Evanston, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Issued by City Manager's designee
- Annual fee
- $500 per year
- Inspections
- At least twice yearly
- Minor tattoos
- Banned under 18 except by physician
Summary
Tattoo studios in Evanston must hold a City-issued license, pass health inspections, and follow strict sanitation, sterilization, and record-keeping rules, and only licensed physicians may tattoo anyone under eighteen.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a tattoo facility within the City without first having obtained a license for that purpose, issued by the City Manager or his/her designee.(B)License Application. Any person desiring to keep or maintain any tattoo facility, as defined in this Chapter, shall make written application for a license, setting forth the location and description of the premises where such tattooing is to be conducted. Such application shall be filed in writing with the City Manager or his/her designee on a form to be provided by the City.(C)Inspections Required. Before a license is issued, the following investigations and inspections shall be made:1.The City Manager or his/her designee shall cause to be made an inspection of the premises described in such application to determine whether said premises are in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter.2.The City Manager or his/her designee shall ascertain that the premises may be used for the purpose in conformity with the zoning regulations and other ordinances of the City applicable thereto.3.The Fire Chief shall determine that all fire hazard preventions have been taken and conform to the fire prevention regulations of the City.(D)License Issuance. Upon payment of a license fee and a determination that the provisions of this Chapter have been met, said license shall be issued in accordance with such application and recommendations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Section 8-21-9 makes it unlawful to operate a tattoo facility in Evanston without a license from the City Manager's designee, issued only after a Public Health Department inspection confirms compliance with the Chapter's sanitation, equipment sterilization, and hygiene standards. Licenses cost $500 a year and expire every December 31. Facilities are inspected at least twice a year, records on each tattoo must be kept three years, and Section 8-21-8 bars tattooing anyone under eighteen except by a licensed physician.
Violations & Fines
Operating or working in an unlicensed tattoo facility, or violating sanitation and record-keeping rules, draws a fine of $200 to $500 per offense, plus possible license suspension or revocation after a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Evanston tattoo shops need a City license?
Can a minor get a tattoo in Evanston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evanston
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Tattoo & Body Modification in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle tattoo & body modification.