How Do I Renew a Tattoo Establishment Permit?

These instructions are for renewing or reinstating an existing tattoo establishment permit.

Expired permits (lapsed for more than 90 days) can be reinstated at any time for a $25.00 fee in addition to the application fee.

  • Tattoo establishment reinstatements are subject to a special inspection and any inspection fees associated with the special inspection.

The online licensing portal displays best on a desktop or laptop computer.

Late fees start December 1 and are accumulated at $25 per month.

  • Late fees start before permit expiration to prevent permitting gaps.

For application support, contact the help desk at 855.824.4357.

For login or password reset support, visit the Enterprise A&A password reset guidance page or contact the help desk at 800.532.1174 or adperehreg@idph.iowa.gov.

If you do not have an online account and you have only renewed or applied using paper applications, contact the help desk for guidance to get an online account linked to the existing permit record.

1

Login and Renew

  1. Sign into the online licensing portal
  2. Use the "Select your facility name, organization name, or personal license" dropdown to select your establishment.
The licensing website My Profile page. The "Select your facility name, organization name, or personal license" dropdown has an arrow pointing to it.
  1. Click Continue.

If your establishment is not listed in this dropdown menu, stop and email env.health@dia.iowa.gov to link your account to your existing establishment. Do not create a new tattoo establishment or apply for a new permit. 

In your email, include your:

  • Tattoo establishment permit number (TAT-F-00000)
  • People ID Number (PIN) that is visible from your My Profile Page 
Basic Profile Details section from the My Profile Page showing the user's People ID Number (PIN).

After your account is linked, you can proceed with the renewal instructions.

  1. Click the Renew button that is in line with your tattoo establishment permit.
    1. You may need to scroll to the right to show the Renew button.
The My Programs page showing a tattoo establishment permit row. The Renew button is highlighted with a red box.
  1. Click OK on the popup.
2

Application Form

  1. Answer the questions under Affirmation.
Affirmation questions on the tattoo establishment renewal form. There are three red boxes highlighting the three sets of radio buttons for three questions that the applicant must answer.
  1. Update any information under Tattoo Establishment Info Details.
Tattoo establishment info details section. There is a red box highlighting the expansion cared. There is a red box highlighting the Business Hours freeform text box and the list of counties dropdown menu.
  • If this section is collapsed, click the Tattoo Establishment Info Details header to expand it.
  1. Answer the question(s) under the Renewal Details section.
    1. Tattoo establishment reinstatements (lapsed for more than 90 days) have the additional question "Since your permit expired, has there been any tattooing in your establishments?"
  • If this section is collapsed, click the Tattoo Establishment Info Details header to expand it.
The renewal details section. There is a red arrow pointing to the header and a red box highlighting the radio buttons for the questions the applicant must answer.
  1. Skip the Application Form Details section.
    1. This section is for grandfathered mobile units only.
The Application Form Details and Mobile Event section. There is a red "X" covering this indicating that it should be skipped for this renewal.
  1. Click Continue and then OK on the popup.
3

Attachments | Tattoo Establishment Renewal

This step only applies if you answered No to the question "Do you certify that there have been no changes since the prior license issuing date?"

Skip this section and click Continue and then OK on the popup if you answered Yes.

  1. Click Add New Attachment to upload a copy of your updated floor plan.
Renewal section showing where the add and save buttons are.
  1. Select "Floor Plan" using the Type dropdown.
  2. Add a description.
  3. Click Choose File to open file explorer or finder and upload your document.
  4. Click Upload Attachments.
  5. Click Continue and then OK on the popup.
4

Terms and Conditions

  1. Check the I agree with the terms and conditions box.
Terms and conditions pate. The required checkbox and continue button are highlighted.
  1. Click Continue and then OK on the popup.
5

Make a Payment - Tattoo

  • You have the option to pay now with a credit card or pay later by mailing in a check or money order.
    • Applications are not considered submitted until a payment is made.
    • Program staff do not receive a notification for unpaid applications.
Payment Screen showing where to pay now with a credit card or pay later with a mailed-in check

Option 1 - Pay Online

  1. Click Pay Now on the first payment screen.
  2. On the second payment screen screen, click Pay Now. You will be taken to the Make a Payment screen.
  3. Please review the contact information.  This section automatically populates from your My Profile page.
  4. Scroll down and select your payment method
Payment screen showing the payment contact info text fields. There is an arrow pointed at the Payment Method dropdown.
  1. Enter your payment details for the "Checking or Savings" or "Credit/Debit Card" options.
    1. It is recommended to pay using a credit or debit card.
Payment screen for credit and debit cards. There is a red box highlighting the fields that must be completed and an arrow pointing at the Continue button.
Payment screen for checking or savings accounts. There is a red box highlighting the fields that need to be completed and an arrow pointing at the Continue button.
  1. Click Continue and then confirm the payment.

You will receive an email confirmation of your payment.

Option 2 - Pay Later

  • This is used to pay with a mailed-in check or money order.
  1. Use the Pay Later Options dropdown to select Check.
  2. You will be taken to the Programs page.
  3. Click on Details.
  4. Scroll down to the Payment section and click Print Bill.  
The payment section in the program details page. A red arrow is pointing at the Print Bill button

Your bill must be included with a mailed-in check or money order.

Mail your check or money order to:

  • DIAL (Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing)
    ATTN: Tattoo Program
    6200 Park Ave, Suite 100
    Des Moines, Iowa 50321

Cash cannot be accepted.

6

Processing Schedule for Tattoo Establishment Renewals

Processing for tattoo establishments is typically completed overnight after the payment is received.

  • Additional follow-up may be necessary before the permit is processed if you answered Yes to any affirmation question.
  • Additional follow-up may be necessary before the permit is processed if you answered No to the question "Do you certify that there have been no changes since prior licensing issuing date?"

Your tattoo establishment permit will be emailed to the address on file for that establishment.  

Program staff follow-up is typically done through email.

7

Returning to an In-Progress Establishment Renewal or Resolving Issues

Returning to an in-progress establishment renewal

  1. Sign into the online licensing system.
  2. Use the "Select personal license or an organization to proceed" dropdown and your tattoo establishment.  Click Continue
  3. Locate the row containing your in-progress application and click Edit. 
  4. Continue from the Application Form step.  
    1. Some information may already be saved.

Error - Cannot get past the Application or Terms of Service page

  • Ensure all questions and fields under the Affirmation, Tattoo Establishment Info Details, and Renewal Details (if applicable) are answered.
  • If you are uploading an updated floor plan, the attachment Type dropdown must have "Floor Plans" selected.
  • For additional support, contact the help desk at 855.824.4357 or env.health@dia.iowa.gov.