TATTOO LICENSE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS, UPDATED 2026, A+ GRADED
SOLUTIONS, SUCCESS ASSURED
Q: How is a NYC Tattoo License obtained? ANSWER: By passing an oral and
written examination given by the New York City Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). ✔✔
Peer Note: Unlike some states that only require a fee and a BBP certificate, NYC
requires you to physically attend a course and pass their specific exam covering
infection control and city law.
Q: How long is the NYC Tattoo License valid? ANSWER: 2 years from the
date of issue. ✔✔
Renewal: You must renew every two years. If you allow your license to
expire, you may be required to retake the infection control course and exam
depending on how much time has passed.
Q: Is a person who passed the exam but is still waiting for their physical
license allowed to tattoo? ANSWER: No. They are not qualified for tattoo
practice. ✔✔
The Rule: You cannot legally perform tattooing until the physical license is
in your possession. "Pending" status or just having a passing grade on the
exam does not grant legal authority to work.
Q: What specific signage must a licensed artist display? ANSWER: A sign in a
place easily seen by the public stating the name and address of the NYCDOH
where complaints may be filed. ✔✔
Public Protection: The law requires transparency. The public must have
immediate access to the contact information for the Health Department to
report any unsanitary conditions or unlicensed activity.
, Tattooist is licensed by the NYCDOH along with the license number of the
tattooist -ANSWER✔✔All advertising by a tattoo licensee must include the
statement that:
Be kept in a clean and sanitary condition at all times -ANSWER✔✔Tattoo work
area in the business where tattoos are applied must:
A customer's name, address, age and the date the tattoo was performed -
ANSWER✔✔record must be kept by the licensee, containing the following
information:
Written instructions about how to take care of the skin area that was tattooed -
ANSWER✔✔After tattoo is completed, the tattooist must give the customer:
Only the person named on the license -ANSWER✔✔The license issued by NYC
allowing you to perform tattooing can be used by:
Can't receive a tattoo by any tattooists -ANSWER✔✔The person who is 14 years
old, with the written consent of both parents:
AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C -ANSWER✔✔Infectious disease which may be
transmitted by blood are:
Under the age of 18 -ANSWER✔✔It's illegal in New York state to tattoo anyone
who is:
1 part bleach and 9 parts water -ANSWER✔✔The recommended dilution of
household bleach for disinfecting surfaces is:
ANSWERS, UPDATED 2026, A+ GRADED
SOLUTIONS, SUCCESS ASSURED
Q: How is a NYC Tattoo License obtained? ANSWER: By passing an oral and
written examination given by the New York City Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). ✔✔
Peer Note: Unlike some states that only require a fee and a BBP certificate, NYC
requires you to physically attend a course and pass their specific exam covering
infection control and city law.
Q: How long is the NYC Tattoo License valid? ANSWER: 2 years from the
date of issue. ✔✔
Renewal: You must renew every two years. If you allow your license to
expire, you may be required to retake the infection control course and exam
depending on how much time has passed.
Q: Is a person who passed the exam but is still waiting for their physical
license allowed to tattoo? ANSWER: No. They are not qualified for tattoo
practice. ✔✔
The Rule: You cannot legally perform tattooing until the physical license is
in your possession. "Pending" status or just having a passing grade on the
exam does not grant legal authority to work.
Q: What specific signage must a licensed artist display? ANSWER: A sign in a
place easily seen by the public stating the name and address of the NYCDOH
where complaints may be filed. ✔✔
Public Protection: The law requires transparency. The public must have
immediate access to the contact information for the Health Department to
report any unsanitary conditions or unlicensed activity.
, Tattooist is licensed by the NYCDOH along with the license number of the
tattooist -ANSWER✔✔All advertising by a tattoo licensee must include the
statement that:
Be kept in a clean and sanitary condition at all times -ANSWER✔✔Tattoo work
area in the business where tattoos are applied must:
A customer's name, address, age and the date the tattoo was performed -
ANSWER✔✔record must be kept by the licensee, containing the following
information:
Written instructions about how to take care of the skin area that was tattooed -
ANSWER✔✔After tattoo is completed, the tattooist must give the customer:
Only the person named on the license -ANSWER✔✔The license issued by NYC
allowing you to perform tattooing can be used by:
Can't receive a tattoo by any tattooists -ANSWER✔✔The person who is 14 years
old, with the written consent of both parents:
AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C -ANSWER✔✔Infectious disease which may be
transmitted by blood are:
Under the age of 18 -ANSWER✔✔It's illegal in New York state to tattoo anyone
who is:
1 part bleach and 9 parts water -ANSWER✔✔The recommended dilution of
household bleach for disinfecting surfaces is:
