Pennsylvania tattoo waiver requirements
Tattoo regulations in Pennsylvania are enforced at the local level, not by a single statewide agency.
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Our free tattoo consent form generator helps Pennsylvania studios create waivers that align with local health requirements. It includes required client information and lets you add custom fields for your studio.
Tattoo waiver requirements in Philadelphia
Below we’ve listed the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) requirements as the reference standard.
Customer name
The client’s full name.
Procedure date and time
Date and time of the tattoo.
Tattoo description
Identification or description of the tattoo.
Artist name
Operator or tattoo artist name.
Record retention
Records must be retained for at least two years and made available to the Department upon request.
Aftercare instructions
Provide verbal and written aftercare before the procedure. The written sheet must include infection guidance, tell the customer to see a physician at the first sign of infection, and list the establishment’s name, address, and phone number, and it must be available to the Department on request.
Minor rules and consent
No tattooing under 16 unless ordered by a physician. Under 18 requires an in-person parent or legal guardian with written consent, and the operator must verify ID and guardianship.
Intoxication prohibition
No tattooing anyone who appears intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Source
Tattoo requirements in Pennsylvania are enforced on a local level. You should always contact your local health department to confirm all necessary information has been included on your client records.
The requirements listed above are based on the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health: Regulations Governing Operation And Conduct Of Tattoo And Body Piercing Establishments.
Pennsylvania tattoo waiver overview on Instagram
We’ve posted a recap for Pennsylvania on Instagram that provides a fast, visual overview of the tattoo waiver requirements before you create your own form.
Video walkthrough: Pennsylvania tattoo waiver requirements
Frequently asked questions
Do Philadelphia tattoo studios need to provide aftercare instructions before or after the procedure?
Philadelphia requires verbal and written aftercare instructions prior to initiating the procedure. The written instructions must advise the client to consult a physician at the first sign of infection and include the establishment’s name, address, and phone number.
Does Philadelphia require a health questionnaire as part of the waiver?
The regulations require the operator to advise the client to contact a physician before the procedure if they fall into listed risk categories (e.g., allergies, anticoagulants, bleeding disorders, diabetes, immune/circulatory deficiencies, keloids, skin disease at the site). Many studios document this advisory using a short health disclosure section.
Do Philadelphia tattoo operators need certification, and does it have to be posted?
Yes. Philadelphia requires both an establishment certificate and an operator certificate, and these certificates must be posted prominently where clients can see them.
If my studio closes, do I need to notify the Philadelphia Department of Public Health?
Yes. Facility managers must notify the Department in writing within five calendar days of closure. If the same owner reopens while the license is still current, the operator must inform the Department before resuming business.
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