Do I need a license to be a tattoo artist in New Jersey?
New Jersey's health department does not issue a tattoo license to individuals; approval comes through the local health department where the establishment is. The page lists 2,000 hours of tattooing experience.
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- License required
- No state license for individuals. The page says the state health department issues an approval through the local health department, not a tattoo license.
- Issued by
- The local health department where the body art establishment is located (rules set by the New Jersey Department of Health)
- Training or apprenticeship
- 2,000 hours of documented tattooing experience; under 2,000 hours, work as an apprentice under a licensed practitioner until reaching it
- Bloodborne pathogen training
- Bloodborne pathogen training compliant with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030, for apprentices and practitioners
- Application
- Official application or application information
- Source
- New Jersey Department of Health, Body Art, read November 5, 2026.
What this page does not cover
It states what the cited text says on the date it was read. It does not cover other rules that may apply, such as local ordinances, a county or city permit, a studio's own policy or a change in the rule since that date. The official text prevails over this summary.
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