Skin piercing and tattooing

You need an operator licence if you offer:

• acupuncture
• semi-permanent skin colouring
• tattooing
• cosmetic piercing, including ear piercing
• electrolysis

You also need a premises licence for where you are operating.

Apply

To apply for a licence, you will need to:

• be a registered practitioner

• download and complete your application form (you will need to download the PDF locally to your device and have the latest version of Adobe Reader to view the document)

• upload your completed application form

• pay the correct fee

If you are having trouble downloading the application form, you can read our guidance.

The fees are:

• £55.90 for operators

• £96.30 for premises

What happens next

Once we receive your application, we will:

• send you a certificate of registration within 14 days

• inspect your premises once you have received your certificate, to confirm you are complying with our bylaws and health and safety legislation

You do not need to renew your licence each year. It will be valid unless you surrender it or we revoke it.

You can also view a list of existing licensed premises on our piercing premises register.