Paterson, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Initial license fee
- $500
- Annual renewal fee
- $700
- Operator's certificate fee
- $350 per year
- Licensing agency
- City of Paterson Health Division
- Max fine
- $1,000 plus 90 days jail
Summary
Paterson requires a Health Division license to operate any tattoo or body piercing establishment, with a $500 initial fee and a $700 annual renewal.
It shall be unlawful for any operator to engage in the business of operating an establishment where tattooing or body piercing is performed without first obtaining a license from the City of Paterson Health Division to engage in such business in accordance with the provisions hereof.
B. A Division application for an initial license shall be made to the Health Division of the City of Paterson accompanied by a fee in the amount of $500.
(1) Application for licenses under this chapter shall be made to the City of Paterson Division of Health, in writing, upon such printed forms as the City of Paterson Division of Health shall prescribe and prepare which may be obtained from the City of Paterson Health Division and shall be signed by the applicant under oath and shall contain the following information:
(a) If an individual, the full name, age, sex, residence address at the time of application.
(b) If a corporation, the full corporate name, the date and the state of incorporation, address of the place or places of business, the name and address of the registered agent, and the name, address and age of any principal owning more than 10% of the stock.
(c) If a partnership, the information required by Subsection B(1)(a) above for each partner and the name under which the business is being conducted.
(d) The apprenticeship, training and/or business experience of the applicant in the business or occupation for which the license is sought.
(e)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
It's unlawful to operate a tattoo or body piercing establishment in Paterson without a license from the City's Health Division. The initial application costs $500 and must disclose the owner's background, business experience, liability insurance, and every tattoo artist or piercer employed. Licenses expire every December 31, and renewal costs $700 per year, filed at least 60 days before year-end. Individual artists and piercers also need a separate operator's certificate, with proof of bloodborne pathogen training and a $350 annual fee.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license is unlawful under § 441-2(A); violations of the chapter carry a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days in county jail, and/or up to 90 days of community service, and the Health Division may suspend or revoke a license after notice and hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Paterson tattoo shop license cost?
Do individual tattoo artists need their own license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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