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Tattoo Artist
Governing Authority
Illinois Department of Public Health — Body Art Program (under Environmental Health Protection)
Official website →(217) 782-4977
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Illinois does not have state-level licensing or regulation for tattoo artists. Local counties or cities may have their own health and safety requirements. Always check with your local health department.
Illinois is one of the few states that does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. There is no state license, permit, or registration required. However, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, or health districts) may have their own requirements including health inspections, permits, and sanitation standards. Always check with your local health department before operating a tattoo studio.
No State-Level Tattoo Artist Regulation
Illinois does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. There is no state license, permit, or registration required to practice as a tattoo artist. However, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, or health districts) may impose their own requirements.
Regulation Type
Facility/Establishment Registration Only
Regulation Level
State
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Illinois Does Not Regulate Tattoo Artists at the State Level
Illinois does not have state-level licensing or regulation for tattoo artists. Local jurisdictions (counties, cities, or health districts) may have their own requirements for tattoo establishments, including health inspections, permits, and sanitation standards. Always check with your local health department before opening a studio or beginning to tattoo.
Illinois has one of the higher registration fees at $500 per establishment. Only operators (not employees) may register. The fee includes one workstation with $50 per additional workstation.
Illinois registers body art establishments under the Tattoo and Body Piercing Establishment Registration Act (410 ILCS 54).
Registration fee is $500 and includes one workstation; $50 per additional workstation.
Only operators may apply for registration certificates.
Tattooing of minors is prohibited.
Body Art Code is 77 Ill. Adm. Code 797.
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Illinois does NOT require individual tattoo artist licenses. The state requires studio/establishment registration through IDPH under the Tattoo and Body Piercing Establishment Registration Act (2007). Studio owners ensure artists meet regulations.
410 ILCS 54 became effective July 1, 2007; Body Art Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 797) became effective December 26, 2008
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Tattoo Artist requirements in Illinois verified against Illinois Department of Public Health — Body Art Program (under Environmental Health Protection), March 2026.
While Illinois does not require a state-level license for tattoo artists, maintaining high standards of health and safety is essential. Consider voluntary BBP training and professional certifications to demonstrate competence to clients.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.