Tattoo and Body Piercing Establishments

A license is required to operate any premises where a tattooist applies a tattoo to another person, or premises where a body piercer performs body piercing, or both.

Some Wisconsin cities and counties have been delegated administration of licensure of tattoo and/or body piercing establishments. Please review the Body/Art Agent program page at the link below to determine if your establishment is located in a delegated county. If your establishment is in a delegated city or country, you must county, you must contact that city/county for more information on how to obtain establishment.

• Procedural area hand wash sink(s) with hot and cold water under pressure

• Toilet room with toilet and separate hand wash sink

• Age restriction signage

• Light colored, easily cleanable walls and ceilings​

• Smooth, durable and non-porous floor material in procedural areas

• Approved and listed autoclave for sterilization

• Ultrasonic cleaning unit provided

• Closed cabinets exclusively used for equipment storage

• Proper sharps disposal container size and location(s)

• Inks from approved sources

• Disinfectants, antiseptics and enzymatic cleaners supplied

• Single use gloves, plastic coverings and barrier shields supplied

If you are requesting a variance, please complete the following form, Body Art Variance Petition Application (Form # 1000-IS) linked below, and return it to either your local Health Department or DSPS as applicable.

The Inspector may ask you for documentation showing that the proposed Tattooing and Body Piercing establishment has been approved for use by the local zoning authority. Talk with the local zoning authority to assure that your property is approved for business use. The local zoning authority may be a Village, Township, City, or County.

Glove Use

The proper use of disposable gloves has proven effective in reducing the spread of communicable disease such as Hepatitis. Dirty or soiled gloves will spread disease as easily as dirty or soiled hands. Dispose of your gloves after a single use.

The Administrative Code for Tattooing and Body Piercing (SPS 221) requires that gloves are used:

• While preparing the skin area prior to a procedure.

• During a procedure.

• While cleaning soiled equipment.

You or your employees may come in contact with your client’s blood, which may also expose you to hepatitis B, hepatitis C or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Exposures to these bloodborne pathogens can happen by sticking yourself with a used needle or getting a cut from a sharp tool that has infected blood on it.

Be sure sharps disposal containers are acceptable and easy to reach. Keep a sharps disposal container close to your work area to safely throw away used needles and other sharps.

• Sharps disposal containers must be closeable, puncture-resistant, leak-proof and labeled. These features will allow for safe disposal in a container that is familiar to all workers.

Reduce the number of times your hands are in contact with a sharp instrument. Whenever possible, use a tool instead of your fingers to handle sharps.

If you are exposed, tell someone. If you are exposed to another person’s blood, tell the shop owner and seek emergency medical assistance.

Be sure to check with your local health department to find out more about your state and local rules and regulations.

See the list of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved autoclave devices.

Renewal Information

For a list of renewal dates please see: Renewal Date Page

To Renew:

You will be able to renew your credential approximately 4 weeks prior to your license expiring. You will receive an email to the email address on file with instructions on how to renew.

1. ​Online Log In: Go to LicensE

2. Select "Renew My License"

3. Complete the application

4. Upload any required documents

5. Submit payment

6. See fees list here: Credential Fees

Each license issued by the Department expires June 30th of each year.

If a license is granted after April 1st of a license year, that license will extend to June 30th of the following year.

Licenses cannot be renewed online. A renewal invoice and instructions for completing the renewal will be emailed to the email address on file approximately 60 days before the expiration date.

There is no continuing education (CE) requirement for this credential.

To submit payment, complete Form 3071​ (linked below), and upload it as a file during the application process. Please have the form ready upon application. You will not be able to add it later. The applicable license and inspection fees are due at time of application.

Current Fees by Establishment Type:

Support Ticket
Submit a support ticket on LicensE and click "request support." Please provide as much detail as possible regarding your concern so we can work to answer your question with a one touch resolution. 

Call
608-266-2112

Email
dsps@wisconsin.gov

Office Hours
7:45am-4:30pm
Department of Safety and Professional Services
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI, 53705

Note: The in-person office does not process same day.