Is your tattooist registered?

It is illegal to give someone a tattoo unless the premises and tattooist are both registered with us. Unregistered tattooists, or 'scratchers', do neither, often operating from kitchens or bedrooms in their homes.

If you're looking to get a tattoo, do not be tempted into a cheaper rate offered by an unregistered tattooist as it's simply not worth the risk.

Body Art Premises Register

All active businesses are listed in the Body Art Premises Register.

Choose a tattooist registered with us from the Body Art Premises Register (PDF, 640 KB), which is updated online when needed. If you run a business that is not listed, you must let us know.

Health risks

Unregistered tattooists may operate in unhygienic conditions with poor quality equipment bought online. If equipment isn't sterilised properly or strict hygiene requirements haven't been followed, there could be an increased risk to your health. Your tattoo could result in scarring, an infection or transmission of a blood borne disease such as Hepatitis B and HIV.

Underage tattooing

It is against the law to tattoo a person under 18. Unregistered tattooists operate illegally and may be negligent when it comes to checking the age of their customers. Report underage tattooing to the police by calling 101 or Contact Safety and Occupational Health.

Report any concerns

If you're concerned about a tattooist working in your area or think someone is operating illegally, Contact Safety and Occupational Health.

Keeping safe

If you're getting a tattoo, there are a number of things you can check to keep you safe:

If, after checking the Body Art Premises Register, you're still unsure whether the premises you've selected is licensed, please Contact Safety and Occupational Health.
Make sure that the premises are spotlessly clean and that equipment is sterilised. Do not be afraid to ask how they sterilise if you would like peace of mind. Equipment should be sterilised in a special machine called an autoclave. Alternatively, a tattooist may use sealed, sterile equipment that is disposed of after one use.
Make sure tattoos are done with new needles - walk away if you do not see the needle being removed from a sealed package.
The tattooist should always wash their hands and put on a fresh pair of medical-type gloves before they begin.
If you find discarded used needles please do not pick them up yourself. Report them to us. Report needles or drugs paraphernalia

Contact Safety and Occupational Health