Body Art

The principal focus of regulating the practice of body art, tattooing, body piercing, branding, and permanent cosmetics is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of the State of New Hampshire.

Important Notice Regarding Essential Services:

The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification has been in contact with New Hampshire Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) to determine if services provided by Body Art Practitioners are considered essential services. Currently, services provided by Body Art Practitioners are not essential services. Please see Executive Order #17  for requirements and restrictions that may apply.

As noted in Exhibit A to Executive Order 17 , retailers who are not otherwise deemed essential on this list may transition to curbside pick-up or delivery only for orders taken online, by phone, or by other remote means. The following restrictions apply:

• On-site cash transactions are not permitted.
• Staff necessary to support taking of orders and curbside pick-up or delivery may be physically on site, provided that appropriate social distancing protocols are observed andfacilities are cleaned frequently.
• In all other instances the retailer’s facilities must remain closed to the public.

Governor's Emergency Order

• Emergency Order #29 Exhibit H 
  Modifications Applicable to all OPLC Licensed Professionals
  1. Certain Continuing Education Requirements for Licensed Professionals Waived
  2. Continuing Education of Licensed Professionals Through Remote Instruction
  3. Waiver of Notarization Requirements
  4. Electronic Signatures Accepted

Safer at Home Timeline

Safer at Home Business Guidance

The Executive Director of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification establishes standards of practice and promulgates rules to regulate Body Art Practitioners. Public hearings, disciplinary hearings, informal conferences and meetings are held as necessary. Licensees are disciplined and administrative fines are issued for licensure violations.

Attention Licensees

The Board office is no longer printing wall certificates or pocket card licenses. You will now receive an email with your license attached as a PDF, which you can save and print. If you have submitted an application to the Board and have not received anything in the regular mail, please check to see if you have received an email from NH.Licenses@doit.nh.gov. Please allow two weeks for processing.

Online Licensing and Renewal Available

You may now submit initial and renewal applications online.

Board News

FDA Advises Consumers, Tattoo Artists, and Retailers to Avoid Using or Selling Certain Tattoo Inks Contaminated with Microorganisms

Legislation Request

The Board of Body Art Practitioners has requested legislation for a microblading certificate. You can search for HB1416 on the General Court website. Please contact the office with any questions.

Board Staff

Elaine Bonner
elaine.bonner@oplc.nh.gov
(603) 271-1452
(603) 271-3950 (fax)
Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM EST Monday through Friday except State Holidays