Body Art Program

For a current list of body art facilities, please contact your County Health Department.

How to Obtain a Body Art Operator Permit

A "body art operator" is any person who controls, operates, manages, conducts, or practices body art activities at a body art facility and is responsible for compliance with the Body Art Rules, whether or not they are actually performing body art. The term includes technicians and apprentices who work under the operator and perform body art activities. Body art procedures include tattooing, branding, piercing, and permanent make-up such as microblading.

How do I become permitted to perform body art procedures in Alabama?

• You must be employed by and working at a body art facility licensed by the Department. This can include a tattoo studio, salon/spa, etc.
• Fill out an application provided by the Department that includes your name, date of birth, sex, residence address, mailing address, phone number, place(s) of employment as an operator, and years of experience.
• Show proof of having taken and passed a bloodborne pathogen training program approved by the Department. Here is a list of Bloodborne Pathogen Training Courses Approved in Alabama.
• Provide proof of completing the Hepatitis B vaccination series or sign a letter of declination provided by the Department.

Can I perform body art procedures (tattoos, piercings, etc.) from my home?

• No. All body art procedures shall be performed in a body art facility that has a current, valid license issued by the Health Department.
• In order to obtain a body art facility license, please refer to the Structural Guidelines for Body Art Facilities and contact your local county health department for further instructions.

Rules

• Chapter 420-3-23. Body Art Practice and Facilities
• Structural Guidelines for Body Art Facilities

Forms

• Application for Body Art Operator Permit
• Application for Body Art Facility License
• Tattoo Disclosure Statement

Training

• List of Approved Bloodborne Pathogen Courses in Alabama

Additional Resources

Read information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos & Permanent Makeup.