Do I need a license to be a tattoo artist in New Mexico?
New Mexico licenses tattoo artists through the Board of Body Art Practitioners. The initial licensure application fee is $100, with a 1,400-hour apprentice log.
Write to me if this rule changes
- Issued by
- New Mexico Board of Body Art Practitioners (Regulation and Licensing Department)
- Training or apprenticeship
- A 1,400-hour apprentice log (the rule lists a 1,400-hour tattoo apprenticeship curriculum)
- Bloodborne pathogen training
- Copy of CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens certificates
- Fee
- $100 initial licensure application fee; $100 renewal
- Application
- Official application or application information
- Note
- The source lists the tattoo artist as a license type; it does not use the words "license required" on the pages read.
- Source
- New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Board of Body Art Practitioners, 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.
Get an email if this rule changes
Leave your email and we will write to you if the rule for this state changes. Nothing else.