The Wetzel-Tyler County Health Department is warning residents against getting tattoos at unlicensed locations.

“Home tattooing is illegal in West Virginia,” health department officials said on social media. “We’ve recently received multiple complaints about individuals performing tattoos in unlicensed home settings. Please be aware that this is not only dangerous, it’s against the law.”

According to West Virginia Code 16-38, “No person may offer a tattoo or tattoo a person in this state unless the person is permitted by the local health department.”

The health department noted the laws exist for residents’ safety.

“Tattooing in unregulated environments puts people at risk for serious infections, disease transmission, like hepatitis or HIV, and improper aftercare,” officials added.

People receiving a tattoo or offering one in an unlicensed location are breaking the law.

“This can result in citations, legal consequences and permanent health risks,” the department explained.

“The bottomline: if you’re not permitted and you’re tattooing, you’re breaking the law. If you’re getting tattooed at someone’s house, you’re risking your health,” according to the health department.