Madison County, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Chapter 77, Body Art, regulates tattooing, piercing and similar procedures. 15(A) makes it unlawful to operate a body art establishment without a valid permit from the Madison County Health Department, and body art procedures may only be performed at an establishment holding both a county permit and a permit from the Illinois Department of Public Health under the state's Body Art Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 797. Establishment permits are non-transferable between persons or locations and run for 12 months, with annual renewal required, and the permit must be posted where clients can see it.

15(B) separately requires every operator, meaning the technician performing the work, to hold an operator permit; the technician must be at least 18 years old, and an annual operator permit expires 12 months from issuance while a guest operator permit expires in 90 days. Applicants must document blood-borne pathogen training such as the American Red Cross's Preventing Disease Transmission course or OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Training, and demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, skin conditions, infectious disease control and facility sanitation. 17 sets permit fees at $0 for the establishment permit, $50 for an annual operator permit and $20 for a guest permit, with a $25 late fee for renewals filed after the 15-day pre-expiration deadline. 16 exempts state-licensed physicians and single-use stud ear-piercing systems limited to the outer ear.