Piercing, tattooing, acupuncture and electrolysis

You need to register for a licence with us to provide any of the following treatments:

• tattooing
• semi-permanent skin colouring (includes micro blading)
• acupuncture
• cosmetic piercing (body and ear piercing)
• electrolysis

Registration ensures that businesses carrying out these practices meet with the essential hygiene and health and safety standards.

Make an application

Before you start

You will need:

• the name and contact details of the applicant(s)
• the name of the business
• the address of the premises where treatments will take place
• to have read the byelaws for special treatments document
• a credit or debit card to make the fee payment

Apply now

Fees and registration

There is a fee of £354 per application which includes one treatment type. For each extra treatment type there is a fee of £64.

If you choose to register for an extra treatment at a later date you will need to pay the full £354 again.

Registration applies in the same way to guest artists where cosmetic piercing, tattooing, semi-permanent skin-colouring, electrolysis or acupuncture occurs. Those attending trade fairs or similar events will be determined on a case-by-case basis.