Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Minnesota Department of Health Body Art Establishment Registration

   The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requires body art establishment registration for tattoo parlors statewide. The registration process includes submitting facility information and ensuring compliance with MDH body art sanitation standards. Individual tattoo artists must also complete bloodborne pathogen training and register with MDH.

   Official government source

   $100–$200/year·2–4 weeks

   $100–$200/year

   2–4 weeks

2. Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration

   All formal business entities operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. An LLC is recommended for tattoo parlors due to the inherent liability exposure from body art services.

   Official government source

   $155 (LLC filing fee)·1–2 weeks

   $155 (LLC filing fee)

   1–2 weeks

3. Minnesota Department of Revenue Sales Tax License

   Tattoo services in Minnesota are subject to sales tax. Tattoo parlor owners must register for a sales tax license with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and collect and remit sales tax on services and any retail products sold.

   Official government source

   Free·1 week

   Free

   1 week

1. Hennepin County Environmental Health Body Art Establishment License

   Hennepin County Environmental Health issues body art establishment licenses to tattoo parlors operating in Hennepin County. The license requires that the facility meets sanitation standards including proper hand-washing facilities, sterilization equipment (autoclave), adequate ventilation, and single-use needle policies. Annual inspections and renewal are required.

   Official government source

   $250–$400/year·3–5 weeks

   $250–$400/year

   3–5 weeks

2. City of Minneapolis Business License

   The City of Minneapolis Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI) requires a business license for tattoo parlors operating in Minneapolis. The license must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $50–$150/year·1–2 weeks

   $50–$150/year

   1–2 weeks

3. Certificate of Occupancy

   A Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Minneapolis Department of Safety & Inspections is required when opening a tattoo parlor in a commercial space or performing significant improvements to an existing space. This ensures compliance with building codes, zoning, and fire safety requirements.

   Official government source

   $150–$500 (depending on scope of build-out)·3–8 weeks

   $150–$500 (depending on scope of build-out)

   3–8 weeks

4. Fire Inspection

   Minneapolis Fire Department conducts inspections of commercial occupancies, including tattoo parlors, to verify compliance with fire code requirements such as sprinklers, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, and exit signage.

   Official government source

   $50–$150 (inspection fee)·2–4 weeks

   $50–$150 (inspection fee)

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Minnesota Department of Health — Body Art
• Hennepin County Environmental Health — Body Art
• City of Minneapolis — Business Licenses
• Minnesota Department of Revenue — Sales Tax

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