Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Hilo, HI
Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Hilo, Hawaii County, Hawaii.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)FreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Hawaii
2 stopsHawaii Department of Taxation — General Excise Tax (GET) License
Hawaii has no sales tax. Instead the state levies a General Excise Tax on the gross income of the business itself, and unlike a sales tax it reaches services, commissions and rent as well as goods. Every business must register for a GET licence with the Department of Taxation on Form BB-1 before doing business. The rate is 4% statewide, rising to 4.5% on Oahu because of the 0.5% county surcharge, and it is owed on gross income whether or not it is passed on to the customer.
Official government source for Hawaii Department of Taxation — General Excise Tax (GET) License (opens in a new tab)$20 one-time registration fee (Form BB-1)Hawaii Tax ID issued immediately in person, in about 5–7 days online via Hawaii Tax Online, or 4–6 weeks by mail
$20 one-time registration fee (Form BB-1)
Hawaii Tax ID issued immediately in person, in about 5–7 days online via Hawaii Tax Online, or 4–6 weeks by mail
Bloodborne Pathogen Training (per tattoo artist)
Under HRS §321-375 a tattoo artist must pass a bloodborne pathogen course written for the tattoo industry before being licensed. The Department of Health does not run the course or the exam — it contracts the testing out and publishes a list of approved online providers that applicants pay directly. The certificate has to be dated within two years of the licence application, which matches the artist licence's biennial cycle: renewal fees are due by December 31 of each even-numbered year under HRS §321-381, not annually.
Official government source for Bloodborne Pathogen Training (per tattoo artist) (opens in a new tab)Set by the third-party course provider — DOH lists the approved online providers and does not set the price; the $75 tattoo artist license fee is paid separately to the Department of HealthThe course is completed online in a single sitting; the certificate must be dated within two years of the license application, and licenses then renew by December 31 of each even-numbered year
Set by the third-party course provider — DOH lists the approved online providers and does not set the price; the $75 tattoo artist license fee is paid separately to the Department of Health
The course is completed online in a single sitting; the certificate must be dated within two years of the license application, and licenses then renew by December 31 of each even-numbered year
City of Hilo / Hawaii County
2 stopsHawaii Department of Health — Tattoo Shop Permit
Tattoo shops in Hawaii must obtain a permit from the Hawaii Dept. of Health, Food Safety Branch (city-specific application forms exist for Hilo, Kona, Oahu, Maui/Molokai, Kauai). All artists must complete a bloodborne pathogen certification course. Health inspections are required.
Official government source for Hawaii Department of Health — Tattoo Shop Permit (opens in a new tab)$125 initial permit fee; $75 renewal (Hilo Tattoo Shop Permit, non-refundable)2–6 weeks
$125 initial permit fee; $75 renewal (Hilo Tattoo Shop Permit, non-refundable)
2–6 weeks
Hawaii State General Excise Tax (GET) License
Hawaii County does not issue a general county business license. Every business operating in Hilo must obtain a State of Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) license, a one-time $20 filing with the Dept. of Taxation. Specific business types may need separate state or county permits.
Official government source for Hawaii State General Excise Tax (GET) License (opens in a new tab)$20 one-time (State GET license; no general county business license exists)Same day–1 week via Hawaii Tax Online
$20 one-time (State GET license; no general county business license exists)
Same day–1 week via Hawaii Tax Online
Terminus
Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 3–8 weeks
Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?