{"id":1191,"date":"2025-09-17T09:40:30","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T08:40:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skinarttraining.com\/uk\/articles\/general\/do-you-need-a-piercing-license-in-united-kingdom\/"},"modified":"2026-09-22T11:25:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T10:25:22","slug":"do-you-need-a-piercing-license-in-united-kingdom","status":"publish","type":"pillar_article","link":"https:\/\/skinarttraining.com\/uk\/articles\/piercing\/do-you-need-a-piercing-license-in-united-kingdom\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need a Piercing Licence in the UK?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"min-height:0!important;height:auto!important\" id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-hero\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-center\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-hero\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Do You Need a Piercing Licence in the UK?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you plan to provide piercing services, check the practitioner and premises requirements before starting. There is no single permission that covers every UK location. The applicable registration or licensing process depends on where you work, and a training certificate does not replace it.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-guide-contents\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-guide-contents\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"guide-contents\">In This Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-neve-button-color-color has-css-opacity has-neve-button-color-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"#guide-section-1\">England: Start With the Council for the Premises<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#guide-section-2\">Wales: Practitioner Licensing and Premises Approval<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#guide-section-3\">Scotland and Northern Ireland<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#guide-section-4\">Does Working From Home or at an Event Change the Answer?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#guide-section-5\">Does a Course Certificate Count as a Licence?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#guide-section-6\">What Should You Do Next?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-guide-section-1\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-guide-section-1\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"guide-section-1\">England: Start With the Council for the Premises<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-neve-button-color-color has-css-opacity has-neve-button-color-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/find-licences\/skin-piercing-and-tattooing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GOV.UK licensing guide<\/a> describes registration of both the practitioner and premises with the local council. It states that work is restricted to the premises where you are licensed and that local hygiene and premises byelaws apply.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greater London, except the City of London, uses a Special Treatments Licence route. Contact the council responsible for the actual working address to establish its process and requirements.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not interpret the absence of a single UK-wide licence as permission to begin without local checks. Give the council the proposed procedures and location so its answer addresses your plan.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-guide-section-2\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-guide-section-2\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"guide-section-2\">Wales: Practitioner Licensing and Premises Approval<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-neve-button-color-color has-css-opacity has-neve-button-color-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.wales\/licensing-scheme-special-procedures\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Welsh special-procedures scheme<\/a> covers body piercing, including ear piercing. It requires a practitioner licence and approval for the premises or vehicle used for the procedures.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New starters must have their applications processed before beginning procedures. The Welsh Government also explains that people licensed or registered elsewhere must follow the Welsh rules before working in Wales.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the current scheme guidance rather than an older article about the previous registration arrangements. Ask the local authority which application and evidence requirements apply to you.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-guide-section-3\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-guide-section-3\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"guide-section-3\">Scotland and Northern Ireland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-neve-button-color-color has-css-opacity has-neve-button-color-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Scotland, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/find-licences\/tattooists-piercing-and-electrolysis-licence-scotland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official licensing guide<\/a> directs you to the council where the premises are based and describes practitioner and premises registration.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Northern Ireland, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/find-licences\/tattooists-piercing-and-electrolysis-licence-northern-ireland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official guide<\/a> directs applicants to their local council and says to check whether both the person and premises need registration.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In either case, confirm the current application requirements with the council. A process followed by a studio in another nation is not a substitute for the rules at your proposed location.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-guide-section-4\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-guide-section-4\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"guide-section-4\">Does Working From Home or at an Event Change the Answer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-neve-button-color-color has-css-opacity has-neve-button-color-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It changes the details you need to disclose, not the need to check. Describe a home premises, temporary venue, guest arrangement or vehicle explicitly. Do not assume a host\u2019s invitation or your existing permission covers a different place.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask the authority whether the proposed arrangement is permitted and what approvals would be required before accepting bookings. Keep insurance checks separate and describe the same working arrangement to the insurer.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our <a href=\"\/uk\/articles\/piercing\/how-to-start-a-mobile-piercing-business\/\">mobile piercing guide<\/a> covers the questions to resolve before planning off-site work.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-guide-section-5\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-guide-section-5\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"guide-section-5\">Does a Course Certificate Count as a Licence?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-neve-button-color-color has-css-opacity has-neve-button-color-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. A course certificate records a training outcome; it is not the local authority\u2019s permission for the practitioner or premises. Ask the authority what training evidence it requires and compare that with the actual course scope and assessment.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same distinction applies to accreditation claims. Check exactly what an accrediting organisation recognises and do not assume automatic acceptance by a council, insurer or employer.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See the <a href=\"\/uk\/articles\/piercing\/body-piercing-certification-requirements-in-united-kingdom\/\">certification guide<\/a> for help organising those separate documents and checks.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-guide-section-6\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-guide-section-6\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"guide-section-6\">What Should You Do Next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-neve-button-color-color has-css-opacity has-neve-button-color-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Identify the working address, list the proposed procedures and contact the relevant authority. Ask which practitioner and premises applications apply, what evidence is needed and what must happen before you can begin.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the <a href=\"\/uk\/articles\/piercing\/piercing-license-explained-what-you-need-to-know\/\">application preparation guide<\/a> to organise the response. If training is part of your plan, review the <a href=\"\/uk\/course\/online-piercing-course\/\">current UK piercing course<\/a> and clarify practical requirements before enrolling.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-guide-next\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns alignfull has-1-columns has-desktop-equal-layout has-tablet-equal-layout has-mobile-equal-layout has-vertical-unset\"><div class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-columns-overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"innerblocks-wrap\">\n<div id=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column-guide-next\" class=\"wp-block-themeisle-blocks-advanced-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"guide-next\">Course Details and Next Steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-neve-button-color-color has-css-opacity has-neve-button-color-background-color has-background\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Review the <a href=\"\/uk\/course\/online-piercing-course\/\">current course details for UK learners<\/a> and <a href=\"\/uk\/contact\/\">contact Skinart<\/a> with questions about your selected option. Existing students can return to their lessons in the <a href=\"https:\/\/skinarttraining.com\/academy\/\">academy<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-1191","pillar_article","type-pillar_article","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/skinarttraining.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pillar_article\/1191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/skinarttraining.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pillar_article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/skinarttraining.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/pillar_article"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/skinarttraining.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}