Tattoo & Body Piercing

person giving tattoo

We Inspect and License All Dane County Tattoo and Body Piercing Facilities

All Dane County tattoo and body piercing facilities (including permanent make-up facilities) must be licensed and inspected each year. We do this to make sure health and safety standards are met to prevent infection and disease.

Look up a health inspection report

  • These reports give you information on the conditions we saw at the time of inspection.
  • Our reports may not reflect actions the establishment made to correct issues, or the current condition of the business.

Look up health inspection reports


Opening a tattoo or body piercing establishment

  • Read our guide for prospective tattoo and body piercing establishments to learn about the codes, licenses, and general requirements of owning a tattoo or body piercing establishment.
  • 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’re happy to talk with you before you sign a lease or apply for a license to make sure your establishment meets all health requirements. Call us at 608-242-6515 or email us to talk.

How to get a tattoo and body piercing license

The City of Madison Clerk's Office handles all tattoo and body piercing establishment licensing fees in Dane County. If you have questions, call 608-242-6515 or email us.

  1. Complete the application

  2. Look up your licensing fee

  3. Submit license and fees

    Send your application and payment to the City Clerk's Office. The address is listed on the application.

  4. Schedule a pre-inspection

    Schedule a pre-inspection with us. Call 608-242-6515 or email us to schedule.

  5. Get your license!

    After your application and payment are processed and your pre-inspection is complete, you will get your license. We want to better serve you! Fill out our 2-minute anonymous feedback survey about your health inspection.

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