Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL
Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.
Federal — start here
2 stopsEIN (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 sourceFreeImmediate
Free
Immediate
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 sourceCost of training and supplies (~$200–$500/year)Ongoing
Cost of training and supplies (~$200–$500/year)
Ongoing
State of Illinois
2 stopsIllinois 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 workstation4–8 weeks (includes IDPH inspection)
$500 (one workstation) + $50 per additional workstation
4–8 weeks (includes IDPH inspection)
Illinois IDPH — Individual Tattoo Artist Registration
Each individual tattoo artist in Illinois must complete OSHA-standard bloodborne pathogen training and be registered with the Illinois Department of Public Health. Contact IDPH Body Art Program at [email protected] or (217) 785-2439 for individual artist registration requirements and any associated fees.
Official government sourceContact IDPH for current individual artist registration fee2–4 weeks
Contact IDPH for current individual artist registration fee
2–4 weeks
City of Chicago / Cook County
2 stopsCity of Chicago — Regulated Business License (Tattooing, Piercing, and Tanning)
Tattoo studios operating in Chicago must obtain a Regulated Business License from the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). As of January 1, 2026, the fee for a two-year Regulated Business License is $1,000 (up from $250, reflecting the city's first fee increase since 2012). The license is issued for two years and must be renewed before expiration. Contact BACP at (312) 744-6249.
Official government source$1,000 (two-year license, effective January 1, 2026)4–8 weeks
$1,000 (two-year license, effective January 1, 2026)
4–8 weeks
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) — Facility Inspection Approval
Before the city business license is issued, tattoo and permanent makeup establishments must receive an approved inspection report from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). CDPH inspects the premises to ensure compliance with the Illinois Department of Public Health Body Art Code and Chicago Board of Health standards. A Certificate of Insurance with limits not less than $300,000 must be provided.
Official government sourceIncluded with CDPH inspection process (no separate fee listed publicly)2–6 weeks
Included with CDPH inspection process (no separate fee listed publicly)
2–6 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $1,500–$2,500 · 8–16 weeks
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