Tattoo / Piercing Permits & Licenses in Milwaukee, WI

Required for all LLCs formed in Wisconsin. Annual report required separately.

Applies to all Wisconsin LLCs.

Each tattoo artist must hold individual license. Prerequisites: 18+, high school diploma/GED, bloodborne pathogen training, no disqualifying criminal convictions.

Each body piercer must hold individual license. Prerequisites: 18+, high school diploma/GED, bloodborne pathogen training, no disqualifying criminal convictions.

Required for each physical location. Must comply with Wis. Admin. Code SPS 221. Requires licensed technicians on staff.

Filed with county clerk where principal office located; no state-level renewal but re-register if name changes.

Not required if services only; tattoo/piercing services generally nontaxable.

Tattooing and body‑piercing services are taxable personal services under Wis. Stat. § 77.35(1)(a).

Return must be filed even if no tax is due for the period.

If the LLC is taxed as a partnership, no separate corporate tax registration is required.

LLC taxed as a partnership files Form 1 with Schedule B; corporate‑taxed LLC files Form 4.

Registration is completed through the Wisconsin Business Center.

Remits Wisconsin state income tax withheld from employee wages.

Members receive Schedule K‑1; each member reports income on personal return and pays self‑employment tax.

Required for members who earn $400 or more in net self‑employment income.

Requires written Exposure Control Plan, Hepatitis B vaccination offer, engineering controls, and recordkeeping.

Maintain OSHA 300 Log for each calendar year; electronic submission required for certain employers.

Requires accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and service counters; also requires effective communication.

Tattoo/piercing studios are considered “small quantity generators” and must follow EPA and state waste‑management rules.

Prohibits deceptive claims about safety, permanence, or health benefits.

Employers must keep accurate time records and post the FLSA poster.

Electronic completion is permitted if the system meets DOL requirements.

FDA does not require pre‑market approval but prohibits adulterated or misbranded inks; labeling must not be false or misleading.

Required for any artist or service provider hired as a contractor rather than an employee.

Most point‑of‑sale terminals are FCC‑certified; no additional action needed unless custom RF equipment is used.

The report updates the LLC’s registered agent and principal office address.

Registration is completed via UI Online (https://ui.wi.gov).

Reports wages and UI contributions for each quarter.

Tattoo and piercing studios must also obtain a health‑department permit; the license is renewed annually.

Includes a requirement for a health inspection for body‑art studios.

Required for all businesses operating within Milwaukee city limits

Specific to tattoo/piercing studios; includes plan review and inspections. Ordinance MCO 75-3

Tattoo/piercing must be in commercial zones (B or C districts); home occupation prohibited

Required for build-out of tattoo/piercing space

Comply with sign code Chapter 295-201

Required for public assembly/commercial occupancy

False alarm fees escalate after 3rd incident

Required in Madison/Dane County; separate from city license. Ordinance 53.01

Tattoo parlors permitted in CT, CC-T, MXC districts only

County ordinance required; plan review mandatory

All WI municipalities require fire life safety approval for tattoo studios

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Required for LLCs with employees or that elect to be taxed as a corporation; also needed to open bank accounts and file taxes.

License is valid for two years. Renewal requires proof of continuing education.

Minimum of 8 CE hours required per renewal period; courses must be approved by DHS.

Most Wisconsin municipalities require a separate local body‑art permit in addition to the state license.

Inspection verifies compliance with sanitation, sterilization, and blood‑borne pathogen controls.

Focuses on fire extinguishers, egress routes, and electrical safety.

Even if no tax is due, a zero return must be filed.

LLC taxed as corporation files Form 1; if taxed as partnership, file Form 3.

LLC may elect corporate or partnership treatment.

Payments apply to both federal income tax and self‑employment tax.

Report wages and pay UI contributions.

Coverage is mandatory for all employers in Wisconsin.

All employers with 10 or more employees must display.

Required for all employers in Wisconsin.

Records must be readily available for inspection by DHS.

Standard state retention period for tax purposes.

Most Wisconsin municipalities require an annual renewal of the general business license in addition to any specialty permits.