You must have a Temporary Tattoo License to give tattoos at a convention or special event. 

Microblading also requires a Tattoo License and certification in infection control.

You cannot renew a Temporary Tattoo license.

Fee

The license fee is $50.

Expiration Date

The license expires after seven days and cannot be renewed or extended.

You must have a Full-Term Tattoo License to give tattoos and do microblading.

Microblading is a new but very popular tattooing technique in which a small handheld tool made up of several tiny needles is used to add permanent pigment to the skin. Microblading is typically used on eyebrows.

If you apply for this license, you must register for an Infection Control Course. You must complete and pass the course before you can get your license.

Fee

The license fee is $100 and the course is $26. Payment of both fees is due at the same time.

The license renewal fee is $100 per two-year period.

Expiration Date

The license expires after 2 years on staggered dates.

You can request a license application, which includes forms and information about requirements.

Online

Visit the Department of Health's permits and licenses page.

By Mail

Online

Visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's permit page.

In Person

If you’re applying in person, you will have to complete an application and bring it to the Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Center or the NYC Small Business Support Center. For health and safety reasons, the DCA Licensing Center and NYC Small Business Support Center cannot serve walk-ins, but you can schedule an appointment by phone by calling (212) 436-0441 Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM or by email at LicensingAppointments@dca.nyc.gov.

• DCA Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  Wed: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

• NYC Small Business Support Center
  90-27 Sutphin Boulevard, 4th Floor
  Jamaica, NY 11435
  Mon: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The centers are closed on major holidays. If you need to take an exam, you should arrive before 3 PM.

Several weeks before your permit expires, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will mail you a renewal package.

You can renew online or submit your application in person or by mail.

Online

To renew online, you need to have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) issued by the NYC Health Department.

Renew online.

In Person

You can drop off your completed application and any required documents at the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Licensing Center or the NYC Small Business Support Center. General information and assistance are also available. For health and safety reasons, the DCA Licensing Center and NYC Small Business Support Center cannot serve walk-ins, but you can schedule an appointment by phone by calling (212) 436-0441 Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM or by email at LicensingAppointments@dca.nyc.gov.

• DCA Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  Wed: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
   
• NYC Small Business Support Center
  90-27 Sutphin Boulevard, 4th Floor
  Jamaica, NY 11435
  Mon: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

The centers are closed on major holidays. If you need to take an exam, you should arrive before 3 PM.

By Mail

To renew by mail, follow the instructions on your renewal notice.

Limited In-Person Assistance Available by Appointment Only

You can get the status of your application.

If you’re using the NYC Health Department online license and permit system, you can get help with:

• Renewing your permit
• Payment problems
• Obtaining a PIN
• Linking or relinking a PIN
• Resetting user names or passwords
• Problems uploading documents
• Error messages
• Web page not loading
• Button not responding

Online

Submit a help request online.

By Phone

You can get answers to license-specific questions and information about application requirements.