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  1. Public Health
  2. Environmental Health
  3. Licensing & Permits
  4. Tattoo & Body Piercing

Tattoo & Body Piercing

woman giving tattoo

We license and inspect all tattoo (includes permanent make-up) and body piercing facilities to assure that health and safety standards are met to prevent infection and disease.

All tattoo and body piercing activities must occur in a licensed establishment and all tattooists and body piercers must hold a practitioner’s license.

We are happy to consult with you prior to signing a lease or applying for a license to ensure your establishment meets all health requirements.


Licensing Process

To alleviate some of the financial burden on our licensed establishments due to COVID-19, we have reverted our license fees back to 2019 rates effective April 2, 2020.

All tattoo and body piercing establishment license fees in Madison and Dane County are handled by the City of Madison Clerk's Office.

  1. Complete the Tattoo/Piercing Establishment License Application
  2. Pay Licensing Fee
  3. Submit application and fee to the City Clerk's Office listed on the application.
  4. Tattoo and body piercing licenses are issued after the application and fees have been processed and an inspector conducts a pre-inspection of the establishment and approves the license.
  5. For questions and/or a pre-inspection, please contact us at (608) 242-6515 or email leadmin@publichealthmdc.com.
  • Information on prospective tattoo and body piercing establishment requirements.

Practitioner License

All tattooists and body piercers must hold a Practitioner’s License, which can be obtained through the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Contact DSPS at (608) 266-2112 or email dsps@wisconsin.gov with questions.

  • Tattooing/Body Piercer Application
  • Tattooist/Body Piercer Renewal Form
  • Fax Payment Form
  • More information about Practitioners Licenses

Applicable Codes

  • Chapter SPS 221 Tattoo and Body-Piercing
  • Madison General Ordinance 7.15 Regulation of Tattooing and Body-Piercing
  • Chapter NR 526 Medical Waste Management
  • Dane County Ordinance Chapter 48 Regulation of Tattooing and Body-Piercing

Licensing & Permits

  • Places to Stay
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Hotels
    • Short-Term Rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses)
  • Retail Food Establishment Licensing
    • Farmers' Markets
    • Mobile Food Establishments
    • Temporary Food Stands
  • Tattoo & Body Piercing
  • Water, Well & Septic
    • Non-Storm Water Permits
    • Pool Licensing
    • Sanitary Permit (for private septic systems)
    • Well Location Permits

Contact Us

Environmental Health
2300 S. Park St. Suite 2010
Madison, WI 53713

  • Phone: (608) 242-6515
  • Email: LEadmin@publichealthmdc.com
  • Español: (608) 243-0380
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Public Health Madison & Dane County Logo

Public Health Madison & Dane County

Office Location & Hours

  • Main Phone: (608) 266-4821
  • Environmental Health Phone:
    (608) 242-6515
  • Fax: (608) 266-4858
  • WI Relay Service and Interpretation Services Available
  • Email Public Health
  • City of Madison, Wisconsin Logo
    City of Madison, Wisconsin
  • Dane County Logo
    County of Dane, Wisconsin

Healthy People. Healthy Places.

Public Health Services are available to all residents and visitors of Madison and Dane County. Citizenship is not a requirement. We provide services regardless of a person's race, color, gender/gender expression, ability, religion, sexual orientation or place of birth/place of residence.

Our Mission


Working with the community to enhance, protect, and promote the health of the environment and the well being of all people.


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