Tattoo, piercing, electrolysis and acupuncture registration

Any business offering tattooing, semi-permanent skin colouring, cosmetic piercing, electrolysis or acupuncture must be registered with the council. It is illegal to conduct any of these skin piercing activities unless the premises and the person carrying out the activity are both registered with us.

Each individual carrying out the process must be registered, as should the premises where the treatment is being carried out.

Applicants will need to ensure that their procedures, equipment and facilities are safe, hygienic, prevent the spread of disease. They must comply with the duty of care required by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 as well as local byelaws.

It is illegal to tattoo young people under the age of 18. You must be at least 18 years before you can have a tattoo. It is illegal for anyone to have a tattoo under 18 even with parental consent.

Body piercing on a young person under the age of 18 will require consent from their parent or legal guardian.

Once issued, registrations remain valid for as long as the premises is used for the practice of acupuncture, tattooing, ear piercing, cosmetic piercing or electrolysis. However once registered, you must inform us of any changes to the details provided.

Members of the public should only use registered premises and practitioners and should ask for proof of registration before beginning a procedure.

If you are unsure if a premises is registered and wish to check, or you suspect a premises is not registered, please contact Public.Health@sunderland.gov.uk.

Application fees

The fees for registration to carry out tattooing, piercing, acupuncture or electrolysis are as follows:

• Premises - £197.00
• Person - £66.00
• Replacement certificate - £32.00

Apply for registration of a premises licence

Apply for registration of a person

Request a replacement licence certificate

Will 'tacit consent' apply?

Tacit consent does apply, however if you do not hear from us within 28 days, please contact Public.Health@sunderland.gov.uk

If you would like any further information you might find the links below useful:

Tattooing and body piercing guidance - toolkit

Advice and safe practice for body piercing

If you have any specific queries or complaints regarding a tattoo, piercing, electrolysis and acupuncture, licenced person and or / premises, please contact Public.Health@sunderland.gov.uk.