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Skin piercing and tattooing licence

You need a skin piercing and tattooing licence when the business covers activities:

  • acupuncture,
  • cosmetic body piercing,
  • electrolysis and
  • 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 then:

  • 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): or
  • on a mobile basis (where the business travels to the customer).

There is also the option to:

  • operate using a combination of premises; and
  • mobile trading.

You must provide full details on the application form. If more than one premises are in use you must complete for each:

  • a Certificate of Compliance (SPT3); and
  • 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. For more information on

  • 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 & Tattooing licence

Useful Links

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