Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a tattoo / piercing in Gillette, WY. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Required for all LLCs to register with the state. Annual report required separately (see below).
Applies to all LLCs. Fee based on total assets in Wyoming.
Required for each person performing tattooing. Prerequisites: 18+, bloodborne pathogen training, facility inspection. Application via local health department.
Required for each person performing body piercing. Prerequisites: 18+, bloodborne pathogen training, facility inspection. Application via local health department.
Required for premises where tattooing occurs. Must have licensed artist on staff and pass inspection. Local health departments issue under state rules (Wyoming Tattoo Rules Ch. 9).
Required for premises where body piercing occurs. Must have licensed artist on staff and pass inspection. Local health departments issue under state rules (Wyoming Body Piercing Rules Ch. 10).
Applies only if using a name different from the registered LLC name. Renewal every 5 years.
Tattoo and piercing services are generally not subject to sales tax in Wyoming unless tangible personal property (e.g., aftercare products) is sold. However, businesses must register if they have any sales tax liability. Registration is done via the Wyoming Tax Portal.
Required for all employers in Wyoming who withhold state income tax from employee wages. Wyoming does not have a state income tax on individuals, but employers must still register to report wages even if $0 tax is due.
All employers with employees in Wyoming must register for Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax. New employers pay a standard contribution rate for the first few years, then it becomes experience-rated. Employers pay UI tax; employees do not.
While not a tax per se, this is a mandatory annual compliance obligation for all LLCs. Failure results in loss of good standing and eventual dissolution. Paid to the Secretary of State.
Many Wyoming municipalities require a local business license or privilege tax. For example, Cheyenne, Casper, and Laramie impose annual fees. Contact local city clerk for specific requirements. No statewide local tax, but local compliance is mandatory where applicable.
Required for all LLCs with employees or multiple members. Even single-member LLCs often obtain an EIN for banking and vendor purposes. Obtained via IRS Form SS-4 or online.
LLC owners must pay self-employment tax on their share of profits via Schedule SE (Form 1040). Paid through estimated quarterly tax payments (Form 1040-ES).
Single-member LLCs report income on owner's Form 1040 (Schedule C). Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 (partnership) and issue K-1s. Wyoming has no state income tax, but federal returns are mandatory.
No federal excise tax applies to tattoo or piercing services. No tourism, hygiene, or cosmetic-specific federal taxes exist for this industry.
Wyoming does not impose a corporate income tax or franchise tax on LLCs. This is a key benefit of forming an LLC in Wyoming. No annual franchise fee beyond the $60 annual report fee.
Businesses must issue Form 1099-NEC to independent contractors paid $600+ annually. Filed with IRS and provided to contractor.
Wyoming has no uniform county-level business license; requirements depend on specific county. Check county clerk offices (e.g., Laramie County: https://www.laramiecountywy.gov/County-Clerk/Business-Licenses).
Cities like Cheyenne require a business license (Cheyenne Municipal Code Sec. 4.04: https://library.municode.com/wy/cheyenne/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_ORD_CH4BURE). Casper: https://www.casperwy.gov/Government/Departments/City-Clerk/Business-Licenses. Confirm with specific city clerk.
Required for site-specific zoning approval. E.g., Cheyenne Zoning Code (https://www.cheyennecity.org/DocumentCenter/View/123/Zoning-Code-PDF) lists body art in commercial districts. Home occupation typically prohibited for tattoo/piercing.
Required under Wyoming Dept. of Health rules implemented locally. E.g., Laramie County Health (https://www.laramiecountyhealth.org/environmental-health/tattoo-body-piercing). Includes facility inspection, artist certification.
Required for interior build-out. E.g., Cheyenne Building Division (https://www.cheyennecity.org/156/Building-Division).
Regulated by sign ordinances. E.g., Cheyenne Sign Regulations in Zoning Code (https://library.municode.com/wy/cheyenne/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_ORD_CH17ZO_ARTIISIRE_S17.24.080SIPERE).
Required for occupancy clearance. E.g., Cheyenne Fire Prevention (https://www.cheyennecity.org/160/Fire-Prevention-Bureau).
Verifies code compliance. Issued after fire/building approval.
Common in cities. E.g., Cheyenne Alarm Ordinance (https://library.municode.com/wy/cheyenne/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_ORD_CH9.16AL).
