district. Birmingham Sign Ordinance Appendix: https://library.municode.com/al/birmingham/codes/zoning?nodeId=ZOCOD_APAZODI_SIS.

Birmingham Alarm Ordinance Sec. 8-34. Not universal; check city code.

Typically prohibited due to health/safety risks, traffic, sterilization needs. Birmingham Home Occupation standards exclude body art.

Mandatory for all employers with five or more employees in Alabama under Ala. Code § 25-5-60. However, the law applies to any employer in any employment if they have even one employee in the construction industry or if they elect to be covered. Tattoo/piercing studios are not construction, so threshold is five employees. Coverage must be obtained from a licensed insurer or through self-insurance approved by the board.

Not legally required by the State of Alabama for all businesses or specifically for tattoo/piercing studios. However, strongly recommended due to risks of bodily injury claims. Some local jurisdictions or property leases may require it. Not enforced by any state agency.

Not legally required by Alabama state law or local regulations for tattoo/piercing businesses. However, highly recommended due to risk of claims related to infection, allergic reactions, or dissatisfaction with work. No state agency mandates this coverage.

Alabama requires a $5,000 surety bond for each tattoo establishment as part of the licensing process under the Alabama Tattooing and Body Piercing Regulation Act. The bond ensures compliance with state regulations. Source: Alabama Administrative Code r. 420-5-1-.03(3)(a).

Required under Alabama's Financial Responsibility Law (Ala. Code § 32-7A-2) for any motor vehicle registered to the business and used on public roads. Does not apply if no vehicles are owned or operated by the business.

Not legally required by Alabama law. However, if the business sells aftercare products (e.g., ointments, lotions), there may be liability exposure. While not mandated, it is prudent to have coverage. No state agency enforces this requirement.

Only applicable if the tattoo/piercing studio obtains an alcohol license from the Alabama ABC Board. Most tattoo studios do not serve alcohol, so this is typically not required. If alcohol is served, liquor liability insurance is typically required as part of the licensing process.

While not required for sole proprietorships with no employees, most LLCs obtain an EIN for banking and liability protection. This is standard for tattoo/piercing studios that may hire artists.

By default, a single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C. Multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships (Form 1065). Self-employment tax applies to net earnings from services performed.

Requires written Exposure Control Plan, annual training, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper disposal of sharps, and hepatitis B vaccination offer. Specific to tattoo/piercing due to frequent blood exposure.

All public-facing businesses, including tattoo/piercing studios, must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Includes physical access (ramps, door widths), communication access, and service policies. Applies regardless of size or number of employees.

While EPA oversees hazardous waste under RCRA, most states (including Alabama) are authorized to manage their own programs. However, federal baseline applies. Tattoo/piercing studios must use licensed medical waste transporters and maintain manifests. Specific to blood-contact services.

Applies to all businesses. Prohibits deceptive or unsubstantiated claims (e.g., "permanent results", "no risk"). Required for online ads, social media, and promotional materials. Specific relevance to tattoo/piercing: claims about ink safety, healing time, or artist qualifications must be truthful and evidence-based.

Mandatory for all U.S. employers to verify identity and work authorization. Applies to tattoo artists, piercers, and front desk staff. Failure to comply can result in fines even without intent.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage and overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week). Independent contractor misclassification is a common issue in tattoo studios—artists must meet strict IRS criteria to avoid FLSA coverage.

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. Most small tattoo/piercing studios do not meet threshold, but must monitor growth.

FDA does not approve tattoo inks for injection but monitors adverse events and regulates labeling. Inks are considered cosmetics; adulterated or misbranded products may be subject to enforcement. No pre-market approval, but studios must use inks labeled appropriately and avoid unapproved color additives.

Tattoo needles and machines are Class I medical devices (low risk) and are subject to general controls. Must be registered with FDA if manufactured, but not required for end users. Studios must use FDA-compliant, sterile, single-use needles and follow manufacturer instructions.

Requires registration with local county health department, annual inspection, proof of bloodborne pathogens training, and compliance with sterilization and sanitation standards. Varies by county.

All LLCs in Alabama must file an annual report with the Secretary of State each year. The report updates ownership and contact information. Due annually based on the formation month of the LLC.

All businesses operating in Alabama must file a Business Privilege Tax return annually, even if no tax is due. The minimum tax is $100. Tattoo and piercing businesses structured as LLCs are subject to this tax.

Tattoo and piercing services are generally exempt from sales tax in Alabama, but retail sales (e.g., jewelry, aftercare kits) are taxable. Must file returns if registered for sales tax. Frequency depends on volume.

Most cities and counties in Alabama require an annual business license. Requirements and fees differ (e.g., Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile). Contact local clerk for exact deadline.

All tattoo and body piercing establishments must obtain and renew an annual Body Art Establishment Permit from ADPH. Application includes inspection compliance. Permit must be displayed on premises.

Each individual performing tattooing or piercing must hold a current Body Art Practitioner License issued by ADPH. Renewal requires proof of compliance with health standards and current first aid/CPR certification.

ADPH conducts annual inspections of all licensed body art establishments to ensure compliance with infection control, sterilization, and facility standards per Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-5-1-.01 et seq.

Most tattoo and piercing studios are classified as 'Business' or 'Mercantile' occupancies and are subject to periodic fire safety inspections. Requirements vary by municipality.

All body art practitioners must maintain current first aid and CPR certification from an approved provider (e.g., American Red Cross, American Heart Association). Required for annual license renewal.

Employers must file employment tax returns (e.g., Form 941 quarterly) and renew reporting compliance annually. FEIN remains active but requires ongoing filings.

All employers in Alabama must display the OSHA Job Safety and Health Protection poster (or state equivalent) in a conspicuous location accessible to employees.

Employers must post the Alabama Workers’ Compensation Notice (Form A-43) in a visible location. Required even if exempt due to number of employees.

Tattoo and piercing studios must maintain client consent forms, sterilization logs, equipment maintenance records, and practitioner licenses. Records must be available for inspection upon request.

Businesses must keep sales records, exemption certificates, and tax returns for audit purposes for four years from the due date of the return.

Taxpayers must retain books, records, and supporting documentation for Business Privilege Tax for four years after the return is due or filed.

The current Body Art Establishment Permit issued by ADPH must be posted in a prominent location accessible to the public.

Each licensed body art practitioner must display their current ADPH-issued license in a visible location at their workstation.