If you want to run a tattooing, piercing, electrolysis, skin colouring or acupuncture business in North Devon, you must be personally registered with us. The premises where you carry out your practice must also be registered.

Please note the council does not currently register or licence any other skin treatments. We frequently get enquiries in respect of the licensing of massage and nail treatments, which we do not undertake. The Government has proposed a crackdown on unsafe cosmetic procedures to protect the public. We suggest that you examine the Government website for the latest updates regarding the proposed changes in respect of the licensing of non-surgical procedures, which have yet to become effective.

Apply for a personal registration (PDF, 465KB)

Apply for a premises registration (PDF, 447KB)

If you prefer, you can apply online to register your skin piercing business.

You will also need to:

• pay the appropriate application fee
• read our guidelines for skin piercing activities (PDF, 191KB)

 Further information

• Notify us online of a change of circumstances (GOV.UK)
• North Devon Council's adopted byelaws (PDF, 168KB)
• Tattooing and body piercing guidance toolkit (PDF, 2.8MB)

Contacting us

Should you have any queries regarding your application or your licence, permit or registration, please complete an online request.