Tattoo and body art establishments in suburban Cook County need a Cook County Department of Public Health permit under the Illinois Body Art Code, 410 ILCS 54 and 77 IAC 797. Operators must follow infection-control rules, age verification, and informed consent procedures; Chicago runs a separate licensing scheme.
Illinois regulates tattoo and body art studios under the Body Art Code, 410 ILCS 54, and the Department of Public Health rules at 77 Ill. Adm. Code 797. Suburban Cook County studios apply for permits through the Cook County Department of Public Health, which inspects sterilization equipment, single-use needle protocols, sharps disposal, and bloodborne pathogen training. Operators must verify the customer is at least 18 (or 21 for genital piercing) absent parental consent, document informed consent, and maintain records for three years. Mobile or temporary tattoo events require event-specific permits. Chicago studios are licensed by Chicago Department of Public Health under MCC 4-352. Body modification beyond standard tattoo or piercing, such as scarification, follows the same Body Art Code framework.
Operating without a CCDPH body art permit, tattooing minors without parental consent, or violating sterilization rules in suburban Cook County triggers permit suspension, civil fines under 77 IAC 797, and possible misdemeanor charges under the Illinois Body Art Code.
See how Evanston's tattoo & body modification rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.