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How to become a licensed tattoo artist in Illinois. No formal apprenticeship required. BBP training required. Shop license required. Total fees: $500. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Tattoo Artist
Governing Authority
Illinois Department of Public Health — Body Art Program
Official website →(217) 782-4977
Registration
Regulation Type
Not Required
Apprenticeship
4 hrs
BBP Training
Required
Shop License
0 hrs
CE Hours
$500
Total Initial Fees
Regulation Details
VerifiedRegulation Type
Registration
Regulation Level
State
Credential Title
Body Art Registration Certificate
Title Protection
No
Training & Certification
VerifiedApprenticeship
Not Required
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
4 hours
CPR / First Aid
Not Required
Infection Control Training
Included in BBP
Apprenticeship Details
Apprenticeship not required; operator registration required
Additional Training Requirements
Most states require tattoo artists to complete bloodborne pathogen (BBP) training and may require an apprenticeship under a licensed artist before obtaining their own license. Training requirements vary significantly by state.
Sterilization, Safety & Client Protections
VerifiedRequired
Autoclave
Required
Single-Use Needles
Monthly
Spore Testing
Health Department Inspections
Periodic
Client Consent Forms
Required
Minimum Age to Tattoo Others
18 years old
Minor Tattoo Rules
18+ only; tattooing of minors is prohibited
Health and safety requirements protect both the artist and the client. Most states mandate single-use needles, proper sterilization via autoclave, and regular spore testing. Client consent forms are typically required and must include health disclosures and aftercare instructions.
Tattoo Establishment Licensing
VerifiedRequired
Shop License
Separate
License Type
Required
Shop Inspection
Minimum Space Requirements
Separate workstation areas, handwashing station, sterilization area required
Equipment Requirements
Record Keeping
Client consent forms, procedure records, sterilization logs per 77 Ill. Adm. Code 797
Many states require a separate shop or establishment license in addition to the individual artist license. Shop inspections ensure compliance with health codes, sanitation standards, and safety protocols.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Artist License Fee | $500 |
Shop License Fee | $500 |
Application Fee | Included |
Renewal Fee | $500 |
Inspection Fee | Included |
Total Initial Fees $500 registration fee includes one workstation; $50 per additional workstation | $500 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Annual
BBP Refresher
Renewal Fee
$500
Regulatory Board
Tattoo artist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Many states require bloodborne pathogen (BBP) refresher training as part of the renewal process. Some states also require continuing education in infection control and safety practices.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
No
Reciprocity Requirements
Must meet Illinois requirements independently
Portability Details
Out-of-state artists must register with IDPH and meet all Illinois requirements
Tattoo artist license reciprocity varies between states. Some states accept out-of-state credentials with proof of training, while others require a full new application. Bloodborne pathogen training is typically required regardless of prior licensure.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Illinois.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#18 of 51
Cost
#39 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (SOC 27-1013)
Entry Level
$41,630
25th percentile
Median
$53,820
-11% vs. national avg ($60,560)Experienced
$79,530
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
Note: BLS does not have a specific SOC code for tattoo artists. This data uses "Fine Artists" as the closest available category. Actual tattoo artist income varies significantly and often includes cash tips not captured in BLS data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.5%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+1,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
4,100
per year (avg.)
49,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Estimated total: 4–14 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health — Body Art Program — Licensing Requirements
1–4 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health — Body Art Program — Licensing Requirements
Bloodborne pathogen training and tattoo licensing study materials.
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Illinois requires registration for tattoo artists. BBP training is mandatory. All licensing is managed through the Illinois Department of Public Health — Body Art Program.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.