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

Chapter 69 governs every business that offers tattooing, permanent cosmetics, and ear and body piercing to the public, except a physician authorized by the State Board of Medical Examiners. Under § 69-1, the chapter is enforceable by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services and the Wayne Township Health Department. Under § 69-2, anyone who wants to construct, expand, alter or operate such an establishment applies in writing to the Health Department first. The application must carry the owner and business details, a non-refundable license fee and a further non-refundable fee for each artist, a statement of approval from the municipal agency that administers planning and zoning, a description of services, hours of operation and practitioners, a copy of the informed consent for each procedure, the makers of the equipment, jewelry and inks, the make, model and serial number of the steam autoclave on the back of a photograph of it, and a certificate of current professional malpractice liability insurance. Plans and a floor plan must follow N.J.A.C. 8:27-1.1 et seq., and building work must meet the Barrier Free Subcode and the Uniform Construction Code.

Section 69-3 bars opening until the Health Department issues a license. The license must hang in a conspicuous place, no one can operate on a suspended license, and the operator must supply a current negative biological indicator test result with the initial application. Renewal late fees are $50 after January 15, $100 after February 1 and $500 after March 1, and a license not renewed by March 1 also exposes the premises to immediate closure by the Health Officer. Section 69-4 allows inspections as often as the Health Department deems necessary, with results available to the public on request and a $250 re-inspection fee payable within 10 days of notice. Section 69-5 adopts N.J.A.C. 8:27-1.1 et seq. by reference.