Lincoln, NE Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director
- Reach
- City plus 3 miles beyond limits
- Minors
- Parental consent and presence required
- Exemption
- Sterile single-use ear-lobe piercing
- Suspension cap
- Up to 90 days
Summary
Tattoo, branding, and piercing businesses in Lincoln need a Health Director permit before opening, and every practitioner needs their own permit too. Operating unpermitted is a declared public nuisance.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a body art establishment without first obtaining a permit from the Health Director. The operation of a body art establishment without the required permit is declared to be a public nuisance. The operator of a body art establishment shall conspicuously post or display the body art establishment permit so that it is readily seen by customers. It shall be unlawful for a body art establishment to operate without at least one person present who holds a valid body art practitioner permit. (Ord. 20603 §1; December 11, 2017: prior Ord. 19732 §1; June 25, 2012: Ord. 17999 §3; May 20, 2002).
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 8.08 requires a body art establishment permit and a separate body art practitioner permit from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director before any tattooing, branding, or piercing business can operate; at least one permitted practitioner must be on-site whenever the shop is open. The Health Director enforces the chapter inside the city and up to three miles beyond the corporate limits, outside any other incorporated city or village. Sterile single-use ear-lobe piercing systems are exempt. Permits can be suspended up to 90 days or revoked for health-code violations, with hearing and appeal rights.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit is a public nuisance and unlawful; performing body art on a minor without parental consent and the parent's presence is separately unlawful. Violations can trigger permit suspension (up to 90 days) or revocation by the Health Director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to open a tattoo shop in Lincoln?
Can a minor get a tattoo or piercing in Lincoln?
Does this apply outside Lincoln's city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.