Howell, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Body art is regulated in Chapter 201, Article IV, Licensing and Regulation of Body Art Facilities, adopted 6-30-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-32. Section 201-12A bars displaying a sign, advertising, or purporting to be a body art practitioner or engaged in body art without first applying for and obtaining a body art establishment license from the Monmouth County Department of Health. Under 201-12B no license issues without a satisfactory certificate of inspection, and the most recent certificate has to be posted in a conspicuous place near the public entrance. The fee is set in Chapter 139, Fees, for a licensing period of January 1 to December 31. Every license expires December 31, renewal applications are due at least 30 days before expiration, and failure to renew in time closes the establishment until inspection. Licenses carry a registration number and are not transferable. A new or substantially altered establishment submits plans and specifications to the Department of Health before building permits issue, and a valid certificate of occupancy from the Construction Official is required. Approval expires unless construction or operation starts within 60 days of license issuance.

Section 201-13 adds application proof: general liability insurance of $500,000 and malpractice liability insurance of $500,000, naming the Township as an additional insured; American Red Cross first aid certification and blood-borne pathogens training; hepatitis B immunization proof; a written agreement with a New Jersey licensed physician; at least 12 months of operator experience; and 1,000 hours of apprentice experience for each practitioner. Section 201-14 requires an enclosed body art room of not less than 100 square feet with impervious, smooth, washable surfaces.

Minors have their own rules. Section 201-6 makes it unlawful to tattoo or pierce a person under 18 who is not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the entire procedure, and requires a posted sign not less than six inches by eight inches near each cash register. Section 201-7 requires identification from both the minor and the parent or guardian.