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.

For the registration of persons

For the registration of 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