Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.

Updated 2026-03-13 8 stops $500–$1,300 est. 6-12 weeks
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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

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Michigan

3 stops

  1. MI LARA Body Art Establishment License

    The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requires all body art facilities to be licensed under Public Act 375 of 2010. Both the facility and individual artists must be licensed. Requires proof of proper sterilization, bloodborne pathogen protocols, and staff training.

    Official government source

    $150-$300/year4-8 weeks

  2. MI LARA Individual Tattoo Artist License

    Each tattoo artist working in the establishment must hold an individual license from LARA under the Michigan Body Art Facilities Act. Requires completed bloodborne pathogen training, first aid certification, and passing a state licensing exam.

    Official government source

    $75-$150/artist4-8 weeks

  3. MI Business Registration (LARA)

    Required by the Michigan LARA Corporations Division for LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities operating in Michigan.

    Official government source

    $50-$100 (one-time filing)1-2 weeks

City of Detroit / Wayne County

4 stops

  1. Michigan Body Art Facility License (MDHHS)

    Michigan licenses body art facilities at the STATE level: the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issues body art facility licenses under Michigan's body art facility licensing law — not the Wayne County Health Department. Includes a facility inspection for sanitation, sterilization equipment, and bloodborne-pathogen compliance. Verify current requirements and fees with MDHHS.

    Per MDHHS fee schedule — confirm current amount (needs_review)3-6 weeks

  2. City of Detroit Business License

    Issued by Detroit BSEED, this is the base business license required for commercial operation in Detroit. Tattoo parlors must hold this license in addition to the county health department license.

    Official government source

    $75-$150/year1-2 weeks

  3. Certificate of Occupancy

    Required from Detroit BSEED for the tattoo parlor premises. Confirms the space meets building code, fire safety, and zoning requirements for body art facility use. Required before opening to the public.

    Official government source

    $100-$3002-4 weeks

  4. Detroit Fire Marshal Inspection

    Required by the Detroit Fire Department prior to opening. Ensures the tattoo parlor meets fire safety standards including proper egress, fire extinguisher placement, and compliance with the Michigan Fire Prevention Code.

    Official government source

    $50-$1501-3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,300 · 6-12 weeks

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Official Sources

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