Tattooing, cosmetic piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis registration

You require a licence if your business conducts the following:

• acupuncture
• tattooing
• cosmetic body piercing (including ear piercing, derma rolling and micro-needling)
• semi-permanent skin colouring (including micro-blading)
• electrolysis 

Apply

To apply please download the relevant application form:

Skin piercing registration form - person

Skin piercing registration form - premises

Once an application has been made and your fee has been paid an inspector will undertake an inspection of the premises.

Fees

From 1 April 2026:

• £259 for initial registration and the addition of up to 2 persons to the registration certificate
• £52.50 for an additional person or change of person
• £209 for a change of premises
• £20.50 administrative fee to change or replace certificate

Byelaws

When applying you will need to be aware of the following byelaws:

• acupuncture
• cosmetic piercing
• ear piercing & electrolysis
• semi-permanent skin colouring
• skin piercing registration
• tattooing