Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Kansas City, MO
Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Missouri
2 stopsMissouri Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License
Required for all businesses selling taxable goods in Missouri. The state rate is 4.225%; local rates vary by city and county. Register online with the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
Missouri Tattoo Practitioner License (incl. bloodborne pathogen training)
Every tattoo artist must be licensed by the Missouri Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing and Branding (Division of Professional Registration, 20 CSR 2267) — not DHSS. Licensure requires completing a bloodborne pathogen training program, first aid/CPR, and a 300-hour supervised apprenticeship (or equivalent path). Tattoo establishments need a separate $200 establishment license. Employers must also provide OSHA-required annual bloodborne pathogen training for exposed employees.
Official government source$100 practitioner application (renewal $100/2 yrs); BBP/CPR course cost extra ($20–$80 market)Half-day course
$100 practitioner application (renewal $100/2 yrs); BBP/CPR course cost extra ($20–$80 market)
Half-day course
City of Kansas City / Jackson County
2 stopsMissouri Department of Health — Tattooing Establishment License
Tattoo establishments and tattoo artists in Missouri must be licensed by the Office of Tattooing, Body Piercing & Branding (Missouri Division of Professional Registration). Kansas City may impose additional local health requirements - confirm locally.
Official government sourcePer the office's fee schedule (unverified)2–6 weeks
Per the office's fee schedule (unverified)
2–6 weeks
Kansas City City Clerk / Revenue Division — Business License
Kansas City, MO requires every business operating in the city to register for a city business license with the Finance Department's Revenue Division (Business License Office, Form RD-100 / Quick Tax online). Renewed annually; since Jan 1, 2026 renewals also require business personal-property tax documentation if the business owns/leases tangible assets.
Official government sourceFee is calculated from the business's gross receipts under KCMO Code Ch. 40 (varies by business category); no flat range - contact the Revenue Division (816-513-1120) or see the fee tables with Form RD-100.1–3 weeks
Fee is calculated from the business's gross receipts under KCMO Code Ch. 40 (varies by business category); no flat range - contact the Revenue Division (816-513-1120) or see the fee tables with Form RD-100.
1–3 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 3–8 weeks
Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?
Official Sources
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