Tattooist, piercing and electrolysis licences

Tattooists and other skin-piercing practitioners must comply with strict rules to safeguard public safety.

If you operate any form of tattooing or other skin-piercing business you must register with us. 

Skin piercing includes:

  • acupuncture
  • cosmetic piercing
  • electrolysis
  • semi-permanent skin colouring
  • tattooing

Contact us if you'd like a list of registered premises.

You must also comply with our byelaws for tattooing and skin piercing. This sets out the hygienic standards expected at your premises. 

How to register

If you want to register your business for:

  • Tattooing.
  • Cosmetic piercing.
  • Semi-permanent skin colouring.
  • Acupuncture
  • Electrolysis.

Please complete our application form and pay the relevant fee. We'll then contact you and arrange a visit.

Our fees

  • A fee is payable when you apply, please contact us for more information.

How to pay

You can pay your fee by calling the commercial regulation team on (01226) 773743. Please have your card details ready. You can see which cards we accept and transaction charges on our ways to pay page.

Legislation and guidance

You can find out more about the legislation and guidance below: