Body Art Facility Licensure

Tattooing, Microblading/permeant cosmetics, piercing of any part of the body other than the lobe of the ear requires a state body art license, a city of Detroit Business license which both require approval by the Detroit Health Department.  

The Detroit Health Department annually inspects and responds to complaints for body art facilities.   Body art includes the following: body piercing, tattooing, cosmetic tattooing, and branding.  Detroit Health Department enforces Michigan Public Act 375 of 2010 and the Detroit City Code. 

Individuals shall not perform body art on another person unless that tattooing, branding, or body piercing is done at a body art facility licensed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the City of Detroit. 

Michigan sets statewide requirements for body art facilities aimed at decreasing the risks of getting a bloodborne disease such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  These viruses can make you sick and some of these diseases are permanent and can be fatal.
Body art providers should give potential clients both verbal and written health educational information that is needed to make an informed decision, as well as written information explaining a client’s responsibilities for after-care.  A client, who is under 18 years of age, must have written informed consent and the presence of a parent or legal guardian. 

Owners or operators of body art facilities are required to apply for a body art facility license through MDHHS.  This license must be posted in the customer service area of the facility.  Apply for a Body Art License by clicking here: Body Art Facility License

Body Art Facilities must follow the Requirements for Body Art Facilities created by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  

Please visit the City of Detroit’s Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department’s (BSEED) website for City of Detroit licensing and additional requirements from other city departments.

Body Art Facility Plan Review

Plan review submission is required for a new or a newly remodeled body art facility.  Download the Detroit Health Department plan review worksheet here: Plan Review PDF

Other related Resources
Michigan Body Art Law 
Risks Associated with Body Art
EGLE medical waste application 
List of medical waste disposal services