How To Report An Illegal Tattoo Artist Wiaconsin (2025)

If your county does not perform body art establishment inspections, contact the Department of State Police (DSPS) at 266-2112. To apply for a license, review the Body Art Agent and Non-Agent List. If your establishment will be located in one of the listed cities or counties, contact the agent in that county for application instructions.

To be considered a legal tattooist/body piercer, one must acquire a Practitioner’s License from the State of Wisconsin and a Tattoo/Body Piercing Establishment License from the state. Mobile tattooing is not allowed and punishable by law. All licensed tattoo shops are required.

No person may tattoo or body pierce another person, use or assume the title of tattooist or body piercer, or designate or represent themselves as a body piercer unless a licensed practitioner is involved. Subsections to (4m) do not apply to dentists licensed under s. 447. 03 or physicians who tattoo or offer to tattoo a person in the course of their practice.

Reporting a tattoo artist can be challenging, but it is important to take action if you have had a bad experience or suspect the artist is operating without a license. The City of Madison Clerk’s Office handles all licensing fees in Dane County. A license is required for a person who applies a tattoo to another person or performs body piercing.

The Marathon County Health Department annually inspects all permanent and temporary tattoo and body art facilities for compliance with Chapter SPS 221. All tattoo and body piercing activities must occur in a licensed establishment and all tattooists and body piercers must hold a practitioner’s license.

What Are The Tattoo Laws In Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, state law mandates that individuals must be at least 18 years old to obtain a tattoo. It is essential to bring a state-issued photo ID to verify age. As with most U. S. states, Wisconsin regulates the tattoo industry, establishing specific rules for both customers and tattoo artists. For individuals aged 16 or 17, obtaining a tattoo is permissible, provided that parental consent is given.

Under Wisconsin's regulations, a license is required for anyone who tattoos or performs body piercing. Licenses are issued by the Department of Safety and Professional Services and expire annually on June 30. Every tattoo establishment must pass an inspection before a license is granted.

Wisconsin's statutes define a tattoo under code ch. SPS 221. 03(21) as the act of inserting pigment under the skin’s surface with a needle or similar means. The regulations also specify that those below the age of 18 cannot receive body piercings without signed informed consent from a parent or legal guardian present at the procedure.

It's crucial for tattooists in Wisconsin to hold a Practitioner’s license, which costs $60. Inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with health and safety standards in tattoo and body piercing establishments. All tattoo and piercing activities must occur in licensed facilities operated by licensed practitioners to ensure public health and safety.

For any concerns regarding tattoo and body piercing regulations, individuals can refer to the Wisconsin Statutes, particularly Chapter 463, which governs body art and tattooing establishments. Understanding these laws helps ensure a safe and compliant experience for both clients and practitioners in the tattoo industry in Wisconsin.

How Do I Report An Unlicensed Tattoo Artist?

To report an unlicensed tattoo artist, the first step is contacting the relevant authority, which varies by state; typically, this may involve reaching out to your local health department or licensing board. Before filing a report, gather necessary documentation about the incident. Unprofessional behavior, including inappropriate remarks or evidence of the artist being under the influence, should be reported. Additionally, unsanitary conditions in tattoo shops are serious concerns that warrant reporting.

It is advisable to determine which government entity oversees tattoo licensing in your area. Depending on local laws, tattooing a minor or operating without appropriate licensing can result in criminal charges. If you incurred financial costs or experienced dissatisfaction with the work, this further substantiates your report. Documentation such as signed waivers or the adequacy of the finished tattoo compared to the design created are also relevant.

In some jurisdictions, it is possible to file a complaint with the Department of Public Health if the tattooing raises health concerns. If the tattoo artist is unregistered or working in an unhygienic environment, reporting to local authorities is essential.

In the UK, for example, individuals can report unlicensed tattooists directly to the police. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services accepts complaints related to body art facilities. Key complaints might include unsanitary practices and lack of consent forms.

For detailed reporting, consider using available complaint forms, either in PDF or Word format. The Tattoo Safe Register can provide further guidance and resources for reporting illegal activity within the tattoo industry. Awareness campaigns encourage community reporting of unregistered tattooing practices and highlight the potential penalties for industry violations. Overall, it’s crucial to address these issues for public safety and industry regulation.

