Tattoo / Piercing Permits & Licenses in Salt Lake City, UT

Requires 1,000 hours experience under licensed piercer; bloodborne pathogen certification; background check. Piercing only; tattoos require separate license.

Required for all LLCs. Annual Report renewal required separately (see below).

All active LLCs must file annually to maintain good standing.

Requires 1,000 hours supervised experience or approved training; bloodborne pathogen training; criminal background check. Applies to tattooing specifically.

Not legally required, but strongly recommended if selling or distributing aftercare products, jewelry, or ink. May be covered under general liability policy. Utah follows product liability principles under common law and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).

Only applicable if the tattoo/piercing studio serves or sells alcohol, which is rare. If applicable, liquor liability insurance is required under Utah DABC rules. Most tattoo studios do not serve alcohol and are not subject to this requirement.

Required under Utah Admin. Code R156-20. Includes submission of floor plans, bond, and inspection. Renewed annually. Independent contractors must work within a licensed establishment.

While single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner's SSN, obtaining an EIN is recommended for privacy and banking purposes. However, federal tax regulations require an EIN in the above circumstances.

Required if LLC uses a trade name/DBA. Renew every 5 years for $22.

Requires licensed technician on staff; facility inspection; compliance with Utah Administrative Code R156-11a. Must be separate license from individual practitioner licenses.

Tattoo and piercing services are subject to Utah sales tax at the state rate of 4.85%. Local option taxes may apply depending on city/county, bringing total rates up to 8.35%. Registration required even if only providing taxable services.

Required for all employers in Utah. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration includes assignment of a withholding tax account number.

Employers must register with the Unemployment Insurance Division. Rates are experience-rated after first year. New employer rate is 2.0% (as of 2024).

Employers must file Form TC-720 and remit withheld state income tax. Filing frequency is determined by the Utah State Tax Commission based on payroll volume.

LLCs are pass-through entities by default. Single-member LLCs report income on Schedule C (Form 1040); multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. Self-employment tax applies to net earnings from self-employment. This is standard for all small businesses but particularly relevant due to cash-heavy nature of tattoo/piercing operations.

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 written exposure control plan, annual training, use of PPE, and proper disposal of sharps. Even self-employed individuals without employees may be subject to OSHA rules if state has an OSHA-approved plan (Utah does not; federal OSHA applies).

Tattoo and piercing studios are considered "public accommodations" under ADA Title III. Must ensure physical access (e.g., entrances, restrooms), effective communication with customers with disabilities, and non-discriminatory policies. Applies regardless of business size or number of employees.

Most tattoo/piercing studios do not use mercury-containing devices. However, if such devices are present, they are regulated under federal universal waste rules. This is not a common requirement for this industry but is included due to potential applicability.

FDA regulates tattoo inks as cosmetics and color additives under the FD&C Act. While FDA does not approve inks pre-market, it monitors adverse events and may take action against adulterated or misbranded products. Studios must use inks intended for dermal use and avoid unapproved color additives. This is a specific federal requirement for tattoo businesses.

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising laws. Tattoo and piercing businesses must avoid deceptive claims (e.g., "permanent results," "no scarring," "FDA-approved ink"). Must disclose material information and honor pricing promises. Applies to websites, social media, and promotional materials.

All employers, including LLCs in Utah, must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. Applies to all employees regardless of citizenship. E-Verify is not federally mandated unless state law or federal contract applies.

FLSA sets federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), and recordkeeping requirements. Applies to tattoo artists and piercers if classified as employees (not independent contractors). Misclassification is a common issue in this industry.

FMLA requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. Most small tattoo/piercing studios will not meet the 50-employee threshold, but must comply if they grow to that size.

Required for all LLCs operating in Utah. Must be renewed annually. Some cities (e.g., Salt Lake City) require separate municipal licenses.

Tattoo and piercing services are generally not taxable, but sales of goods are. Must collect and remit sales tax.

