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Illinois does not regulate tattoo artists at the state level. Learn about local requirements, health & safety standards, and how Illinois compares to other states. Verified 2026-03-24. Data verified 2026-03-24. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
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
Tattoo Artist requirements in nearby states
See how Illinois compares: Tattoo Artist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
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
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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.