Fargo, ND Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing agency
- Fargo Cass Public Health
- License renewal
- Issued annually, January 1
- Minimum technician age
- 18 years old
- Minor clients
- Need parental consent, presence
- Ear-piercing exemption
- Presterilized stud-and-clasp systems only
Summary
Fargo requires every tattoo, piercing, and body art shop to hold an annual license from Fargo Cass Public Health before opening.
It shall be unlawful to operate a body art establishment unless a license is first obtained from the department. ... nor to individuals who pierce only the non-cartilaginous perimeter and lobe of the ear with a presterilized single-use stud-and-clasp ear-piercing system are exempt from these regulations.
Full Breakdown
City code makes it unlawful to operate a body art establishment without a license first obtained from Fargo Cass Public Health. The department inspects and approves the site before issuing the license each January 1, and it must be posted where clients can see it. Individual technicians need their own department license too, layered on top of the establishment license. Ear piercing with a presterilized stud-and-clasp system is exempt.
Violations & Fines
Operating a body art establishment or working as a technician without the required department license is unlawful and can draw enforcement action; the license is non-transferable between owners or locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fargo require a separate license for each tattoo technician?
Can a minor get a tattoo or piercing in Fargo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
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