Body Art Establishments
Body art establishments are businesses that provide Body Art procedures such as tattooing, cosmetic tattooing, and piercing. Procedures that are not governed by the Minneapolis Body Art Code are piercings of the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear. Branding, implantation, suspension and scarification are prohibited in Minneapolis under the Code.
Body Art establishments are required to be licensed in the City of Minneapolis. Body Art establishments must obtain a license through Business Licensing. Individual technicians are required to be licensed through the State of Minnesota. City of Minneapolis does not license individual technicians but does require each individual to show proof of state licensure and to follow all Minneapolis regulations when practicing within the City of Minneapolis.
For Temporary Body Art Event information, please visit our Civic Events page.
Body Art establishments are inspected yearly under the Minneapolis City Ordinance, Chapter 339: Body Art Code. The business licensee is responsible for ensuring compliance with State and City regulations within their facility.
Any concerns about a body art establishment can be reported online to the Minneapolis Health Department.
Body Art Events
There are two types of temporary Body Art events:
- Larger shows or conventions where tattoo artists or piercers are invited to set up single booths where they will be practicing Body Art. These events are generally sponsored by the show or convention coordinator. A temporary convention event may be no longer than 7 consecutive days.
- Guest artist events which are held at a licensed Body Art establishment. These events are generally sponsored by the establishment owner or a tattoo artist or piercer already licensed at the establishment.
All participating body artists must be licensed or permitted by the State of Minnesota prior to the event and must show proof of license or permit to the Minneapolis Food, Lodging & Pools program.
Tattooing - Body Piercing Establishment License Application
Tattooing - Body Piercing Establishment, Temporary Event License Application
The event sponsor must obtain a "Sponsor of Temporary Tattooing/Piercing Event" license and assumes responsibility in ensuring that the event is in compliance and that the participating artists have obtained proper licensure and will be operating within the regulations and event guidelines.
Should you require a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate, or information in an alternative format, please contact 612-673-2301.
Para asistencia 612-673-2700 - Rau kev pab 612-673-2800 - Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500
Last updated May 2, 2018
