Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you operate as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, or if you have employees. Apply free online through the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate

   Free

   Immediate

2. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Compliance

   Tattoo parlors with employees must comply with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), including written exposure control plans, hepatitis B vaccination availability, proper sharps disposal, and annual employee training.

   Official government source

   Cost of training and supplies (~$200–$500/year)·Ongoing

   Cost of training and supplies (~$200–$500/year)

   Ongoing

1. Illinois IDPH — Body Art Establishment Registration

   All establishments providing body art services (tattooing, piercing, branding, scarification) in Illinois must register with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) under the Tattoo and Body Piercing Establishment Registration Act. Upon receipt of a completed registration application, IDPH conducts an inspection. The registration fee is $500 for a permanent establishment (includes one workstation); additional workstations cost $50 each. For Chicago establishments, this is typically coordinated with the CDPH inspection process.

   Official government source

   $500 (one workstation) + $50 per additional workstation·4–8 weeks (includes IDPH inspection)

   $500 (one workstation) + $50 per additional workstation

   4–8 weeks (includes IDPH inspection)

2. Illinois IDPH — Individual Tattoo Artist Registration

   Illinois does not have a separate individual tattoo artist registration. The Body Art Establishment registration is held by the location/establishment, not the individual artist. Artists must complete bloodborne pathogen (OSHA) training and the establishment must maintain proof of this for each artist. Contact IDPH's Body Art Program at [email protected] or (217) 785-0820 with questions.

   Official government source

   No separate fee (covered under the establishment's Body Art registration)·not applicable -- there is no individual artist registration to process. The establishment's Body Art permit application takes roughly 4-6 weeks from receipt to inspection scheduling, per IDPH.

   No separate fee (covered under the establishment's Body Art registration)

   not applicable -- there is no individual artist registration to process. The establishment's Body Art permit application takes roughly 4-6 weeks from receipt to inspection scheduling, per IDPH.

1. City of Chicago - Tattooing, Piercing, and Tanning License (BACP)

   A tattoo studio operating in Chicago must hold a Tattooing, Piercing, and Tanning license from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. The application requires zoning approval, a city debt check, a certificate of insurance with limits of not less than $300,000, notice to and an approved inspection report from the Illinois Department of Public Health, and an inspection by the Chicago Department of Public Health. The license runs two years and must be renewed before it expires. Questions: 312-744-6249 (312-74-GOBIZ) or [email protected].

   Official government source

   $1,000 license fee for the two-year term·4-8 weeks, driven by the IDPH and CDPH inspections

   $1,000 license fee for the two-year term

   4-8 weeks, driven by the IDPH and CDPH inspections

2. Chicago Tattooing, Piercing, and Tanning License (BACP)

   Tattoo and permanent makeup establishments in Chicago need a Tattooing, Piercing, and Tanning license from BACP. The premises must first be inspected and approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (for tattoo and permanent makeup), and the Chicago Department of Public Health then inspects tattoo, permanent makeup, and piercing establishments. You must supply a Certificate of Insurance with limits not less than $300,000 and the approved IDPH report, obtain zoning approval, and clear a City debt check. Tattooing anyone under 18 is prohibited. The license is issued for a two-year term.

   Official government source

   $1,000 license fee (two-year license)·BACP does not publish a turnaround time. The sequence is: submit business information, obtain zoning approval, notify IDPH of the pending application and pass the IDPH inspection, submit the full application, pay, clear the City debt check, and pass the CDPH inspection before the license issues.

   $1,000 license fee (two-year license)

   BACP does not publish a turnaround time. The sequence is: submit business information, obtain zoning approval, notify IDPH of the pending application and pass the IDPH inspection, submit the full application, pay, clear the City debt check, and pass the CDPH inspection before the license issues.

Official Sources

• City of Chicago — Tattooing, Piercing, and Tanning
• Illinois IDPH — Body Art Establishments
• Cook County DPH — Tanning, Body Art & Piercing
• Chicago Business License Fee Increases 2026 — Chicago Sun-Times
• Illinois Tattoo License Requirements 2026 — ACE Bloodborne Pathogens Training

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