• Body Modification presents a minimal risk if tattooing and piercings are done by a trained professional with proper precautions. 
  • The Vanderburgh County Health Department follows Municipal and County codes that require the licensure and permitting of tattoo artists, body piercers, and their associated establishments. 
  • The Vanderburgh County Health Department routinely inspects artists and establishments to ensure the safety of the public. 

Permit Information:

To be permitted in the city or county an artist/establishment must:

Underground / Unlicensed Shops:

Never have any type of body modification performed by an unlicensed artist or at an unlicensed shop. Often self-taught, unlicensed people may be working out of homes, garages, bars, or other facilities and do not follow the same precautions as legitimate artists. Any unlicensed body modification increases the chance that you may: 

  • Contract an infectious disease such as Hepatitis C, Strep or HIV
  • Have allergic reactions
  • Experience scaring
  • Have MRI Complications

Unlicensed artists are subject to a fine of $100.00 per day and/or per violation. Report any unlicensed body modification to the Vanderburgh County Health Department by emailing health_environmental@vanderburghcounty.in.gov.  Reports can be made anonymously.

Tattoo & Body Piercing Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the risks of getting a tattoo?

While a tattoo may only take a few minutes to acquire, it is permanent. Tattooing involves breaking the skin, one of your body’s main protective barriers. This means you can be more susceptible to skin and blood infections. Specific risks include:

  • Blood-borne diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C could be contracted if equipment used for your tattoo is contaminated with blood of an infected person.
  • Unsterile tattooing equipment or re-used ink can cause symptoms of minor skin infections, from redness, swelling, or pus-like drainage, to potentially serious antibiotic- resistant skin infections.
  • Granulomas, or bumps, may form around the site of the tattoo as a reaction to the ink.
  • Tattooing can cause keloids, or raised areas of excessive scaring, if you are prone to them.
  • Inks may cause allergic reactions, such as itchy rash, at the tattoo site.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams may cause swelling or burning of tattooed areas.

Who should I contact if I want to open a tattoo/body piercing establishment?

Email the Environmental Division at health_environmental@vanderburghcounty.in.gov.

What documents are required to obtain a tattoo/body piercing permit?

To be permitted in the city or county an artist/establishment must:

  • Be in compliance with local ordinances Chapter 5.45 of the City of Evansville Municipal Code & Chapter 5.06 of the Vanderburgh County Code
  • Provide a certificate of professional liability insurance in the amount of $500,000
  • Provide Certificate of annual Blood Borne Pathogen Training
  • Provide Certificate of CPR/First Aid Training
  • Obtain a Health Department Tattoo & Body Piercing Permit for the establishment (includes one artist license) $300.00
  • Obtain a Health Department Tattoo & Body Piercing for each additional artist $100.00
  • Permits are valid from January 1 to December 31.
  • Contact the Vanderburgh County Health Department with questions or concerns by emailing health_environmental@vanderburghcounty.in.gov.

Who do I report tattoo & body piercing complaints to?

Contact the Vanderburgh County Health Department with questions or concerns by emailing health_environmental@vanderburghcounty.in.gov.

*Click Here for the Indiana State Department of Health’s FAQ sheet on tattoos and piercings*