How do I open a tattoo shop in Illinois?
Michael Henderson
Published Feb 14, 2026
How do I open a tattoo shop in Illinois?
Illinois requires the registration of shops and shop owners must have a permit from the Health Department, but no individual license is required. It does, however, required ALL artists to complete a OSHA-approved Bloodborne Pathogens course.
Does Illinois require a tattoo license?
The state of Illinois requires all tattoo artists and body piercers to receive a license from the Illinois Department of Public Health. As of January 1, 2009, tattoo artists do not need to pass any state tests to prove their competency but have to meet state health safety requirements.
How much money do you need to start a tattoo shop?
The average cost of opening a tattoo parlor can be as high as $50,000. However, with the increasing demand for body art, you may be able to recoup your investment in a short amount of time if you own a successful tattoo shop.
How much money can you make owning a tattoo shop?
Successful tattoo artists have reported making less than $15,000 their first year. However, as you make a name for yourself and your shop, the potential is there to make well over $100,000 annually.
Can I run a tattoo business from home?
Each state, and even individual public health departments, maintain their own requirements for tattoo artists. While working from home may not be explicitly prohibited by law, doing so is unlikely to meet health and safety standards.
Should a tattoo artist have an LLC?
Yes. An LLC will give you personal liability protection against potential business risks as well as give your tattoo parlor more tax options and credibility. It is relatively inexpensive and simple to form and maintain an LLC.
Can you tattoo without a license?
The only licensed tattoo providers are people like doctors or dermatological doctors in clinics, who offer tattooing services as part of medical treatments. Tattoos for medical purposes in Dubai are permitted, and are governed under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
When can you get a tattoo in Illinois?
18
Legal status of tattooing in the United States
| State | Minimum Age (with parent/guardian consent) | Intoxicated/Impaired Individuals |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 18 (body piercings excepted) | no restrictions |
| Indiana | none specified | no restrictions |
| Iowa | 18 | no restrictions |
| Kansas | 16 | no restrictions |
What do u need to open a tattoo shop?
To run a body art tattooing business, you will need to have a valid tattoo parlour operator licence. Even if you operate your tattoo parlour from home, you must hold an operator’s licence. If you operate several tattoo parlours (more than one location), you must apply for a tattoo licence for each location.
How do tattoo shops pay their artists?
Tattoo shop employees are typically paid one of two ways: They receive a percentage of the price of their tattoos, or they pay the business owner a weekly or monthly booth rental payment, then keep the rest of their income. In a 60/40 split of a $100 tattoo, the business owner receives $40, and the artist keeps $60.
How much do self employed tattoo artist make?
Tattoo Artist Salary
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $260,000 | $21,666 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,500 | $8,875 |
| Average | $99,956 | $8,329 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,000 | $3,250 |
How do I start a tattoo shop at home?
Here are the 10 steps to open a successful tattoo parlor:
- Check Whether Tattoo Parlor Business is Suitable for You or Not?
- Learn and Continuously Update Learnings.
- Understand the Local Market.
- Choose a Location for Your Tattoo Shop.
- Calculate the Cost to Open a Tattoo Parlor.
- Purchase Equipment for your Tattoo Parlor.
What are the regulations for opening a tattoo shop in Illinois?
The Illinois regulations regarding tattoo shops are contained in Chapter 410, Section 54 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS), entitled the Tattoo and Body Piercing Establishment Registration Act.
How do I become a licensed tattoo artist in Illinois?
A tattoo artist can meet these requirements by attending an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sponsored bloodborne pathogen training class. Tattoo shop owners must submit a non-refundable application fee of $500 to the Illinois Department of Public Health with their application as of April 2011.
How to get a tattoo business license in USA?
States Requirements to Get a Tattoo Business License in USA. 1 Completion of Board-Approved Body Art Training Program. 2 Proof of High School Diploma or GED. 3 Certificate of Completed Bloodborne Pathogens Course. 4 Copy of Consent Forms for 50 Performed Procedures During Apprenticeship. 5 Completed Application With Proof of Age & Identification.
Do you need a license to get a tattoo in Louisiana?
The state of Louisiana does not require tattoo artists to be Licensed. It only requires the registration of shops, and shop owners must have a permit from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, but no individual license is required.