Bloodborne pathogen training + exam required. E.g., Natrona County Health (https://health.natronacounty-wy.gov/body-art).
Required for all employers with one or more employees, including part-time. Sole proprietors may elect to exclude themselves but must file DWC-100 form. Not required for sole proprietors with no employees.
Not mandated at the state level, but commonly required by counties or municipalities (e.g., Laramie, Casper) as part of tattoo/piercing facility licensing. Strongly recommended due to risk exposure.
No statewide surety bond requirement. However, some counties (e.g., Albany County) require a $5,000 bond to ensure compliance with health regulations. Check with local public health office.
Required for any vehicle registered to the LLC. Follows standard state auto liability requirements: minimum 25/50/20 (bodily injury per person/bodily injury per accident/property damage).
Not legally mandated in Wyoming, but highly recommended if selling aftercare products, jewelry, or merchandise. Exposure to lawsuits if product causes harm.
Not legally required in Wyoming for tattoo/piercing artists, but strongly recommended to cover claims of negligence, infections, or allergic reactions. Not regulated by state law.
Only applicable if business holds a liquor license. Most tattoo/piercing studios do not serve alcohol; this would be rare. Liquor liability is typically part of a broader liquor license compliance program.
Single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner's SSN, but obtaining an EIN is recommended for privacy and banking purposes. This is a federal tax administration requirement.
All Wyoming LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The report includes business address, registered agent, and management structure. Due every year on the anniversary of the formation date.
Tattoo and piercing services are subject to Wyoming sales tax (6%). Businesses must register once with the WY Dept of Revenue. No periodic renewal required, but ongoing compliance with tax collection and reporting is mandatory.
Businesses collecting sales tax must file Form TA-100. Frequency (monthly/quarterly) is determined by the Department based on tax liability. Ongoing obligation after registration.
Required only if the business hires employees. Includes quarterly Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Tax Return), annual Form 940 (Federal Unemployment Tax), and W-2 filings. EIN itself does not expire.
Employers must withhold Wyoming income tax from employee wages and file Form WH-100. Frequency based on withholding volume.
The Wyoming Sales Tax License must be displayed in a conspicuous location at the place of business.
Many Wyoming municipalities require a local business license to be displayed. Requirements vary. Example: Cheyenne requires a business license for all businesses operating within city limits.
All tattoo and piercing establishments must obtain and renew a Body Art Establishment Permit from the WY Dept of Health. Based on Wyoming Infectious Disease Regulations (Chapter 8).
Each tattoo/piercing artist must hold an individual Body Art Practitioner License. Required for all individuals performing services.
Per WY DPH regulations, each licensed practitioner must complete 6 hours of continuing education annually, including bloodborne pathogens and infection control.
All licensed body art establishments are subject to annual inspections by the WY Dept of Health for compliance with infection control, sterilization, and waste disposal regulations.
Most Wyoming cities require periodic fire safety inspections for commercial occupancies. Includes egress, fire extinguishers, and alarm systems.
Employers must display the OSHA Job Safety and Health – It's the Law poster (OSHA 2204). Available for free download from OSHA website.
Employers must post the Wyoming Minimum Wage notice. Current rate is $7.25/hour unless federal law applies. Poster available from WY DWS.
Businesses must maintain client consent forms, sterilization logs, and exposure control plans for a minimum of 3 years. Required under WY infectious disease regulations.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates tattoo inks and equipment, while the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees advertising practices and consumer protection. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) handles tax obligations, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures workplace safety.
Yes, some permits have associated fees; OSHA General Duty Clause compliance can range from $500.00 to $2000.00, and IRS fees vary depending on your tax obligations. However, many requirements, like ADA Title III and FTC guidelines, do not have direct fees, but non-compliance can result in penalties.
Many federal requirements, such as ADA Title III and FDA regulations, are one-time compliance obligations, but some, like federal income tax filing, are annual. The IRS Form 1040-SS Schedule C is filed annually to report business income and expenses.
ADA Title III requires your business to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including physical access to the premises and accessible services. Costs for compliance with the Department of Justice can range from $0.00 to $20000.00 depending on necessary modifications.
The FTC requires truthful and non-deceptive advertising; you must avoid making false claims about your services or products. The FTC also has guidelines on endorsements and testimonials, ensuring they are genuine and accurately reflect consumer experiences.
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