Raleigh, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Part 11. Tattooing.

§ 130A-283. Tattooing regulated.

(a) Definition. - As used in this Part, the term "tattooing" means the inserting of permanent markings or coloration, or the producing of scars, upon or under human skin through puncturing by use of a needle or any other method.

(b) Prohibited Practice. - No person shall engage in tattooing without first obtaining a tattooing permit from the Department. Licensed physicians, as well as physician assistants and nurse practitioners working under the supervision of a licensed physician, who perform tattooing within the normal course of their professional practice are exempt from the requirements of this Part.

(c) Application. - To obtain a tattooing permit, a person must apply to the Department. Upon receipt of the application, the Department, acting through the local health department, shall inspect the premises, instruments, utensils, equipment, and procedures of the applicant to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for a tattooing permit set by the Commission. If the applicant meets these requirements, the Department shall issue a permit to the applicant. A permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually by applying to the Department for a permit renewal.

(d) Violations. - The Department may deny an application for a tattooing permit if an applicant does not meet the requirements set by the Commission for the permit. The Department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a permit if it finds that tattooing is being performed in violation of this Part. [...]

(e) Limitation. - A permit issued pursuant to this Part does not authorize a person to remove a tattoo from the body of a human being. Compliance with this Part is not a bar to prosecution for a violation of G.S. 14-400.