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Tattooing Regulations in the UK
- Tattooing without a license is illegal in the UK. Licensing requirements differ between councils.
- UK law requires tattoo businesses to have a valid license.
- Premises and procedures in UK tattoo studios are heavily regulated for health and safety.
Legal Requirements for Tattooing in the UK
- Tattooing yourself is legal but tattooing others requires supervision on licensed premises.
- Both tattooist and client must be over 18.
- Fake IDs cannot be used for age verification for tattoos.
Becoming a Tattoo Artist in the UK
- No degree is needed to start tattooing in the UK.
- Completing an apprenticeship or tattoo course and obtaining a tattoo license is typical for working in the industry full-time.
- It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 in the UK, even with parental consent.
Running a Tattoo Business in the UK
- Tattoo studios must be registered with the local authority to ensure health and safety standards are met.
- Applying for a Tattoo, Piercing, and Electrolysis License is necessary.
- You will need to apply for a tattoo license with your local authority to carry out tattooing in the UK.