Apply for a Tattoo Parlor Permit

In addition to a state license, permits are required for tattoo parlors to operate in the City of St. Louis. This permit serves as the business license for the establishment. Read below for instructions to obtain the permit.

Ordinance 70813 governs this process.

Prepare Documents

• Before getting your city license, you will need to obtain your Missouri state tattoo license. You'll need a certified copy for the city application.
• You will also need a business occupancy permit.
• You will need a drawing of the proposed number and location of the tattoo chairs, the location of doorways, windows, lights, entrances, and exits on the premises and the restroom facilities.

Application Information

Information that you will need for the application:

1. Legal name and address of your establishment (trade name or Doing Business As name)
2. Your legal name, address, phone number and email address
3. Your date and place of birth
4. 3 years' employment history:
   • Manager/supervisor first and last name
   • Business/company name
   • Address
   • Phone number
   • Email
5. Business information:
   • Number of chairs
   • Opening and closing time of the business
6. Business license information:
   • Has any previous business, or occupational license including any alcoholic beverage and tattoo parlor license been revoked?
   • If so, for what reason?
   •  Any previous business or occupational license? If yes, please attach the license
7. Any additional relevant facts about you
8. Documents to attach to the application:
   • Drawing of the proposed space
   • Occupancy permit
   • Certified copy of the tattoo license

We accept .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tiff, .bmp, .pdf, .txt, .rtf, .csv, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx or .zip files under 50 MB.

Use the Begin Online button to start your application.

Begin online

You will receive an e-mail confirmation of the application at the point of contact email you provided. The confirmation e-mail will also include instructions to check the status of your application.

Your application will be referred to the City of St. Louis Health Department for inspection. The Health Department will contact you to schedule a date/time to inspect the proposed facility.

After the Health Department inspection, recommendations will be sent to the BPS Office of the Secretary, and a hearing will be scheduled 3-4 weeks later.

Certified letters will be mailed to all parties notifying them of the scheduled hearing. Hearings are held on Tuesdays at 1:45 pm and are subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

If approved, the permit will be issued to you within 24-48 hours. Your business license can be obtained in the License Collector’s Office, Room 104.

For information about permits, please contact Michele Knox at knoxm@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 622-4627.