Tattoo / Piercing Permits & Licenses in Chicago, IL

Tattoo/piercing unlikely approved due to health code restrictions on sterilization/client traffic.

Required for all LLC formation. Annual report also required separately.

Required for all active LLCs.

Required for each piercer. 1-year training program approved by IDPH required.

Required for each tattoo artist. Must complete IDPH-approved training.

Registration issued by local health department. Must comply with state Body Art Code.

Required if using DBA. Renew every 5 years with county clerk.

Required if collecting sales tax on merchandise sales.

Tattoo and piercing services are subject to Illinois Sales Tax at the standard rate of 6.25% as of 2024. This includes permanent and temporary tattoos, body piercing, and related services. Registration is required even if no tangible goods are sold, as the service is taxable. Register via the MyTax Illinois portal.

Required for all employers in Illinois who pay wages to employees. This includes withholding state income tax from employee paychecks. Registration is completed through MyTax Illinois. Applies to LLCs with hired staff, not sole proprietors without employees.

Employers with one or more employees must register with IDES. The tax rate varies based on experience rating and industry. New employers typically pay a standard rate of 3.85% on the first $15,000 of each employee's wages (as of 2024). Registration is mandatory and done online via IDES Employer Registration.

LLCs in Illinois are generally pass-through entities. Owners report income on personal Form IL-1040, but the LLC may still need to file Form IL-1120-ST if it made income or elected corporate taxation. Multi-member LLCs typically file informational returns. Due date aligns with federal deadline unless extended.

Body art services (tattooing, piercing) are considered 'amusement' and subject to Chicago's 9% Amusement Tax. This is in addition to state sales tax. Registration required through the Chicago Business Tax System. Does not apply to businesses outside Chicago city limits.

Mandatory under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/1 et seq.) for all employers with at least one employee. Sole proprietors and partners are not required to cover themselves unless they elect coverage. Employers must carry coverage regardless of full-time or part-time status of employees.

All businesses in Chicago must obtain a Business Operations License. Fee is based on gross annual revenue. Tattoo and piercing studios fall under 'Personal Services'. Must be renewed annually. Registration includes privilege to do business and is tied to local tax compliance.

LLCs in Illinois are subject to the Illinois Replacement Tax, which is a form of gross receipts tax. It applies to all pass-through entities doing business in Illinois. The rate is 1.5% of federal net income, but with a 0.1925% effective rate due to base adjustments. Filed with Form IL-1120-ST. Replaces the former franchise tax.

Many Illinois cities and towns impose a local business license tax or privilege tax. Examples include Springfield, Aurora, and Naperville. Requirements and fees vary. Business owners must check with city clerk or finance department. Some localities require annual renewal and reporting.

Specific to tattoo and body piercing establishments; requires manager with 5 years experience or certification. Separate from general business license.

Chicago businesses exempt; applies to suburban Cook County municipalities unless they have their own licensing.

Confirms property zoning allows tattoo/piercing business (typically B-3 or higher commercial districts).

Requires facility plan review, infection control plan, and annual inspections per Chicago Municipal Code 4-364-010 et seq.

Tattoo shops classified as Business Occupancy (B); max occupancy typically 49 persons.

Required for sinks, sterilization areas, or partitions per Chicago Building Code.

Wall signs limited to 20% of wall area in commercial zones.

False alarms trigger escalating fines.

All Illinois LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Illinois Secretary of State each year on the anniversary of the formation date. Failure to file may result in administrative dissolution. The report includes business address, registered agent, and principal office information.

Tattoo and piercing businesses are required to hold a Sales Tax Permit (now issued automatically upon registration with IDOR). The license does not require periodic renewal but must remain active. Sellers must file sales tax returns regularly.

Tattoo and piercing services are subject to Illinois Sales Tax (6.25% as of 2024). The frequency of filing (monthly, quarterly, or annual) is assigned by IDOR based on expected sales volume. Most small businesses start with quarterly filings.

LLC members must make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more. Due dates follow the quarterly schedule. Applies to individual tax obligations, not the LLC itself.

LLC owners must make federal estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes. Payments cover income and self-employment taxes.

Employers must file Form 941 quarterly to report federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from employee wages.

Employers must file Form IL-501 (Withholding Tax Return) to report and remit state income taxes withheld from employee wages. Frequency is assigned by IDOR.

Tattoo and piercing studios are not on OSHA’s list of partially exempt industries. Businesses with more than 10 employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 (Log), Form 301 (Incident Report), and post Form 300A annually.

While not explicitly mandated by state law, the IDPH enforces strict infection control standards under the Tattoo Act (225 ILCS 46/1 et seq.). Most local health departments require proof of general liability insurance as part of the licensing process. Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and premises liability.

A $5,000 surety bond is required for each tattoo establishment under the Illinois Tattoo Act (225 ILCS 46/10). The bond ensures compliance with state regulations and provides compensation for violations. Must be issued by a licensed surety company and filed with IDPH.

