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Tattoo License

About Apply After You Apply Operating & Renewing

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Before you submit your application

  • 1
    Gather all supporting documents required to apply for this permit. Review and complete the application for a Tattoo License.

      APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR A TATTOO LICENSE

    • 2
      You will need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer ID.

        Application for an Individual Tax Identification Number

      • 3
        You must provide a valid government issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, employment authorization card).

        • 4
          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 on behalf of the business owner must also show a form of acceptable photo identification.

            Authority to Act Form (PDF )

          • 5
            After you apply for your license, you will take the NYC Health Academy's Infection Control Course for Tattoo Artists.  You should prepare for the class by reading the Infection Control Course Study Manual.

              Infection Control Course Study Manual (PDF )

            • 6

              List of Permit Fees. More info

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

            • 7
              List of accepted payment methods. More info
              • 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

              • Ready to Apply?

              Apply Online Apply in Person

              Steps to apply online:

            • 1
              Gather all supporting documents required to apply for this permit.

              • 2
                Make electronic versions of all documents required for applying for a permit. 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.

                • 3
                  Create an account with the NYC Online Licensing system. Payment is required to complete and submit the application so applicants should have their credit or debit card information readily available. Partially completed applications may be saved and returned to later for completion.

                  • 4
                    You will be prompted to register for the Infection Control Course.

                      LEARN MORE

                    • 5
                      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 e-mail.

                        • Ready to Apply?
                        Apply Online open_in_new

                        Steps to apply in person:

                      • 1
                        Gather all supporting documents required to apply for this permit.  Review and complete the application for a Tattoo License.

                          Application and Instructions for a Tattoo License

                        • 2
                          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 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. 

                            NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

                            Address
                            Licensing Center


                            42 Broadway, Lobby




                            New York NY 10004
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