License Overview 

 A license is required to conduct tattooing or permanent makeup, pierce the skin, or maintain tanning facilities.

Application Requirements 

• A debt check will be conducted as part of the application process. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
• An inspection of the premises will be conducted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (tattoo and permanent makeup establishments)
• An inspection of the premises will be conducted by the Chicago Department of Public Health (tattoo, permanent makeup, and piercing establishments).

Required Documents 

• Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents page.
• Certificate of insurance (limits not less than $300,000)
• Approved report from the Illinois Department of Public Health (based on IDPH inspection of the premises for tattoo and permanent makeup establishments)

License Application Steps 

• Submit initial business information in person or online
• Receive zoning approval from the City
• The applicant must notify the Illinois Department of Public Health of their pending application (tattoo and permanent makeup establishments)
• Receive inspection approval from IDPH (tattoo and permanent makeup establishments)
• Complete and submit a full license application to the City
• Make payment for the license
• Undergo a City debt check. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
• Undergo inspections from the Chicago Department of Public Health (tattoo, permanent makeup, and piercing establishments).
• Receive license once all requirements are met from the City

For more information on license application steps, see the Business License Application Steps webpage.

Cost 

$250 License Fee

How to Apply 

In person: Visit the Small Business Center Visit Us webpage for wait times, location, and hours of operation.

Online: Visit the online business license application system.

Operating Requirements 

• Maintain the establishment in a clean and sanitary condition
• Perform body piercing or tattooing in a manner that prevents and hinders the transmission of disease-producing microorganisms from one person or place to another, as approved by the Department of Public Health.
• Comply with all state laws including the Tanning Facility Permit Act, and the Tattoo and Body Piercing Establishment Registration Act.
• It is prohibited to tattoo or offer to tattoo any person under the age of 18
• It is prohibited to pierce any area of the body of a person under 18 years of age without written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
• It is prohibited to allow any person under the 18 years of age to tan themselves in a tanning facility

Renewal Requirements 

A license for tattooing, piercing, or tanning is issued for a period of two years and must be renewed prior to expiration. For renewal information, see the Renewal page.

Resources 

For questions, call 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249) or 312.744.1944, or email businesslicense@cityofchicago.org