Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Jersey City, NJ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey.

Verified 2026-08-31 5 stops $300–$1,000 est. 3–8 weeks
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New Jersey

2 stops

  1. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate to 3 business days (online)

  2. Bloodborne Pathogen Training (per artist)

    Every tattoo artist working in New Jersey must complete bloodborne pathogen training that complies with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 before working on clients, and OSHA requires the training be repeated at least once a year. Keep each artist's current certificate at the shop: the local health department checks training records when it inspects and licenses the body art establishment under N.J.A.C. 8:27. Newark, Jersey City and Paterson all inspect through their own health departments rather than the State.

    Official government source

    Set by whichever training provider you use — New Jersey neither sets nor publishes a price for this course. Shop around; both classroom and online OSHA-compliant courses qualify.Most compliant courses are completed in a single sitting, and the certificate must be renewed at least annually to stay valid at inspection.

City of Jersey City / Hudson County

2 stops

  1. Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services — Body Art Establishment Approval (per NJ DOH standards, N.J.A.C. 8:27)

    Tattoo establishments in New Jersey must be approved by the LOCAL health department where they operate (Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services), following state standards set by the NJ Department of Health at N.J.A.C. 8:27. The NJDOH itself does not issue the establishment license/registration. All tattoo artists/apprentices must complete bloodborne pathogen training compliant with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030, and practitioners generally need 2,000 documented hours of experience (or an apprenticeship under a licensed practitioner). The establishment must pass a local health inspection.

    Official government source

    Fees vary; confirm current amount with Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services2–6 weeks

  2. Jersey City Business Licensing (activity-specific, no general license)

    Jersey City does not issue a general Municipal Business License, and there is no gross-receipts-based city business license. Licensing is activity-specific: the Division of Commerce licenses regulated activities (alcohol, cannabis, peddlers, taxis, used cars, towing, second-hand dealers, parking lots, nightclubs, florists, sidewalk cafes and similar); the Department of Health & Human Services licenses food establishments, mobile food vendors, body art, cosmetology, laundries, childcare and animal-related businesses; and the Division of Construction Code issues Certificates of Occupancy. Determine which specific license, if any, applies to your business.

    Official government source

    Varies by license category — no blanket business license fee exists1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 3–8 weeks

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