Not legally required by Illinois law or IDPH regulations. However, strongly recommended due to high risk of claims related to infections, allergic reactions, or dissatisfaction with work. Often required by landlords or payment processors.

Required under Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/3-707) for any vehicle registered to the business. Covers liability arising from business-related vehicle use. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use.

Not legally mandated in Illinois. However, if the business sells physical goods (e.g., tattoo aftercare kits, apparel), product liability coverage is strongly recommended to protect against claims of defective or harmful products.

Only required if the business obtains a liquor license from the ILCC and serves alcohol. Tattoo/piercing studios rarely serve alcohol; this would be an unusual case. If applicable, liquor liability insurance is typically mandated as part of license conditions.

Required for all LLCs, especially those with employees or operating as a partnership. Even single-member LLCs should obtain an EIN to avoid using SSN for business purposes. Tattoo/piercing businesses typically need this due to employment of artists and tax reporting obligations.

LLCs are pass-through entities by default. Profits/losses reported on owner’s Form 1040 via Schedule C. Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) applies to net earnings. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 and issue Schedule K-1s. Tattoo business income is subject to these rules.

Mandatory for tattoo/piercing studios with employees due to exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Requires written Exposure Control Plan, annual training, provision of PPE, hepatitis B vaccination offer, and proper disposal of sharps. Applies even if only one employee.

Tattoo studios use chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol, bleach, and disinfectants. Employers must maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS), label containers, and train employees on chemical hazards. Required under 29 CFR 1910.1200.

Tattoo and piercing studios are considered "public accommodations" under ADA Title III. Must ensure physical access (e.g., entrances, restrooms), communication access, and non-discriminatory policies. Applies regardless of business size. Includes website accessibility if offering online booking.

While tattoo studios typically do not generate large amounts of mercury waste, if fluorescent lighting or old equipment containing mercury is used, EPA universal waste rules apply. Most studios comply by using LED lighting and proper disposal through certified handlers. Not typically applicable unless such devices are present.

Applies to all advertising, including social media, websites, and promotions. Prohibits deceptive claims (e.g., "permanent" results without qualification, fake reviews). Endorsements must reflect honest opinions. Tattoo/piercing businesses often use before/after photos, which must be accurate and not misleading.

All U.S. employers, including LLCs, must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every employee. Applies to tattoo artists and studio staff. Must retain forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.

Employers must display the OSHA Job Safety and Health – It’s the Law poster in a conspicuous location accessible to employees. Available in English and Spanish from OSHA website.

Employers must post Form IWC-1.1 (Notice to Employees) in a conspicuous place. Available from IWCC website. Required even if coverage is through a private insurer or self-insurance.

All tattoo and piercing establishments must be inspected annually by the Illinois Department of Public Health or local health authority. Inspection ensures compliance with infection control, sterilization, and facility standards under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 805.

All tattoo and piercing studios must obtain and renew an annual permit from IDPH. Application includes facility details, equipment list, and proof of compliance with sanitation standards. Renewal required even if no changes occurred.

Each tattoo and piercing artist must hold an individual license issued by IDPH. Renewal includes proof of current bloodborne pathogens training and compliance with health standards.

OSHA requires annual training on bloodborne pathogens for all employees exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials. This includes tattoo and piercing artists and assistants handling needles or contaminated materials.

Local fire departments conduct periodic inspections to ensure compliance with fire codes, including exit signage, fire extinguishers, and flammable material storage. Requirements vary by city or county.

Most Illinois cities and villages require a local business license or occupational tax license. Renewal frequency and cost depend on the municipality. For example, Chicago requires an annual $200 Business Tax License.

Under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 805, tattoo and piercing establishments must maintain records of all procedures, including client consent forms, sterilization logs, and equipment maintenance. Records must be available for inspection by IDPH.

The current tattoo establishment permit must be visibly posted in the facility, typically near the entrance or reception area.

Each licensed tattoo and piercing artist must have their individual license visibly posted in the studio, typically near their workstation or in a common area.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour as of 2024), overtime (1.5x regular rate for >40 hours/week), and proper recordkeeping. Applies to tattoo artists if classified as employees (not independent contractors). Misclassification is a common issue in this industry.

Requires eligible employees to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical/family reasons. Most small tattoo studios do not meet the 50-employee threshold, but must comply if they grow to that size.

FDA regulates tattoo inks as cosmetics and color additives. While FDA does not approve inks pre-market, it has authority to take action against unsafe or misbranded products. Studios must use inks intended for dermal use and avoid unapproved color additives. Some pigments are under investigation for safety.

Tattoo and piercing needles are regulated as Class I or II medical devices. Must be sterile, single-use, and labeled for dermal use. Reuse of needles violates FDA rules. Equipment must meet general controls (e.g., registration, labeling). Most devices are exempt from premarket approval but must be registered to U.S. facilities.