Evansville, IN Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Business permit fee
- $300/year
- Per-artist fee
- $100/year
- Minor age limit
- Under 18 needs parental consent
- Unlicensed operation fine
- Up to $200/day
- Harm-related fine
- $1,000-$2,500
Summary
Evansville tattoo and body-piercing businesses need an annual Vanderburgh County Health Department permit; operators need a separate permit too.
No person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, business trust, corporation or any organized group of persons may operate a body art establishment unless it has received a body art establishment permit from the department... The cost for this permit shall be $300.00 as determined by the County Board of Health and shall not be transferable.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Evansville Municipal Code Ch. 5.45 (City of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana) bars anyone from operating a tattoo or body-piercing business without a Vanderburgh County Health Department permit and bars artists from practicing without their own operator permit. The business permit costs $300 a year plus $100 per artist; it expires December 31 and is not transferable. Minors need a parent or guardian to appear in person and sign consent. Operating without a permit draws a fine of up to $200 per day; harm to a patron raises the fine to $1,000-$2,500, and the County Health Officer can suspend or revoke the license.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed operation: up to $200/day. Other chapter violations: $100/violation, or $1,000-$2,500 if a patron is harmed. License suspension/revocation by the Health Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues the tattoo/body-piercing permit in Evansville?
Can a minor get a tattoo in Evansville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
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