To perform tattoos in the state of New Mexico, you need to have a Body Artist License issued by the state of New Mexico. A Body Artist License costs $100.
Licenses expire one year from the date it was originally issued or last renewed. It is $100 to renew your license, with a $35 late fee if it’s not renewed by the expiration date. You must complete a bloodborne pathogens training every year and maintain current CPR and first aid certification in order to renew your license.You have to renew your license online
The Application
You must first complete an apprenticeship (training program) before applying for a body artist license in New Mexico.
Apprenticeship Program Steps: |
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Find a sponsor who has been licensed in NM for at least 5 years Sponsor must complete this verification form |
Complete this application and submit it along with: $50 fee (check or money order) Passport quality photo Photocopy of driver’s license Jurisprudence Examination (open book and multiple choice test - it starts on page 4 of your application |
Work under the direct supervision of your licensed sponsor for at least 1400 hours Log your supervised hours on this form which will be submitted with your license application once complete. It will cover how you ensure public health, take care of clients, and perform a tattoo procedure. Each subject will require a certain number of hours of training. |
Once you have completed the above, you may apply for your license. |
Apply for a New Mexico Tattoo License by Submitting the Following: |
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$100 fee |
Passport quality photo (you can get these at most CVS locations) |
Photocopy of driver’s license |
Proof of CPR, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogens training |
Notarized log and statement from apprenticeship sponsor |
Proof of passing tattooing theory exam through Professional Credential Services Register for exam here After registering, you will be shown available exam dates and test sites to choose from When you arrive for your exam you must bring two forms of signature-bearing identification: Primary ID (Choose One) State issued driver’s license State issued ID card US passport US military ID Secondary ID (Choose One) Credit Card (must be signed) Social Security card Birth certificate with raised seal Exam costs $130 per test which is paid online when you register You have three chances to take and pass the test More information to prepare for your exam may be found at the following links: |
At least 10 original photographs of healed tattoos that you have performed on skin |
Transferring a Tattoo Artist License from Another State: If you are licensed in another state, you may be eligible to skip the apprenticeship portion of the licensing process. To do so, with your application, you need to submit either: |
Proof of your license in another state or |
Proof of training hours and/or experience equivalent to those required for a New Mexico license (1400 supervised hours) |
Apprenticeship Program Steps:
- Completed Body Art License Application (available at the county and state office of health)
- Sponsor must complete this verification form
- Complete this application and submit it along with:
- $50 fee (check or money order)
- Passport quality photo
- Photocopy of driver’s license
- Jurisprudence Examination (open book and multiple choice test - it starts on page 4 of your application
- Work under the direct supervision of your licensed sponsor for at least 1400 hours
- Log your supervised hours on this form which will be submitted with your license application once complete. It will cover how you ensure public health, take care of clients, and perform a tattoo procedure. Each subject will require a certain number of hours of training.
Once you have completed the above, you may apply for your license.
Apply for a New Mexico Tattoo License by Submitting the Following:
- $100 fee
- Passport quality photo (you can get these at most CVS locations)
- Photocopy of driver’s license
- Proof of CPR, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogens training
- Notarized log and statement from apprenticeship sponsor
- Proof of passing tattooing theory exam through Professional Credential Services
- Register for exam here
- After registering, you will be shown available exam dates and test sites to choose from
- When you arrive for your exam you must bring two forms of signature-bearing identification:
- Primary ID (Choose One)
- State issued driver’s license
- State issued ID card
- US passport
- US military ID
- Secondary ID (Choose One)
- Credit Card (must be signed)
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate with raised seal
- Exam costs $130 per test which is paid online when you register
- You have three chances to take and pass the test
- More information to prepare for your exam may be found at the following links:
- At least 10 original photographs of healed tattoos that you have performed on skin
Transferring a Tattoo Artist License from Another State:
If you are licensed in another state, you may be eligible to skip the apprenticeship portion of the licensing process. To do so, with your application, you need to submit either:
- Proof of your license in another state or
- Proof of training hours and/or experience equivalent to those required for a New Mexico license (1400 supervised hours)
If your county has additional regulations, you can find them here.
You can find additional forms (special event and guest applications, body piercing apprentice log, etc.) and forms here.Turn in Your Application
Mail your application to:
New Mexico Board of Body Art Practitioners
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87504
Make sure to include the following required documents:
Tattoo Establishment License
Tattoo shops must also be licensed. The requirements for your location and the application for a tattoo establishment can be found here. Your shop will be subject to regular health inspections from a public health official to ensure artist and client safety.
All forms: https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/body-art-practitioners-overview/ba-applications-and-forms/
New mexico tattoo establishment form: https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BA-Establishment-Application.pdf
New mexico body art experience form: https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BA-Tattoo-Apprentice-Log.pdf
https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/body-art-practitioners-overview/
https://www.nmhealth.org/location/public/
https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Body_Art_Operator_Establishment_Application_6.pdf
https://www.pcshq.com/
https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Body_Art_Log_Tattoo_UPDATED_9.20.19.pdf
https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Body_Art_Sponsor_Verification.pdf
https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Tattoo_Artist___Body_Piercing_Application_Updated_08_27_20.pdf
https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Apprentice__Application_Updated_08_27_20.pdf
https://nictesting.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/3/NIC_CIB_Theory_Content-Outline_Tattoo_2.2016_v2_1.25.16-2.pdf
https://candidate.psiexams.com/bulletin/display_bulletin.jsp?ro=yes&actionname=83&bulletinid=337&bulletinurl=.pdf
https://www.pcshq.com/?page=cosmetologyandbarber,NMtt
https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Body_Art_Jurisprudence_Exam_1.pdf
Infection control course by state: https://courseforbbp.com/states
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