Body Art

These rules were created to establish minimum standards, applicable throughout Ohio, for the operation and maintenance of body art facilities in order to protect the public from injury, minimize the potential for disease transmission, and provide a safe and healthy environment.

Tattooing and body piercing procedures present the potential for localized bacterial infection and exposure to blood-borne pathogens. To minimize the risk for the transmission of infectious diseases, the program requires specific procedural, record-keeping, safety, and sanitation standards to be in place at these businesses.

Never have any type of body modification done at an unlicensed shop or by an unlicensed artist, sometimes called "scratchers." Often working out of homes, garages, bars or other facilities, "scratchers" do not follow the same precautions as a legitimate artist. Any unlicensed body modification increases the chances you will:

• Contract an infectious disease such as Hepatitis C, Strep or HIV
• Have allergic reactions
• Experience scaring
• Have MRI complications

Application for Permit to Operate

• 2023 Body Art New Application Final
• 2023 Body Art Renewal Cover Letter
• 2023 Body Art Renewal Application Final

Laws and Regulations

Body art in Ohio is regulated under the authority of Chapter 3730.01 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Chapter 3701-9 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).

Guidance Documents

• OEPA Guidance Document 75 Small Generators of Infectious Waste
• Small Generator of Infectious Waste (Sample Log)

Links & Forms