Tattooist and piercing registration

Anyone who offers tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing, acupuncture or electrolysis must be registered with us.

For cosmetic piercing/tattooing establishments the costs are:

Premises registration which can include electrolysis, ear piercing and acupuncture - application fee £226
Personal registration for electrolysis, ear piercing and acupuncture - application fee £148
Premises registration for tattooing, skin piercing and semi-permanent make-up - application fee £245
Personal registration for tattooing, skin piercing and semi-permanent make-up - application fee £165
Premises registration for events to be paid by the organiser - application fee £317
Personal registration for events to be paid by the organiser - application fee £11
Guest practitioners attended premises that are already registered - application fee £31

You must provide specific information, including details of your premises and any previous convictions for practising without a licence in this field.

We suggest you read our registration guidance before submitting your application.

Premises and personal skin piercing application

If successful you should receive your licence within 60 days.

CIEH tattooing and body piercing guidance
Byelaws
BAcC code of safe practice 2016

Tacit consent

This means that you'll be able to act as though your application is granted if you haven't heard from us by the end of the 28-day target period. Tacit consent will only apply once a full application has been submitted and you've received an acknowledgement.

Complaints

If there are any licence complaints or appeals, please contact us for advice.

Enquiries form

Visits to the licensing service are by appointment only. Please call us on 01423 500600 or email us at licensing@harrogate.gov.uk