You need a skin piercing and tattooing licence when the business covers activities:
- acupuncture
- cosmetic body piercing
- electrolysis
- tattooing
Regulated healthcare professionals are exempt from applying for this type of licence.
If an individual works for an employer who has a licence for the business activity, the individual can work under the employer’s licence.
If the individual carrying out the act of skin piercing or tattooing is self-employed, they should have their own licence.
You can undertake Skin Piercing and Tattooing from the premises:
- where the customers visit the business
- on a mobile basis - where the business travels to the customer (acupuncture only)
There is also the option to:
- operate using a combination of premises
- operate mobile trading (acupuncture only)
You must provide full details on the application form.
If more than one premises are in use, you must:
- complete a Certificate of Compliance (SPT3)
- display a Notice (SPT2) at each premises
For further details on the legislation governing this type of licence, see useful links below.
How to apply
You can apply for a skin piercing and tattooing licence online. It tells you:
- how to submit an application
- the documentation and fee required
- the application process
- the time it takes to process your application
- the standard conditions attached to a Skin Piercing and Tattooing licence
