Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in St. Louis, MO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in St. Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri.

Verified 2026-08-28 5 stops $300–$1,000 est. 3–8 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Missouri

2 stops

  1. Missouri Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods in Missouri. The state rate is 4.225%; local rates vary by city and county. Register online with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. Missouri Tattoo Practitioner License (incl. bloodborne pathogen training)

    Every tattoo artist must be licensed by the Missouri Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding (Division of Professional Registration, 20 CSR 2267) — not DHSS. Licensure requires completing a bloodborne pathogen training program, first aid/CPR, and a 300-hour supervised apprenticeship (or equivalent path). Tattoo establishments need a separate $200 establishment license. Employers must also provide OSHA-required annual bloodborne pathogen training for exposed employees.

    Official government source

    $100 practitioner application (renewal $100/2 yrs); BBP/CPR course cost extra ($20–$80 market)Half-day course

City of St. Louis / St. Louis City

2 stops

  1. Missouri Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding — Establishment License

    Tattoo establishments in Missouri must be licensed by the Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding within the Division of Professional Registration (RSMo 324.522) before operating. Individual tattoo artists must also hold state practitioner licenses. Confirm any additional local requirements with the City of St. Louis Health Department.

    Official government source

    $200 establishment application fee ($300 for a combined tattoo/body piercing/branding establishment); $200 renewal (20 CSR 2267-2.020)2–6 weeks

  2. City of St. Louis License Collector — Business License

    St. Louis City is an independent city (not part of St. Louis County) and requires a Graduated Business License (GBL) from the License Collector's Office before commencing business. The license must be renewed annually; renewal applications and payment are due before June 1 to avoid penalties.

    Official government source

    $200 initial fee ($100 if starting between January 1 and May 31); annual renewal is graduated by number of St. Louis employees, from $200 (0-2 employees) up to $37,5001–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 3–8 weeks

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