Tattoo / Piercing Permits & Licenses in Topeka, KS

A $5,000 surety bond is required for each tattoo/piercing facility under K.A.R. 28-12-103(c). The bond ensures compliance with sanitation and safety regulations. Must be filed with KDHE as part of the registration process. Bond remains active for the duration of registration (renewed annually).

Not explicitly required by Kansas law, but strongly recommended due to high risk of claims related to infections, allergic reactions, or dissatisfaction. Not regulated by a state agency, but adherence to K.A.R. 28-12-101 et seq. may influence insurer requirements.

Required under Kansas Financial Responsibility Law (K.S.A. 40-3101 et seq.) for any vehicle registered to the business. Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Applies only if business owns or leases vehicles.

Not mandated by Kansas law, but necessary if selling aftercare products, apparel, or other tangible goods. Risk of lawsuits from defective or contaminated products makes this strongly recommended. Governed by product liability principles under Kansas common law and UCC.

Only required if the business holds a liquor license. Kansas does not typically issue liquor licenses to tattoo/piercing studios, but if operating as a combined tattoo bar or event space, this would apply. Liquor liability insurance is mandated as part of ABC licensing requirements.

Required for all LLC formation in Kansas. Annual report also required ($55 fee, due April 15 annually).

Applies to all LLCs. Filing maintains good standing.

Individual artists must register. Prerequisites: 18+, completion of bloodborne pathogen training, facility affiliation. Facility license required first.

Required for premises where tattooing occurs. Includes plan review ($50). Must have registered artist on staff. Regulations at K.A.R. 28-4-801 et seq.

Individual piercers must register. Prerequisites: 18+, bloodborne pathogen training, facility affiliation. Same program as tattoo.

Required for piercing premises. Plan review $50. Must employ registered piercer. K.S.A. 65-1,180 et seq.

Required if using trade name. File with county district court and Secretary of State. Applies to all businesses using DBAs.

Required for the business owner/managing partner who performs or supervises tattooing/piercing. Must be listed on the facility license application. Separate from individual artist registration.

Tattoo and piercing services are generally exempt from Kansas sales tax as they are considered non-recurring personal services. However, retail sales of items such as aftercare products, jewelry, or clothing are subject to sales tax and require registration. Registration is mandatory if selling taxable goods.

Required for all employers in Kansas who pay wages subject to Kansas income tax. Applies to tattoo/piercing businesses with employees. Registration covers withholding of state income tax from employee wages.

All employers in Kansas must register for unemployment insurance tax. Rate for new employers is 2.7% on first $12,000 of each employee's annual wages. Rate may change after experience rating is established.

Kansas does not impose a separate corporate income tax on LLCs. Instead, income flows through to members and is reported on individual Kansas returns. However, LLCs must ensure members comply with Kansas individual income tax filing requirements. No formal 'registration' beyond initial business formation and tax ID.

Most cities and counties in Kansas require a local business license or privilege tax for operating within their jurisdiction. Requirements and fees vary significantly. For example, Wichita requires a Business Tax Receipt (https://www.wichita.gov/CityDepartments/Finance/Pages/BusinessTax.aspx), and Overland Park requires a business tax license (https://www.opkansas.org/government/departments/finance/business_tax). Tattoo and piercing studios may face additional zoning or health regulations at the local level.

Kansas does not impose a franchise tax or gross receipts tax on businesses. LLCs are not subject to entity-level taxation beyond federal and state income tax pass-through rules.

There is no excise tax, tourism tax, or health surcharge specifically on tattoo or body piercing services in Kansas. However, businesses must comply with KDHE regulations for body art establishments (https://www.kdheks.gov/body_art/index.htm), which include licensing and sanitation but not taxation. Local jurisdictions may impose additional fees as part of licensing.

All tattoo and piercing establishments in Kansas must be licensed and inspected by the local health department under KDHE regulations (K.A.R. 26-10-101). Inspections may be routine or complaint-driven. Failure to maintain compliance can result in permit revocation.

All businesses require a city business license; tattoo/piercing falls under general commercial category

While not required for sole proprietorships with no employees, most LLCs—especially those in regulated industries like tattoo/piercing—will need an EIN for banking and tax reporting. This is mandatory if hiring staff.

Tattoo and piercing studios are specifically covered under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) due to exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. Requires an Exposure Control Plan, personal protective equipment (PPE), training, and proper disposal of sharps.

This requirement does NOT apply to standard tattoo or piercing operations. Included for completeness—tattoo businesses do not perform radiological procedures.

The FDA regulates tattoo inks under cosmetics authority, though they are not approved for injection. Studios must use inks intended for dermal use and avoid adulterated or misbranded products. While no pre-market approval is required, the FDA monitors adverse events and may take enforcement action. This is a compliance obligation for all tattoo businesses.