How Do I Get A Tattoo License In Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, shops and artists must undergo an inspection by the Department of Health Services to obtain licensure for tattooing and body piercing. Tattoo artists can perform these procedures only in licensed body art establishments, as mobile tattooing is prohibited and legally punishable. Prospective licensees can apply for credentials via the license. wi. gov website. This resource also features a License Application Status Lookup tool to assist employees and academic advisors in the licensure process.

To acquire a tattoo license in Wisconsin, individuals must provide specific education and documents. All tattooing and body piercing must occur in licensed establishments, as outlined in Code § SPS 221. 04. Additionally, tattooists and body piercers must hold a Practitioner’s License, which can be applied for and renewed online through the Wisconsin Department of Safety. The State of Wisconsin issues these licenses, which cost $60 and expire annually on June 30th.

Before granting a license, the Department conducts an initial inspection of the tattoo establishment and may perform further inspections as needed. Most states allow individuals under 18 to receive tattoos with parental consent; however, some states set minimum age restrictions regardless of consent. All tattoo and piercing establishments must also have public restroom and handwashing facilities separate from living areas.

In summary, to operate a tattooing or body-piercing establishment in Wisconsin, one must have a licensed location, hold a Practitioner’s License, and ensure that all practices comply with health regulations. The licensing process is integral to maintaining standards for public health and safety within the tattoo and body piercing industry.

Can A Licensed Tattoo Artist Do Mobile Tattoos In Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, licensed tattoo artists can only perform tattooing in certified body art establishments; mobile tattooing is prohibited and punishable by law. Licensed tattoo shops must adhere to specific safety and sanitation guidelines, reflecting the general trends of state regulation over the tattoo industry across the U. S. Additionally, there are distinct regulations for both customers and tattoo artists. According to Wisconsin regulations, all tattooing and body piercing activities must occur within licensed establishments.

Tattooists and body piercers are required to possess a practitioner’s license, which mandates that no individual may tattoo another person or claim the title of "tattooist" without proper licensing.

To operate a tattoo or body piercing establishment, a license is necessary, with guidelines set out by the Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 221. Education and documentation are prerequisites for obtaining a tattoo license, with application procedures available online through the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services. The license costs $60 and is valid until June 30th of each year. Inspections of tattoo establishments are conducted by the department prior to licensing and may occur subsequently to ensure compliance.

The law defines tattooing as the insertion of pigment beneath the skin's surface. All tattooists and body piercers in Wisconsin must hold a practitioner’s license, and mobile studios are illegal, though temporary mobile licenses can be requested for specific events like fairs and conventions. Tattoo licenses are organized under state specifications, with further licensing information accessible through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.

In contrast, neighboring states may have different licensing requirements, with Illinois not mandating a tattoo license at the state level. Overall, strict regulations are in place in Wisconsin to manage and ensure the safety of tattooing and body piercing practices.

Can An Artist Refuse A Tattoo In Wisconsin?

Wisconsin tattoo laws grant tattoo artists the right to refuse service for various reasons, provided they have legitimate justification. For instance, artists may decline to tattoo individuals who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if the requested design conflicts with their personal moral or religious beliefs. As one of many states regulating the tattoo industry, Wisconsin has established separate rules for both customers and artists.

Tattoo artists possess the discretion to refuse a request based on personal comfort or artistic differences. Common reasons include the design’s offensiveness, stylistic mismatch, or the feasibility of executing the tattoo. It is also accepted that artists can clarify their refusal if clients are willing to modify the design or its placement. This practice underscores the artist's autonomy over their craft and their workspace.

The state does lack mandatory licensing requirements for cosmetic tattoo artists and studios, which poses a significant gap in regulatory measures compared to other states. Importantly, while tattoo artists are permitted to refuse specific designs, they must ensure their refusals are grounded in legal frameworks and do not infringe upon local laws.

Additionally, Wisconsin mandates that all tattoo and body piercing activities occur within licensed establishments, with practitioners required to hold valid licenses. This comprehensive oversight intends to promote safety and professionalism in the industry, ensuring that operators are appropriately licensed and that client safety standards are consistently upheld.

While tattoo professionals can deny service, such decisions can hinge on various factors, including client behavior, tattoo concept viability, and personal comfort levels with the request. Through these regulations, Wisconsin seeks to balance the rights of artists with the safety and expectations of clients, thus fostering a respectful and professional tattoo culture within the state.