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Body Art Practitioner Registration Information

Environmental Health Services

Body art practitioners are those who perform tattoo, piercing, permanent cosmetics and branding on a person’s skin. Practitioners are required to receive annual training in bloodborne pathogen standards to ensure they know how to prevent the transmission of bloodborne diseases. They must also perform these procedures in approved Body Art Facilities that have a valid health permit and are inspected by Environmental Health Specialists from San Mateo County.

Application Process

New and returning practitioners are required to submit a complete practitioner application packet (listed under the resource library below) and pay the practitioner registration fee.

Click here to submit payment through the online portal.

Note For First Time Applicants: Applicants who have not previously registered for body art within San Mateo County will be required to pass an onsite registration inspection to confirm their knowledge of body art processes. 

Registration Posting Requirements and Owner Expectations

Once the renewal or onsite inspection is completed, a registration will be mailed to the facility listed on the application. The expectation for each practitioner is to maintain a current and valid registration. The registration must be posted in a readily visible area and displayed next to the facility permit. 

OWNERS: You must notify the county, in writing, within 30 days of any practitioner who is no longer associated with the shop. 

Reciprocity Disclaimer

A valid Body Art Practitioner Registration issued from any other jurisdiction within California is intended to allow the Practitioner to practice within this county for 5 consecutive days no more than 15 days total in a calendar year.

Resource Library