Tattoo permits are issued to each artist at a particular establishment. If a tattoo artist moves to a different location, a new permit is needed for that location prior to tattooing. Contact zoning to ensure that the business address is zoned for commercial use. Contact municipal building inspections for electrical/plumbing permits. Tattoo establishments are not permitted in residences. 

There is an Annual Permit Fee of $300 for both new tattoo permits and annual permit renewals.

A Temporary Permit Fee, valid for 1–14 consecutive days, is $150. Temporary tattoo permits may be issued for: 

• Visiting artists

• Instructional classes

• Tattoo conventions

Payments can be made online through Permit Portal after reviewing the how-to guide, by mailing a check, or in person at the Wake County Office Building, Suite 101, 336 Fayetteville St., Raleigh. 

Tattoos are safe as long as you go to a reputable artist who is following all recommended safety precautions; however, it is important to remember that tattoos are not risk-free. The health risks associated with tattooing are small if appropriate disinfection and sterilization techniques are used. Some risks include: 

 Infection – Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit bloodborne illnesses such as Hepatitis B and C, tetanus, TB and HIV. It is extremely important to make sure that all tattooing equipment is clean and sterilized before use. In addition, the person who receives a tattoo must be sure to care for the tattooed area properly during the first week or so after pigments are injected. 

Tattoo removal problems – Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments and considerable expense. Complete removal without scarring may be impossible. 

Allergic reactions – Although allergic reactions are rare, when they do happen they may be particularly troublesome because the pigments can be hard to remove. Occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years. 

Keloid Formation – If you are prone to developing keloids – scars that grow beyond normal boundaries – you are at risk of keloid formation from a tattoo. 

 MRI complications – There are reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experienced swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This seems to appear only rarely and apparently without lasting effects. Individuals with tattoos or permanent makeup should inform the radiologist or technician of this fact in order to take appropriate precautions, avoid complications and ensure the best results.