Tattoo & Body Modification: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do tattoo & body modification rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago issues a Tattoo Artist license under MCC Ch. 4-388 plus a separate establishment license. Operators also follow the Illinois Body Art Code, 410 ILCS 54, with CDPH inspections, sterilization standards, and a flat ban on tattooing anyone under 18.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Tattoo and body art establishments in suburban Cook County need a Cook County Department of Public Health permit under the Illinois Body Art Code, 410 ILCS 54 and 77 IAC 797. Operators must follow infection-control rules, age verification, and informed consent procedures; Chicago runs a separate licensing scheme.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Artist license | MCC Ch. 4-388 (BACP) | - |
| Health code | 410 ILCS 54 Body Art | - |
| Inspector | CDPH | - |
| Minor rule | Under 18 prohibited | - |
| Sterilization | Single-use needles, autoclave | - |
| State law | - | Illinois Body Art Code 410 ILCS 54 |
| State rules | - | 77 IAC 797 |
| Permit issuer | - | Cook County DPH |
| Minimum age | - | 18 with ID; parental consent below |
| Chicago carve-out | - | CDPH MCC 4-352 license |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Can a 17-year-old get a tattoo with parental consent?
No. MCC 4-388-080 and 720 ILCS 5/12-10 prohibit tattooing anyone under 18 with no parental consent exception. Body piercing of minors does allow notarized parental consent.
Do I need both an artist and shop license?
Yes. BACP issues an individual Tattoo Artist license plus a separate business license for the studio. CDPH inspects the premises annually for sterilization and sanitation standards under 410 ILCS 54.
Are home tattoo studios legal?
No. The Illinois Body Art Code requires a fixed commercial location with hand-washing sinks, autoclave, and finishes meeting sanitation standards. Residential operation is barred and triggers BACP and CDPH enforcement.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can I open a tattoo shop in unincorporated Cook?
Yes with a CCDPH body art establishment permit, an Illinois IDOR sales tax registration, and Ch. 54 county business license. The site must satisfy Ch. 102 commercial zoning, and Suburban municipalities may impose additional buffer or use rules.
Are home tattoo operations legal?
No. Both 410 ILCS 54 and CCDPH rules require permitted commercial premises with dedicated procedure rooms, hand-washing stations, and sterilization. Home or apartment tattooing for compensation cannot meet 77 IAC 797 standards and is unlawful.
Does CCDPH inspect events?
Yes. Conventions and pop-up events in suburban Cook need temporary body art permits. CCDPH inspectors verify single-use needles, sharps containers, and on-site supervision by a permitted operator before allowing procedures to begin.
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