Skin piercing and tattooing licence

If you want to offer tattooing, skin piercing, acupuncture or electrolysis in South Lanarkshire, you need a skin piercing and tattooing licence. This licence helps keep clients safe and makes sure your premises meet hygiene and safety standards. You must have a licence before you start trading.

We assess your premises, how you work and how you protect clients' health. Once licensed, you can legally provide these treatments from an approved location.

Who needs a licence

You need a licence if you carry out:

• tattooing
• skin piercing
• acupuncture
• electrolysis

This applies whether you work on your own or run a business.

What we check

Before we issue a licence, we look at: 

• the condition and layout of your premises
• waiting and treatment areas
• how you clean, disinfect and sterilise equipment
• how you dispose of waste and sharps
• equipment and working practices
• information you give to clients
• consent forms and records you keep

If you already hold a licence, you can also use this service to apply to change the terms of your existing licence.

How to apply

Once you submit your application, we will process it and keep you informed.

What happens after you apply

After we receive your application:

• there is a 28 day objection period
• we send a copy of your application to Police Scotland for comments or objections and member of the public

If you have not heard from us within 28 days, contact the Licensing and Registration office and we will update you on progress.

Collecting your licence

When your licence is ready, you must bring proof of identification to collect your documents.

If someone else is collecting them for you, they must bring:

• something in writing from you giving permission
• their own identification

The signature must match the signature on your application form. We do not accept permission by email.

Licence fee

£434.83 for a skin piercing and tattooing licence

Apply or get help

You can apply online for a new licence or request changes to an existing one.

If you need help with your application or want an update, contact the Licensing and Registration office.

See the legal guidance.