New York
These statutes are subject to change and modification. The Society does not warrant the accuracy or status of either the statutes or regulations. Anyone examining this site should review their own state statutes or regulations for information. These statutes and regulations may not be reviewed for content or accuracy. Publication of this information is educational only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Licensing NY Department of Health Link:
https://www.health.ny.gov/community/body_art/
Statewide health regulations for tattooing and body piercing are currently being developed by the New York State Department of Health under the statutory authority of Public Health Law Article 4A. The law authorizes the Commissioner of Health to develop regulations establishing operating standards, fees, fines and penalties for failure to abide by the regulations. The law requires tattoo and body piercing operators to obtain a permit in order to operate a tattoo or body piercing studio and for all tattoo and piercing artists to obtain an individual permit.
Until the new regulations are in place, local regulations, if any, apply. For more information on regulations in your area, contact your county or city health department.
New York City requires licensing for tattoo artists: https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/tattoo-license
Submission of an application for the Tattoo Artist License and registration for the Infection Control Course must occur at the same time. The license will be mailed to the specific person named in the application after he or she has taken the course and passed the written examination. This license is non-transferable.
Oversight/Rules Links: No statewide oversight or rules were found at this time, but in some areas such as New York City, there are local regulations. Check with your local Health Department.
New York City Rules: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/about/healthcode/health-code-chapter22.pdf