Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

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

Verified 2026-08-31 5 stops $300–$1,000 est. 3–8 weeks
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 Paterson / Passaic County

2 stops

  1. City of Paterson Division of Health — Body Art Establishment License

    Tattoo and body art establishments in New Jersey are licensed and inspected by the local health department where the business sits — in Paterson, the City's Division of Health, whose Environmental Health Program inspects tattoo parlors to enforce the State's body art rules. The NJ Department of Health sets the statewide standards under N.J.A.C. 8:27; it does not license establishments directly. Artists must complete bloodborne pathogen training and the establishment must pass a health inspection.

    Official government source

    Set locally — confirm the current body art establishment license fee with the Paterson Division of Health (176 Broadway, 973-321-1277).Licensure follows plan review and a pre-operational inspection — confirm current scheduling with the Division of Health.

  2. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

    Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

    Official government source

    Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

Terminus

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

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides