Skin piercing/tattooing licence - Licence and permit applications

Licence type

Skin piercing/tattooing licence

Who should apply?

Anyone who carries out skin piercing, tattooing etc

Definitions and more

Skin piercing (tattooing, ear piercing, acupuncture or any type of body piercing or electrolysis

Cost

fees vary depending on the activity and category of licence being applied for, download our fee list for details on the application fee payable

Additional costs

an additional 20% 'late fee' charge is payable for any temporary licence application received within 28 days of the date the licence is due to start. You can download our fee list for these additional fees

What you need to supply

Application form
Application fee
A digital photograph*

*Please note applicants must upload a digital photograph with a completed licence application.

Your photo must:

Be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
Contain no other objects or people
Be in clear contrast to the background
Have you facing forward and looking straight at the camera
Have you with a neutral expression (ie, no smiling) and your mouth closed
Have your eyes open, visible and free from reflection or glare from glasses
Have no hair in front of your eyes
Not have your head covered (unless it's for religious or medical reasons)
Not have anything cover your face

The photograph will be added to any licence documents for identification purposes.

Additional information

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

You cannot apply to renew a licence after it has expired. An application for licence renewal must be made before the expiry of the current licence. Any application made up to 28 days later will be a ‘late application.’

if a late application is received, the original licence will expire on the date marked on the licence. However, if the Council decides that ‘Good Cause’ has been shown for the late submission of the application, the previous licence will remain in effect while the renewal is being processed. You can download our Policy on late applications for further information

Please ensure you read the guidance notes in the application pack before submitting your application. Please note that all licence application fees are non refundable, you can download our refunds policy for more information. Any requests for a refund due to exceptional circumstances should be made in writing to the Licensing Manager, 249 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ or by email to: licensing@edinburgh.gov.uk