Body Art: Tattoo and Body Piercing

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 75-23 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances
• Sample Tattoo Consent Form
• Variances: The State Code currently requires that tattoo and body piercing establishments have an autoclave for sterilization. If you use all pre-sterile, single-use disposable equipment in lieu of the autoclave requirements you may request a variance from the state code by completing the form below and submitting it to your inspector. Do not submit the form directly to the state.
• Variance Petition Application

Establishment Licensing

Tattoo/Body Piercing establishment licenses are processed by the Milwaukee City Clerk's License Division.

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.

Registered Sharps Collection Facilities

Visit the WI DNR Website for information about sharps collection.

Information for Consumers Regarding Tattoos

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