Tattoo and Body Piercing

Purpose

The purpose of the Howard County Tattoo and Body Piercing program is to minimize public health risk.  The Howard County Health Department promotes sanitary operation of tattoo and body piercing establishments.  The Howard County Health Department regulates tattoo and body piercing establishments and artists according to Indiana Department of Health Administrative Code 410 IAC 1-5-1 and Howard County Ordinance 2009 BCCO-04.

Prior to opening, a tattoo and body piercing establishment must obtain a tattoo parlor permit from the Howard County Health Department by submitting the permit application, pay the permit fee and pass the establishment pre-opening inspection.

Before working as a tattoo/body piercing artist, one must obtain an artist permit from the Howard County Health Department by submitting the permit application, permit fee, record of Hepatitis B vaccine and a copy of Universal Bloodborne Pathogen training.

The Howard County Health Department Nursing Office can administer Hepatitis B vaccine and provide Universal Bloodborne Pathogen training with an appointment.  Artist and establishment permits expire on December 31 of each calendar year.