Acupuncture, tattooing, piercing and electrolysis licence
To offer skin-piercing treatments - including tattooing, acupuncture, ear and body piercing - both the person performing the treatment and the premises must be registered with the local authority. In some areas you may need a licence from the local authority.
Eligibility criteria
Applications must include any information required by the local authority.
Regulation summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Application evaluation process
No provision in legislation
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.
Apply online
- Apply for a licence to carry out acupuncture, tattooing, piercing and/or electrolysis
- Application to change a tattooists, piercing and electrolysis licence
Failed application redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
Licence holder redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
Consumer complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery).
Trade associations
- British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC)
- British Association of Skin Camouflage
- British Institute and Association of Electrolysis
- Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists
Last updated: 25 April 2019