Tattoos & Body Piercing

Tattoos and body piercings are very popular.  In order to decrease the risk of the transfer of blood-borne diseases, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV, Milwaukee establishments are licensed and inspected.

Requirements / Information for Tattoo and Body Piercing Establishments

• Chapter HFS 173 of The State of Wisconsin Administrative Code
• Chapter 75-51 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances

• Sample Tattoo Consent Form

Establishment Licensing

Tattoo/Body Piercing establishment license applications can be obtained at our main office on the 3rd floor of the Zeidler Municipal Building: 841 N. Broadway in downtown Milwaukee from 8:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

After we receive an application, an invoice will be generated. Fees may be paid by check or money order (made payable to the Milwaukee Health Department), by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or electronically (with invoice number) at: www.milwaukee.gov/payfee

 Put up this poster in your establishment to raise awareness about licensing.

Artist/Piercer Licensing

Tattooist/Body Piercer practitioner licenses are issued by The State of Wisconsin.  Click here for a State Application for Tattooist/Body Piercer Licensing.

Registered Sharps Collection Facilities

Visit the WI DNR Website for a lisiting of registered sharps collection facilities.

Information for Consumers Regarding Tattoos

• Tattoo and Permanent Makeup Safety
• Temporary and Henna/Mehndi Tattoos 
• Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has more information about tattoos and permanent makeup.