Walk-In Tattoo Shops in Des Moines, IA

7 of the 42 tattoo shops we list in Des Moines have walk-in tattoo appointments, no booking required. Most studios require a scheduled consultation for custom work but still take walk-ins for flash designs or small pieces — a split Google Maps can't show, since the listing just says 'tattoo shop' either way. Every shop tagged here states walk-ins are welcome on its own website, not just in an old customer review.

Bigfoot Tattoo Walk-ins welcomePiercingCustom design

5729 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

🕒 Fri-Sun 11am-10pm/5pm, Mon/Wed-Thu 11:30am-6pm

(515) 334-3333 Website Directions

Expo Piercing & Ink Walk-ins welcomePiercing

3800 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310-1303

🕒 Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12-5pm

+15152517801 Website Directions

Iron Heart Tattoo Walk-ins welcomePiercingCustom design

2815 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310-4063

🕒 Tue-Sat 11am-6pm

+15152701500 Website Directions

Iron Rose Tattoo Studio Walk-ins welcomeCustom design

319 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-1927

🕒 Tue-Sat 10am-6pm

+15153214551 Directions

Pink Elephant Tattoo Walk-ins welcomePiercingCustom designCard accepted

2615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

🕒 Open 7 days 11am-8pm

(515) 282-8289 Website Directions

Stay True Tattoo Walk-ins welcomePiercingCustom designCard accepted

2615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312-5237

🕒 Open 7 days 11am-8pm

+15152838599 Website Directions

Yankee Doodle Dandy Tattoo Walk-ins welcome

2322 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311-4316

+15152744469 Website Directions

Show up early, ideally at opening. Walk-in slots fill by early afternoon at busy shops, especially on weekends, and most want cash or a card with no guarantee they'll take Venmo or CashApp — bring photo ID, since a legitimate shop won't ink anyone without one. Ask on the phone whether walk-ins are flash-sheet only or if an artist can free-hand size a custom idea same-day.

Also in Des Moines

Walk-In Tattoo Shops near Des Moines

Good to know

Can you walk into a tattoo shop and get a tattoo the same day?
Yes, at shops that accept walk-ins for flash tattoos — pre-drawn designs sized on the spot, usually done in under an hour for $80-150 depending on size and the shop's minimum. Custom pieces almost always need a scheduled consult first, even at walk-in-friendly shops, so call ahead if you want original art rather than a design off the wall.

What is a tattoo shop's minimum price?
Most U.S. shops charge a flat minimum of $50-100 even for the smallest tattoo, covering setup, ink, and a sterile needle cartridge regardless of size. Walk-in flash pieces often land right at that minimum, while larger custom work is typically billed hourly at $100-200 per hour.