Tattooing, cosmetic piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis registration

You require a licence if your business conducts acupuncture, tattooing, cosmetic body piercing (including ear piercing), semi-permanent skin colouring, electrolysis

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 2025:

  • £247 for initial registration and the addition of up to 2 persons to the registration certificate
  • £50 for an additional person or change of person
  • £199 for a change of premises
  • £19.50 administrative fee to change or replace certificate

Byelaws

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