Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in New York City, New York City (all boroughs) County, New York.

$256 -- $1500 6–16 weeks 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

New York City / New York City (all boroughs) County Requirements

3 requirements
1

NYC DOHMH Tattoo Studio Operating Permit

Tattoo studios operating in any of NYC's five boroughs must obtain an operating permit from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) under NYC Health Code Article 47. The studio must pass a DOHMH inspection before the permit is issued. New York law (Public Health Law Article 4-A) requires all tattoo and body piercing operators to hold a permit to operate a studio, and all individual artists to hold separate individual licenses.

Contact NYC DOHMH for current studio operating permit fee4–8 weeks (includes DOHMH inspection)
Official government source
2

NYC DOHMH Individual Tattoo Artist License (per artist)

Each tattoo artist working in New York City must hold an individual Tattoo License issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. To obtain the license, the applicant must complete a three-hour Infection Control Course offered by the DOHMH Health Academy. The license costs $100 and is valid for two years. The Infection Control Course has a separate fee of $26.

$100 (2-year license) + $26 (Infection Control Course) = $126 per artist2–4 weeks
Official government source
3

NYC Department of Buildings — Certificate of Occupancy or Alteration Permit (if renovating)

If you are converting or renovating a commercial space to operate as a tattoo studio in NYC, you may need an alteration permit from the NYC Department of Buildings and potentially a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy. The minimum permit fee as of 2026 is $130 (per Local Law 128 of 2024, effective December 21, 2025).

$130 minimum (varies based on scope of work and construction costs)4–12 weeks (depending on scope of work)
Official government source

New York State Requirements

1 requirement
1

NYS Public Health Law Article 4-A — Tattoo and Body Piercing Regulation

New York State regulates tattooing and body piercing under Public Health Law Article 4-A. In New York City, the DOHMH is the local enforcement authority and administers all permitting. There is no separate state-level permit for studios in NYC — the city DOHMH license fulfills both city and state requirements. Studios outside NYC must apply to their local county health department.

No separate state fee for NYC operations — regulated through DOHMHN/A
Official government source

Federal Requirements

2 requirements
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you operate as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, or if you have employees. Apply free online through the IRS.

FreeImmediate
Official government source
2

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard Compliance

Tattoo parlors with employees must comply with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), including written exposure control plans, hepatitis B vaccination availability, proper sharps disposal, and annual employee training.

Cost of training and supplies (~$200–$500/year)Ongoing
Official government source

Official Sources

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