Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Cedar Rapids, IA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Iowa Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

   Required for businesses selling taxable goods or services in Iowa. The state rate is 6%, and local option sales tax of up to 1% may apply. Iowa taxes about 75 enumerated services, so check whether your service is taxable before assuming you need a permit. Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue online.

   Official government source

   Free — no fee to register for a sales tax permit·Register online through GovConnectIowa, the state's tax portal

   Free — no fee to register for a sales tax permit

   Register online through GovConnectIowa, the state's tax portal

2. Bloodborne Pathogens and First Aid Training (per artist)

   Every permitted tattoo artist in Iowa must hold current American Red Cross or equivalent bloodborne pathogens training plus separate first aid training. CPR/AED-only training is not accepted, and the certificate must show your name, the type of training, and an unexpired date. You submit the certificates to the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing each year when you renew your artist permit, so the training has to stay current for as long as you tattoo.

   Official government source

   Training is bought from a private provider, commonly $20-$80 per course; the state charges nothing for the training itself (the artist permit application or renewal is a separate $75)·Most approved courses are finished online or in a half day

   Training is bought from a private provider, commonly $20-$80 per course; the state charges nothing for the training itself (the artist permit application or renewal is a separate $75)

   Most approved courses are finished online or in a half day

1. Iowa DIAL — Tattoo Establishment Permit

   Tattoo establishments in Iowa must obtain a permit from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), which absorbed tattoo/body art regulation from the former Iowa Department of Public Health in the 2023 agency consolidation. All artists must complete bloodborne pathogen training. DIAL conducts an application review and inspection procedure for new permanent tattoo establishments.

   Official government source

   $100 application fee for a permanent tattoo establishment permit (late fees apply for delinquent renewals)·2–6 weeks

   $100 application fee for a permanent tattoo establishment permit (late fees apply for delinquent renewals)

   2–6 weeks

2. No General Business License Required in Cedar Rapids

   Cedar Rapids Development Services does not issue an annual business license. Development Services and Building Services handle zoning, building and trade permits, and Certificates of Occupancy — required when you build, remodel, or change the use of a space, not as a recurring license. The City Clerk licenses only narrow categories: alcohol and tobacco, transportation, vendors, after-hours businesses, business close-out sales, and pawnbrokers. Otherwise your obligations are your state trade license (for example cosmetology or contractor registration) and a Certificate of Occupancy if you take over or change commercial space.

   Official government source

   $0 — no general business license exists·Not applicable

   $0 — no general business license exists

   Not applicable

Official Sources

• Iowa Department of Public Health — Tattoo Body Art Registration
• City of Cedar Rapids Development Services

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