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 “Practitioner Form Checklist”) and pay the practitioner registration fee (see fee schedule here).

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. 

Practitioner Form Checklist (submit all items listed below):

2017 Body Art Practitioner Application Guide
Body Art Practitioner Registration Application
Hepatitis B Declination Form

Other Resources

Approved Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Training Courses
Temporary Body Art Practitioner Requirements Checklist
California Safe Body Art Law: Article 3 Practitioner Registration
San Mateo County Body Art Ordinance #04285

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 then 15 days total in a calendar year.