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How to become a licensed tattoo artist in New York. No formal apprenticeship required. BBP training required. Shop license required. Total fees: $100. Verified 2026-03-24. Data verified 2026-03-24. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Tattoo Artist
Governing Authority
New York State Department of Health (Center for Environmental Health, Bureau of Community Environmental Health & Food Protection)
Official website →(518) 402-7600
Permit (NYC) / In Development (statewide)
Regulation Type
Not Required
Apprenticeship
4 hrs
BBP Training
Required
Shop License
0 hrs
CE Hours
$100
Total Initial Fees
Regulation Details
VerifiedRegulation Type
Permit (NYC) / In Development (statewide)
Regulation Level
State
Credential Title
NYC Body Art Practitioner License (DCWP) — statewide program in development
Title Protection
No
Training & Certification
VerifiedApprenticeship
Not Required
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
4 hours
CPR / First Aid
Not Required
Infection Control Training
Included in BBP
Apprenticeship Details
Apprenticeship not required at state level
Additional Training Requirements
Most states require tattoo artists to complete bloodborne pathogen (BBP) training and may require an apprenticeship under a licensed artist before obtaining their own license. Training requirements vary significantly by state.
Browse Tattoo Artist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Sterilization, Safety & Client Protections
VerifiedRequired
Autoclave
Required
Single-Use Needles
Monthly
Spore Testing
Health Department Inspections
Annual
Client Consent Forms
Required
Minimum Age to Tattoo Others
18 years old
Minor Tattoo Rules
Tattooing minors under 18 is prohibited regardless of parental consent (NY Penal Law §260.21)
Health and safety requirements protect both the artist and the client. Most states mandate single-use needles, proper sterilization via autoclave, and regular spore testing. Client consent forms are typically required and must include health disclosures and aftercare instructions.
Tattoo Establishment Licensing
VerifiedRequired
Shop License
Separate
License Type
Required
Shop Inspection
Minimum Space Requirements
Separate workstation areas, handwashing station, sterilization area, and client waiting area required
Equipment Requirements
Record Keeping
Client consent forms, procedure records, sterilization logs, and spore test results must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years
Many states require a separate shop or establishment license in addition to the individual artist license. Shop inspections ensure compliance with health codes, sanitation standards, and safety protocols.
Not sure if you need a tattoo artist license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Artist License Fee NYC license fee through Dept. of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Statewide program still being developed. | $100 |
Shop License Fee | $200 |
Application Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Inspection Fee | $75 |
Total Initial Fees $100 NYC license fee. The $350 previously shown was incorrect. NYC has individual licensing; statewide system is still being developed. Outside NYC, regulation varies by county. | $100 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$50
Study guides & supplies
Tattoo Artist Certification Prep
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$50
Average Tattoo Artist salary in New York: $78,690/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 1 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Annual
BBP Refresher
Renewal Fee
$100
Regulatory Board
Tattoo artist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Many states require bloodborne pathogen (BBP) refresher training as part of the renewal process. Some states also require continuing education in infection control and safety practices.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
No
Reciprocity Requirements
Must meet New York requirements independently; no formal reciprocity agreements
Portability Details
Out-of-state tattoo artists must apply for a new permit and meet all New York requirements
Tattoo artist license reciprocity varies between states. Some states accept out-of-state credentials with proof of training, while others require a full new application. Bloodborne pathogen training is typically required regardless of prior licensure.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
New York lifted its ban on tattooing in 1997 (previously banned since 1961). The state now requires permits through the Department of Health, with additional local regulations in NYC through the NYC Department of Health.
New York requires a permit for tattoo artists regulated at the state level.
Bloodborne pathogen training (6 hours) is required for all tattoo practitioners.
No formal apprenticeship is required at the state level.
Tattoo establishments must obtain a separate shop license/permit.
Minor tattoo rules: 18+ only; no minors.
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
NYC has well-established individual artist licensing ($100 through DCWP). Statewide, New York is still developing a comprehensive licensing program. Outside NYC, regulation varies by county. The $350 fee previously shown was fabricated.
Tattoo Artist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (you) | $350 | 4–14 wks | |
| Connecticut | $400 | 56–68 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $350 | 4–14 wks | → |
| New Jersey | $450 | 4–14 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | $350 | 4–14 wks | → |
New York ranks #6 out of 43 for lowest tattoo artist licensing fees ($100). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#4 of 51
Cost
#24 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (SOC 27-1013)
Entry Level
$55,810
25th percentile
Median
$78,690
+30% vs. national avg ($60,560)Experienced
$102,960
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
960 employed in this state
Note: BLS does not have a specific SOC code for tattoo artists. This data uses "Fine Artists" as the closest available category. Actual tattoo artist income varies significantly and often includes cash tips not captured in BLS data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.5%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+1,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
4,100
per year (avg.)
49,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–14 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: New York State Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
1–4 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New York State Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
Bloodborne pathogen training and tattoo licensing study materials.
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Moving to New York? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Tattoo Artist license to New York →
Transfer your Tattoo Artist license from New York to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts → | New Jersey → | Pennsylvania → | Vermont →
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New York requires permit (nyc) / in development (statewide) for tattoo artists. BBP training is mandatory. All licensing is managed through the New York State Department of Health (Center for Environmental Health, Bureau of Community Environmental Health & Food Protection).
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.