Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Newark, NJ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Newark, Essex 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 Newark / Essex County

2 stops

  1. Newark Department of Health & Community Wellness — Body Art Establishment License

    In New Jersey a body art establishment is licensed and inspected by the local health department, not by the State: the NJ Department of Health sets the standards in N.J.A.C. 8:27 and the municipality issues the license. For a Newark shop that means the Newark Department of Health & Community Wellness. Body art is not one of the trades on Newark's Online Business Portal license list, so approach the health department directly. Each artist must document 2,000 hours of tattooing experience, supported by 10 client applications, 10 photographs of tattoos they personally performed, and testaments or consent forms from three clients, and must hold bloodborne pathogen training compliant with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030.

    Official government source

    Set by Newark ordinance rather than by the State, and Newark does not publish a body art license fee online. Ask the Department of Health & Community Wellness for the current amount (city information line 973-733-4311).The license follows a health department review of your setup and an inspection of the shop, so confirm the inspection schedule with Newark before committing to an opening date.

  2. City of Newark Business License (category-specific)

    The City of Newark licenses businesses by specific enumerated category (e.g., Restaurant/Eatery, Bakery, Retail, Public Garage, Dog Kennels, Food Caterer, Dry Cleaners, etc.) through its online Business License Portal, rather than issuing one universal registration certificate to every business type. Check the City's license list for your specific business type -- some service businesses (e.g., personal training, tutoring, insurance/real estate sales, cleaning, handyman, massage therapy, landscaping, HVAC/electrical/plumbing contracting, photography, pet sitting) may not appear on Newark's enumerated license list at all. Where a license does apply, it must be displayed at the place of business and renewed per the category's terms.

    Official government source

    Varies by license category; fees are listed per-category on Newark's Business License Portal1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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