Apply For, Renew, or Update a Tattoo Establishment Permit

• Applying or renewing online is the fastest way to obtain your permit.

Permanent Tattoo Establishment Requirements

• Permanent tattoo establishments are inspected before operating and annually by the local inspection agency.
• Tattoo artists must practice in a permitted establishment.
• Establishments are in permanent, commercially zoned buildings.
• Food and drink are not allowed in the tattoo area.
  • The tattoo area is the room where tattooing is performed. 
• Intoxicating beverages, controlled substances, and smoking are not allowed on the premises.
  • The premises are the tattoo area and any area accessible from the tattoo area without exiting the building.
• A plumbed-in sink is easily accessible in the tattoo area
  • Easily accessible means there are no obstructions such as doors or cross-traffic footpaths between the tattoo artist(s) and the handwashing sink.
• There is at least 300 square feet of establishment area.
  • Establishment area is the tattoo area and any other area accessible to the patron during the tattooing process.
• Toilet facilities on the premises are available to patrons.
• Flooring and furniture in the tattoo area are smooth and easily cleanable.

Required Documents - Permanent Tattoo Establishments

The following documents must be submitted with your application:

• Establishment floor plan
• Supplemental court documentation for any Yes answers (if applicable).

Please reference the department's floor plan guidance to ensure your floor plan is in compliance.

Establishments renewing their permit do not need to submit a floor unless they are making changes to the previously approved floor plan.

Tattoo Establishment Inspection Checklist

Temporary Tattoo Event Requirements

• Temporary establishment applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the event.
• Temporary establishments are required to pass a pre-opening inspection with their local inspector.
• Temporary establishments can operate for a maximum of 14 days.
• Tattoo booth area is at least 80 square feet.
• Intoxicating beverages, controlled substances, and smoking are not allowed on the premises.
  • The premises are the tattoo area (room where the tattoo booth is set up) and any area accessible from the tattoo area without exiting the building.
• Toilet facilities on the premises are available to patrons.
• Plumbed-in handwashing sinks or stations are conveniently located.
  • Conveniently located means they can be accessed without exiting the building.
• Flooring in the tattoo area is smooth, easily cleanable, or covered by a smooth impermeable barrier.

Required Documents - Temporary Tattoo Events

The following documents must be submitted with your application:

• Establishment floor plan
• Event promo material
  • This can be a flyer, website, social media event, or invitation.
• List of participating tattoo artists and artist permit numbers (TAT-A-0000)
  • The participating artist list is due one week before the event.

Please reference the Department's floor plan guidance to ensure your temporary event's floor plan is in compliance.

Tattoo Temporary Event Inspection Checklist

Tattoo Temporary Event Booth Inspection Checklist

Mobile Tattoo Establishment Info

• Effective Sept. 7, 2017, no new mobile establishment applications will be accepted. Current mobile units are inspected by a local inspection agency.

Tattoo Mobile Unit Renewal Form

Tattoo Mobile Unit Event Application Form

Update a Tattoo Establishment

Users cannot initiate tattoo establishment changes in the current licensing portal.

Applications to update info must be mailed or emailed.  Fees must be mailed as a money order or check or paid online after coordinating with program staff.

Tattoo Establishment Reinstatements (lapsed for more than 90 days)

• Tattoo establishment permits that have lapsed for more than 90 days are automatically deactivated and are required to be reinstated.
• Tattoo establishments reinstating their permits are subject to a special inspection from their local inspection agency and any fees associated with this special inspection.
• Reinstatements can be done at any time after the permit is deactivated as long as the address has not changed.  If the address is changing, a new permit application should be submitted.
• Tattoo establishment reinstatements submit a $25 reinstatement fee in addition to the $100 renewal fee.
• Reinstating establishments affirm on their application whether they have been tattooing since their permit has lapsed. 
  • Establishments that have been tattooing since their permit lapsed submit a late fee of $25 for each month their permit has lapsed.

Tattoo Establishment Permit Fees

Application Review and Inspection Procedure for New Tattoo Establishments

1. A new tattoo establishment application is submitted to the Department.
2. The Department reviews the application and verifies that the floor plan can meet the Chapter 22 health and safety requirements.
   1. Follow-up may be necessary to address affirmation questions or floor plan deficiencies.
   2. The department will reach out to the email on the application for any follow-up.
3. Once the floor plan is approved, the department forwards a pre-opening inspection request to the local inspection agency.
4. The local inspector contacts the establishment owner and coordinates a pre-opening inspection.
5. The inspector notifies the department after a satisfactory inspection is complete.
6. The Department processes the permit and the permit document is emailed to the tattoo establishment owner.

List of County Inspection Agencies 

Permit Schedules and Processing Times

• Tattoo establishment applications process in three to four weeks. Allow for up to six weeks during the renewal period (Oct. - Dec.) and any application Yes answer follow-ups (if applicable).
• Tattoo establishment permits are sent to the email on file when processed.
  • If this email needs to be updated, contact env.health@dia.iowa.gov.
• Tattoo permits expire after Dec. 31 for the year issued.  New establishment applicants can apply for the current year and following year permits during the renewal period (Oct. - Dec) by submitting a $200 application fee.
  • Please keep the processing schedule in mind if you are applying for a new establishment permit during the renewal period.