Tattoo License

You need a Tattoo License to work as a Tattoo Artist in New York City. This license helps stop the spread of diseases.

To get a Tattoo License, you must take a three-hour Infection Control Course. The Health Academy of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) offers this course.

You must apply for the Tattoo Artist License and register for the Infection Control Course at the same time. After you take the course and pass the written exam, you will get the license in the mail. You cannot transfer this license to someone else.

• Gather all supporting documents: You need these to apply for the permit. Review and complete the application for a Tattoo License. Download the instructions and application for a tattoo license.
• Provide your Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Complete the application for an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
• Provide a valid government-issued photo ID: This can be a driver's license, passport or employment authorization card.
• If someone other than the business owner will be submitting the application, a completed Power of Attorney/Authority to Act form is required. The person submitting the application must also show a form of acceptable photo identification. Complete the Authority to Act form (pdf).
• After you apply for your license, you will take the NYC Health Academy's Infection Control Course for Tattoo Artists. Prepare for the class by reading the Infection Control Course Study Manual. Read the Infection Control Course Study Manual.

Permit fees:

• Tattoo License Fee: $100.00 for two years. This is valid from the end of the month in which you applied for the license.
• Infection Control Course: $26.00.
• Online Application Fee: $126.00 (for both the Tattoo License and Infection Control Course). Note that an Online Convenience Fee of 2 percent is added to all online payments.

Accepted payment methods:

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

• On the day of your course, bring required documents:

  • The receipt
  • Course registration confirmation page
  • A government-issued photo ID

• Go to the NYC Health Academy at:
  NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DoHMH)
  Health Academy
  Riverside Health Center
  160 W. 100th St. (at Columbus Ave.)
  New York, NY 10025

• Take the course and exam:

  • Take the Infection Control Course and written exam.
  • If you pass, your photo will be taken at the Health Academy.
  • If you do not pass, you can take the next course and exam for free.
  • If you fail the exam twice, you must go back to the DCWP Licensing Center to register again and pay the fee.

• Receive Your License:

  • The Tattoo License will be mailed to you 4-6 weeks after you complete the course.
  • You cannot start working until you get your photo ID (badge) and license document.
  • Keep both items with you while working.
  • If you do not get your license within six weeks, call 311 for help.

The tattoo license is good for two years.

• Gather all supporting documents: You need these to apply for the permit.
• Make electronic versions of all documents: You will upload these documents into the online permit system. The following document types can be uploaded: PDF, JPG, GIF, PNG, XLS, XLSX, DOC, DOCX, VSD and TXT.
• Create an account with the NYC Online Licensing system: Payment is required to complete and submit the application, so have your credit or debit card information ready. You can save partially completed applications and return to them later.
• You will be prompted to register for the Infection Control Course. Learn more about the Infection Control Course for Tattoo Artists.
• Complete all required fields: Upload required documents and pay with a credit or debit card to complete the application. You will receive a receipt via email.

• Gather all supporting documents: You need these to apply for the permit. Review and complete the application for a Tattoo License.

• Schedule an appointment:

  • In-Person Licensing and Collections Services available by appointment only.
  • You must call or email the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to schedule an appointment at their Manhattan or Queens locations. After you apply for the license and Infection Control course, DCWP will issue you a receipt that will include the date and time of the class for which you registered.

• You can renew online using the NYC Online Licensing system.
• You need to register first.
• Pay any fines before renewing.
• For the first online renewal, you need the PIN from your Renewal Notice.
• The PIN links your records to one online account. You only need to use your PIN once to to link to each permit or license record.
• If you do not have your Renewal Notice, get your PIN by filling out an online PIN Request Form or by calling 311.
• You may need to upload documents. Download the Microsoft Silverlight application for this.

• You can renew your permit in person at the DCWP Citywide Licensing Center.
• If someone else renews for you, they must present an Authority to Act on your behalf and signed by you. Representatives must show photo identification.

• Follow the instructions on your renewal notice to renew by mail.