Tattoo/Body Piercing And Cosmetics

Tattooing, Body Piercing & Permanent Cosmetics:

On January 1, 1998 AB 186 (Brown), was signed into law as part of the California Health and Safety Code. This new law addresses the permitting and sanitation needs for tattooing, body piercing and non-medical permanent cosmetics. The law requires that persons engaged in the business of tattooing, body piercing, or permanent cosmetics must be at least 18 years of age, must register with the county health department, and must pay a registration fee of $25.00.  Click here for the registration application.

The law also requires that the California Conference of Local Health Officers (CCLHO) establish sterilization, sanitation, and safety standards for the persons who perform tattooing, body piercing or non-medical permanent cosmetics. Once these standards are adopted, facilities in Solano County where tattooing, body piercing, or permanent cosmetics is performed will be inspected by the Solano County Department of Environmental Management, Environmental Health Program. An additional fee will be charged to cover costs of these inspections. A copy of the draft changes can be obtained by going to Tatooing Draft Regulation.


What is tattooing?

Tattooing means to insert pigment under the surface of the skin of a human being, by pricking with a needle or otherwise, to produce an indelible mark or figure visible through the skin.


What is Body Piercing?

Body Piercing means the creation of opening in the body of a human being for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration. This includes, but is not limited to, piercing of an ear, lip, tongue, nose, or eyebrow. For the purposes of AB 186 and the scope of inspections by the Solano County Environmental Management Department, body piercing does not include piercing an ear with a disposable, single-use stud or solid needle that is applied using a mechanical device to force the needle or stud through the ear.


What is Permanent Cosmetics?

Permanent Cosmetics means the application of pigments to or under the skin of a human being for the purpose of permanently changing the color or other appearance of the skin. This includes, but is not limited to, permanent eyeliner, eye shadow, or lip color.

If you would like an application to register or if you have any questions or concerns about the program, please contact us at (707) 784-6765