Infection Control Course for Tattoo Artists

To get a Tattoo Artist License, you must successfully complete the Infection Control Course. This course is three hours long. It happens twice a month. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's (DOHMH) Health Academy runs the course. After you finish the course and pass the final written exam, you will get your Tattoo Artist License from the Citywide Licensing Center.

Note: You must apply for the Tattoo Artist License and sign up for the Infection Control Course at the same time.

Permit fees

• Tattoo License Fee: $100.00 for two years. It is valid from the end of the month you applied.
• Infection Control Course: $26.00.
• Online Convenience Fee: 2 percent is added to all online payments.

Accepted payment methods

• Personal check (payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene; accepted for in-person payments only)
• Certified check (payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene; accepted for in-person payments only)
• Government check (payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene; accepted for in-person payments only)
• Money order (payable to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene; accepted for in-person payments only)
• Visa (accepted online or in person)
• Mastercard (accepted online or in person)
• Discover (accepted online or in person)
• American Express (accepted online or in person)

To see the rules for this permit:

• Visit the Relevant Health Code Information page.
• Click the folder "Title 24: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene".
• Open the subfolder "Chapter 22, Tattooists and Applying Tattoos".
• Go to Section 05 "Examination Required".

• The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) offers in-person licensing services by appointment only at their Manhattan and Queens locations. Walk-ins are not allowed.
  Find out how to schedule an appointment (PDF).