The invention relates to an apparatus for applying a tattoo or permanent make-up, comprising a disposable module removably arranged at a handpiece, a needle retained at one end in a needle shaft and supported for movement in a needle guide formed in the disposable module and at another end extending through a needle nozzle opening for discharge of color, and a drive mechanism composed of several structural members and coupled to the needle shaft to effect reciprocating movements of the needle, said plurality of structural members of the drive mechanism comprising drive and coupling means to couple the drive means to the needle shaft. At least part of the coupling means are arranged in the disposable module and removable from the handpiece together with the disposable module.
