Tattoo and piercing

To run any form of skin piercing or tattooing business including acupuncture, ear and body piercing and electrolysis, you will need to apply for a licence. If granted, the licence will last for 3 years. An application for a licence renewal must be made before the expiry of the current licence.

How do I apply and how we will deal with your application?

You must complete the application form and submit it with the fee to the licensing section. You must then display the site notice below for a period of 21 days at the premises where it will be easily seen by members of the public. After that period, please return the completed Certificate of Compliance (below) to the licensing office.

Self-employed operators working within licensed premises require their own licence however, they do not need to display a site notice as part of their licence application.

We will send a copy of your application to the Police and East Lothian Council officers for comments.

Tattoo and piercing licence application form

Application form (employee)

Application form (self-employed)

Tattoo and piercing site notice

Site notice to be displayed at the premises for 21 days starting the day you submit your application.

Certificate of compliance

Certificate of compliance to be completed once the notice has been displayed for 21 days and returned to the licensing office.

Application guidance

Sample advice notice - Tattooing

Sample advice notice - Piercing

Sample consent form - Tattooing and Piercing