Register to carry out tattooing, piercing, acupuncture and electrolysis

If you practice acupuncture or operate a business carrying out tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, electrolysis, or cosmetic piercing including ear piercing, you must register with us.

Apply for a licence to carry out acupuncture, tattooing, piercing and / or electrolysis - a photo and payment is required when you apply.

Both the person carrying out the process, and the premises where the treatment is carried out must be registered under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 Part VIII. This requires that the following types of skin piercing are registered:

acupuncture
body piercing
ear piercing
electrolysis
semi-permanent skin colouring
tattooing

You must ensure that your procedures, equipment and facilities comply with local bylaws - are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease, and comply with the duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

It is illegal to conduct any of these skin piercing activities unless the premises and the person carrying out the activity are both registered with us.

Fees

Registration type	Fees 2023/24
Operator registration	£63
Premises registration	£190
Additional treatment (s) requests requiring compliance visit.	£100
Duplicate certificates	£27

Considering your application

We must process your application before registration can be granted therefore tacit consent will not apply.
We will visit your premises to ensure the business complies with local byelaws prior to issuing the registration certificate.
We hope to process your application within 28 days, however, if you have not heard from us after this time please contact us.

Duration of registration

Once issued, registrations remain valid while the premise is used for the practice of acupuncture, tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic or ear piercing or electrolysis. You must inform us of any changes to the details provided and premises are subject to periodic inspections.