Mandatory under Utah Administrative Code Rule R392-200. Requires compliance with sanitation, sterilization, and employee training standards. Inspections may be unannounced.

All tattoo and piercing businesses must obtain and renew an annual Body Art Establishment Permit. This includes compliance with infection control standards. The permit must be visibly displayed at the establishment.

Required for all Utah LLCs. Must be filed online via the Utah Division of Corporations portal. Includes basic business information update.

Each individual tattoo artist or piercer must hold a current Body Art Practitioner License. Renewal requires proof of current bloodborne pathogens training (every 4 years) and compliance with health regulations.

Training must be from an approved provider and include OSHA bloodborne pathogens standards. Certificate must be submitted to the state upon renewal.

Inspections verify compliance with infection control, sterilization, waste disposal, and facility standards per Utah Administrative Code R386-100. Inspection report must be posted if requested by health authority.

Inspection ensures compliance with fire code (e.g., exits, extinguishers, flammable materials storage). Some jurisdictions require initial inspection before opening.

Sales tax license does not expire but requires active compliance. Filing frequency determined by Utah Tax Commission. Estimated payments not required; actual collections must be remitted on schedule.

LLC with employees must file federal employment tax returns. Form 941 due by the last day of the month following each quarter. Form 940 (FUTA) due by January 31st. No annual renewal of EIN, but ongoing tax filings required.

Tattoo and piercing services are taxable. Businesses must file Form TC-69 for sales tax. Filing frequency assigned by USTC based on average monthly tax liability.

Most Utah cities (e.g., Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo) require a local business license or privilege tax. Fees and requirements vary. Example: Salt Lake City requires a Business License Application at slc.gov/business/licensing. Tattoo studios may also require health department approval.

While not a tax, this is a foundational requirement for LLCs. Required to legally operate as an LLC in Utah. Filed with the Division of Corporations.

Required for LLCs with employees or more than one member. Sole proprietorships with no employees may use SSN, but LLCs typically require EIN. Apply online via IRS website.

Tattoo/piercing classified as "Body Art Establishment"; application requires health dept approval

Tattoo studios typically allowed in C-2/C-3 commercial zones (SLC Code 21A.32)

Requires facility inspection, artist certification, sterilization protocols

Ensures compliance with body art facility standards (Utah Rule R392-100)

Required for tattoo studio build-out including plumbing/electrical

Max sign area 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage

Tattoo studios classified as B occupancy; requires 2 exits, fire extinguishers

Required if building has automatic sprinklers

Requires Utah County Health Dept approval for body art

Separate from Salt Lake County requirements

Weber-Morgan Health Dept approval required

Typically prohibited for body art due to health codes; limited to 25% floor area

Requires bloodborne pathogen training for artists

Required for all employers with one or more employees under Utah Code §34A-2-201. Sole proprietors and partners may elect out, but must file a waiver. Tattoo/piercing studios with employees must carry coverage. Independent contractors do not count if properly classified.

Not statutorily required by Utah state law, but strongly recommended due to risk of client injury, infection, or property damage. Some local jurisdictions or landlords may require proof of general liability insurance as part of business licensing or lease agreements.

Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit on schedule. Registration required at start of employment.

Posters include Utah Minimum Wage, OSHA Rights, EEO, and Family Medical Leave Act. Available in English and Spanish. Must be visible in employee break or common area.

Includes sterilization logs, autoclave spore testing results, exposure control plans, and training records. Must be available for inspection upon request.

Not required by Utah law or the Division of Occupational Professional Licensing (DOPL), but highly recommended for tattoo and piercing artists due to risks of infection, allergic reactions, or dissatisfaction with work. Often bundled with general liability in 'business owner's policy'.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for all Body Art Establishments under Utah Admin. Code R156-20-301. The bond ensures compliance with state health and safety regulations. Issued by licensed surety companies. Bond must be maintained for the duration of the license.

Required under Utah Code §41-1a-201 for all motor vehicles registered in Utah. Applies only if the business owns or operates vehicles. Personal auto policies do not cover business use. Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $65,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage.