Suffolk County, NY Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Sanitary Code Art. 14 (Ch. 760)
- Establishment permit
- Required (§760-1404)
- Artist certificate
- Required (§760-1403)
- Certificate term
- Expires after 3 years
- Enforcer
- Dept. of Health Services
Summary
Operating a tattoo or body-art studio in Suffolk County without a valid Body Art Establishment Permit is unlawful, and every artist must hold a Suffolk-issued Body Artist Certificate before working on a client.
§760-1404 Body Art Establishment Permit. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a BODY ART ESTABLISHMENT, Temporary BODY ART EVENT or MOBILE BODY ART ESTABLISHMENT who does not have a valid permit issued under the provisions of this Article. Only a person who complies with the requirements of this Article shall be entitled to receive and retain such a permit. §760-1403 … No person except a duly licensed Health Professional (NYS Ed Law) shall perform BODY ART PROCEDURES or act as a BODY ARTIST unless such person has a BODY ARTIST CERTIFICATE issued by the COMMISSIONER.
Full Breakdown
Suffolk County Sanitary Code Article 14 (Chapter 760) governs. Under §760-1404, it is unlawful to operate a body art establishment, temporary body art event, or mobile body art establishment without a valid permit issued by the Commissioner of Health Services. §760-1403 bars anyone but a licensed health professional from performing body art procedures unless they hold a Body Artist Certificate, which expires three years after issuance. The Bureau of Public Health Protection reviews plans (§760-1405), inspects establishments (§760-1406), and can embargo equipment or suspend permits for violations. Temporary event permits run no more than fourteen days.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit or tattooing without a Body Artist Certificate violates Article 14; the Commissioner can suspend or revoke permits, seal or embargo equipment, and order the establishment closed after notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to tattoo in Suffolk County?
How long is a Body Artist Certificate valid?
Are pop-up or convention tattoo events allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk County
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