New York microblading and permanent makeup rules
Do you need a license to do microblading in New York?
Not stated at the state level. New York State's tattoo permit law does not name permanent makeup, and its appearance enhancement license excludes it. New York City requires a Tattoo Artist License for permanent makeup artists. Ask your county or city health department before you start. Below: the studio license, who licenses the work, local rules and what New York says about microblading itself, each answered from New York's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026.
- Artist license
- Not stated
- Studio license
- Not stated
- Artist fee
- Not stated
- Local rules
- County or city too
No state agency licenses the work; counties or cities do.The state's own words
The artist
Do you need a license to do permanent makeup in New York?
Not stated at the state level. New York State's tattoo permit law does not name permanent makeup, and its appearance enhancement license excludes it. New York City requires a Tattoo Artist License for permanent makeup artists. Ask your county or city health department before you start.
- License needed
- Not stated
The studio
Does a microblading studio need a license in New York?
Not stated. New York State's tattoo studio permit law does not name permanent makeup, and its appearance enhancement business license excludes it. Ask your county or city health department.
- License needed
- Not stated
Microblading by name
Is microblading considered tattooing in New York?
Yes, by name. New York City's health department names microblading among the work that needs its Tattoo Artist License; the state's pages do not.
Local rules
Do counties or cities license permanent makeup in New York?
Yes. The state health department says local rules apply until statewide body art rules are in place, and sends readers to their county or city health department.
Good to know
What else New York asks of permanent makeup artists
- New York City requires every tattoo and permanent makeup artist, including microblading artists, to complete the city health department's infection control course before receiving a Tattoo Artist License.
- The state Department of State's appearance enhancement (cosmetology/esthetics) license does not cover permanent makeup, which the rule lists as outside its scope.
- State Public Health Law Article 4-A requires a state Department of Health permit before anyone works as a tattooist or operates a tattoo studio; the statute's tattoo definition does not name permanent makeup, and the department says statewide regulations are still being developed.
Sources
What New York's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of New York's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026. Rules change, and counties can add their own: confirm with your county or city health department before you start.
- Local rules
“Until the new regulations are in place, local regulations, if any, apply.”
healthweb-back.health.ny.gov “For more information on regulations in your area, contact your county or city health department.”
healthweb-back.health.ny.gov - Microblading by name
“Before receiving a Tattoo Artist License, all tattoo and permanent makeup artists (including people who perform microblading, scalp pigmentation and micro needling)”
nyc.gov - Also good to know
“Permanent makeup (micropigmentation): The practice of micropigmentation or tattooing.”
dos.ny.gov - Also good to know
“No person shall be a body piercing specialist or tattooist and no person, firm, corporation, partnership, or other association shall operate a body piercing studio or tattoo studio without first obtaining a permit from the department.”
healthweb-back.health.ny.gov
Questions
New York microblading licenses, answered
Do you need a license to do microblading in New York?
Is microblading considered tattooing or permanent makeup in New York?
Does a permanent makeup studio need a license in New York?
Does a cosmetology or esthetician license cover microblading in New York?
Plan the rest
Licensed and ready to book clients
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- Renting a room or a chair? Start from a booth rental agreement
Microblading rules in other states
Ready when you are
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