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. 

Registration Requirements & Process

New and returning practitioners are required to submit a complete application packet and pay the practitioner registration fee (see fee schedule here).

First-time applicants must also pass an onsite registration inspection to confirm to confirm their knowledge of body art processes. 

Your application packet must include:
– Completed Body Art Practitioner Registration Application 
- Hepatitis B Declination Form
– Proof of completion of an approved Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Training course within the past year. See approved training courses under the Resources section.

Once the application or and/or onsite application is complete and approved, 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 are required to provide written notification to Environmental Health Services within 30 days of any practitioner joining or leaving the shop.

How to Apply 

Apply online (recommended)
Submit your Body Art Practitioner Registration Application through the MyEHS Portal. You can also pay your application fee online through the portal.

Payments must be made in person at the Environmental Health Services office, by mail, by phone at (650) 372-6200, or online through the MyEHS Portal. 

If you’re unable to apply online with MyEHS, you can download and complete the Body Art Practitioner Registration PDF application at smchealth.org/myehs (see Resources & PDF Applications)

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. 

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