Tattoo Artist License - Temporary

If you want to work as a tattoo artist in New York City for up to seven days, you need a Temporary Tattoo Artist License. You must work under someone with a valid full-term Tattoo Artist License from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

To get this license, you need to:

• Show proof that you are licensed to tattoo in another jurisdiction.
• Take the Infection Control Exam from the Health Academy. If you have already taken a similar training in another jurisdiction, DOHMH might let you skip this exam.

The Temporary Tattoo Artist License:

• Is valid for seven days in a row.
• Is only for the person who applied and cannot be transferred.
• Requires supervision by a licensed Tattoo Artist.

• Gather documents: Collect all the papers you need. Fill out the application form.
  Application and Instructions for a Tattoo License

• Infection Control Exam: You must pass this exam or show proof of equivalent training. The NYC Health Academy gives the exam after a three-hour course. If you have a permit or license from another jurisdiction, you can take the exam without the course. To register, go to the Citywide Licensing Center or call the Health Academy.

• Bring ID and registration confirmation: Bring your registration confirmation and a photo ID to the course. You will take the exam at the end of the course. If you pass, you will get a letter as proof. If you are only taking the exam, bring proof of your permit or license from another jurisdiction or proof of alternate acceptable training.

• Notarized statement: Provide a notarized statement from the tattoo artist about other certifications in disease control. This can replace a license from another jurisdiction if the jurisdiction does not require a license. You must still pass the Infection Control Exam or show proof of other training.

• Notarized letter from supervisor: Get a notarized letter from a licensed tattoo artist who will supervise you. The letter must include their name, license number, expiration date, your name, and where and when you will be tattooing.

• Business Certificate for Sole Proprietors: If you are a sole proprietor, provide a copy of your Business Certificate from the County Clerk.

• Proof of Social Security number or ITIN: Show your Social Security card, Individual Tax Identification number (ITIN) card or a letter from the IRS. A medical insurance card or bank statement with your SSN or ITIN is also acceptable.

• Government-issued photo ID: Provide a valid photo ID like a driver's license, passport or employment authorization card.

• Valid email address: You need a valid email address if you are applying online.

• Permit fees:

  • Tattoo Artist License Fee: $50 for a seven-day period
  • Infection Control Course Fee: $26 (separate from the license fee)

• Accepted payment methods:

  • Personal check (in person only)
  • Certified check (in person only)
  • Money order (in person only)
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

• Technical problems: If you need help with the online system, call 311. Ask for Health Permits Online.
• Other permits and licenses: A DOHMH permit does not cover other City and State permits.
• Responsibility: You must apply for all other needed permits, licenses and authorizations.
• Compliance: If you do not follow all regulations, your DOHMH permit may be suspended. You must show proof of compliance to get it back.

• Take the Infection Control Course exam: Pass the exam or provide proof of completing an equivalent exam.

• Gather documents: Collect all the papers you need.

• Make electronic copies: Make electronic versions of your documents. You can upload PDF, JPG, GIF, PNG, XLS, XLSX, DOC, DOCX, VSD and TXT files.

• Create an account: Create an account with the NYC Online Licensing system. Have your credit or debit card ready for payment. You can save and return to your application later.

• Select Tattoo License - Temporary: Enter the required information and upload your documents. Fields with an asterisk (*) are required.

• Pay the fee: Pay with a credit or debit card.

• Go to the Citywide Licensing Center: After you get your receipt, go to the Citywide Licensing Center to be photographed. Bring your photo ID.

• Attend the Mobile Vending Food Protection Course at the NYC Health Academy: After you complete the final exam, your photo will be taken for your license. You will get your license in the mail within three weeks. If you do not get it, call 311 for help.

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DoHMH)

Address
Health Academy
Riverside Health Center
160 W. 100th St. (at Columbus Ave.)
New York, NY 10025

• Complete the Infection Control Course exam: Pass the exam or provide proof of completing an equivalent exam.

• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form.

• Submit in person: First-time applicants must submit their applications in person.

• Bring forms and documents: Bring all completed forms and required documents to the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Citywide Licensing Center.

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

Address
Licensing Center
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004

• Submit the license fee: Pay the fee as described in the Fees section.

• Get Your photo taken: Go to the photo ID window to have your picture taken.

• Receive your license: After processing, you will get your license and photo ID badge in the mail within three weeks. You cannot work until you have both, and you must keep both with you while working. If you do not get them within three weeks, call 311 for help.