"Effective January 1, 2014, It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in body tattooing and/or body piercing at any location and/or facility which does not possess a valid permit" as per Ordinance Number 13-13 and passed by the Porter County Board of Commissioners on November 5, 2013.
The Tattoo and Piercing Parlor Operating Permit is $100.00 (a $100.00 late fee will be incurred if the application is received after January 1 for all previously permitted facilities). This is an annual permit and must be obtained yearly.
Previously permitted Tattoo and/or Piercing Parlors must complete an application, provided the required attachments, and pay $100.00 ( and include a $100.00 late fee if received after January 1).
New Tattoo and Piercing Parlors must complete an application, provided the required attachments, pay the fee and pass an inspection by our office prior to opening.
Please visit or mail a completed application, attachments, and a check to Porter County Health Department, Environmental Division, Attention: Tattoo/Piercing Application, 155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 104, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Checks can be made payable to Porter County Health Department. For renewal applications received by mail, the Tattoo/Piercing Facility Operating Permit and receipt will be mailed to the address listed on the application. Porter County Health Department Tattoo and Piercing Parlor Operating Permit Application (PDF) or Online form.
List of Currently Registered Tattoo and Piercing Facilities (PDF)