We license and inspect all tattoo (includes permanent make-up) and body piercing facilities to make sure health and safety standards are met to prevent infection and disease.
All tattoo and body piercing activities must occur in a licensed establishment. All tattooists and body piercers must hold a practitioner’s license.
We are happy to consult with you before you sign a lease or apply for a license to make sure your establishment meets all health requirements.
You can read inspection reports for tattoo and body piercing facilities. These reports give you information on the conditions we saw at the time of inspection. Reports may not reflect corrective actions the establishment made, or the current condition.
Submit application and fee to the City Clerk's Office listed on the application.
Tattoo and body piercing licenses are issued after the application and fees have been processed, an inspector conducts a pre-inspection of the establishment, and the inspector approves the license.
All tattooists and body piercers must hold a Practitioner’s License, which you can get from the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Contact DSPS at (608) 266-2112 or email dsps@wisconsin.gov with questions.