Applies to all businesses, including tattoo/piercing studios. Prohibits deceptive advertising (e.g., false claims about safety, healing, or artist credentials). Also requires clear pricing disclosures and prohibits unfair or deceptive practices under the FTC Act (15 U.S.C. § 45).

All U.S. employers, including LLCs in the tattoo/piercing industry, must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. Must be retained for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), proper recordkeeping, and classification of employees vs. independent contractors. Common issue in tattoo studios: misclassifying artists as contractors when they may be employees.

Requires eligible employees (12 months with employer, 1,250 hours in past year) to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical/family reasons. Most small tattoo/piercing studios will not meet the 50-employee threshold.

All businesses open to the public, including tattoo/piercing studios, must comply with ADA Title III. This includes physical access (ramps, door widths, restrooms), communication access (for clients with disabilities), and service policies. Even small studios must remove "readily achievable" barriers.

Tattoo and piercing studios generate regulated medical waste (biohazardous waste). Must be stored in labeled, puncture-proof containers and disposed of through licensed medical waste haulers. While EPA sets federal standards, enforcement is often delegated to state agencies. Federal rules apply regardless of state adoption.

While not mandatory for businesses to report, the FDA encourages reporting of serious adverse events (e.g., severe infections, allergic reactions) via the MedWatch program. Manufacturers and distributors have clearer reporting obligations, but studios may be asked to cooperate.

All tattoo and piercing establishments in Kansas must be licensed by KDHE or local health departments. Inspections focus on sterilization, cross-contamination, and sanitation. Artists must also be individually registered.

All Kansas LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State to maintain active status. The report can be filed online and includes basic business information such as principal address, registered agent, and management structure.

Requires approved premises, equipment list, artist certification; plan review $100

Requires bloodborne pathogen training, TB test, photo ID

Tattoo parlors permitted in C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, LM, IL, IH districts (Article 4, Table 4-1)

Required for sterilization areas, sinks, partitions

Maximum 2 wall signs; complies with Chapter 13.15

Requires 2 exits, fire extinguishers, no smoking signs

Required when changing from retail to personal service

12 false alarms = permit revocation

Submit floor plans, equipment specs, water/sewer details

Local health dept enforces; separate from body art permit

Exempt if sole proprietor with no employees. All employers with one or more employees must carry workers' comp. Tattoo artists and piercers are classified under 'Personal Service Establishments' for rating. Coverage must be obtained through private insurer or self-insurance approved by KDOL.

Not explicitly mandated by Kansas state law, but strongly required by local health departments, landlords, and industry standards. KDHE enforces sanitation rules under K.A.R. 28-12-101 et seq., and proof of liability insurance may be requested during inspection or licensing. Considered de facto requirement for operation.

All tattoo and body piercing establishments must obtain and renew an annual permit from KDHE. The permit application must include proof of compliance with infection control standards, including sterilization practices and equipment. Renewal application is due by December 31 each year.

Each tattoo artist or body piercer must be individually certified by KDHE. Certification requires proof of training, bloodborne pathogens certification, and adherence to infection control standards. Renewal is required annually by December 31.

All certified body artists must complete OSHA-compliant bloodborne pathogens training every two years. Proof of current certification must be submitted to KDHE upon license renewal.

All licensed body art facilities are subject to annual inspections by the local health department or KDHE to ensure compliance with infection control, sterilization, and facility standards. Inspection includes review of autoclave logs, sterilization records, and facility cleanliness.

Most cities and counties in Kansas require periodic fire safety inspections for commercial businesses. Requirements vary by location. Contact local fire marshal for specific schedule.

All Kansas LLCs are subject to an annual franchise tax of at least $50, regardless of income. This is separate from federal income tax and must be filed even if the business had no activity.

Multi-member LLCs must file Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income) annually. Single-member LLCs may be disregarded for federal tax purposes but must report income on Schedule C of the owner's personal return.

LLC owners must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes after withholding and credits.

Businesses selling tangible goods must register for a sales tax license. The license does not expire but must be renewed if business structure or location changes. Sales tax must be collected on applicable items and remitted monthly or quarterly.

Frequency of filing (monthly, quarterly, or annually) is determined by the Kansas Department of Revenue based on sales volume. Filings are submitted electronically via the Kansas Taxpayer Access Point (K-TAP).

Facilities must maintain logs of autoclave use, spore testing results (at least monthly), sterilization cycles, and employee training. Records must be available for inspection upon request.

The current year's body art facility permit and each artist's certification must be displayed in a visible location. Additionally, federal and state labor law posters (e.g., minimum wage, OSHA) must be posted if employees are present.

Employers must display the OSHA Job Safety and Health Protection poster in a conspicuous location accessible to employees. Available for free download from OSHA website.

Employers must display current Kansas labor law posters, including minimum wage, workers' compensation, and equal opportunity employment. Posters are available for free download from the KDOL website.

All body art facilities must perform monthly spore testing of autoclaves using an approved third-party lab. Results must be documented and retained for inspection.