Safety & standards
Is your tattoo artist licensed? How to check
In the UK, tattooing is regulated for good reason. Before you book, it's worth a two-minute check to make sure your artist and studio are above board.
Council registration is the law
Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, anyone tattooing in England and Wales must be registered with their local council, and so must the premises. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own licensing schemes.
You can ask the studio for their registration, or contact the local council's environmental health team to confirm it.
What good studios do
A professional studio should:
- Use single-use, sterile needles opened in front of you
- Use barriers and fresh gloves, and clean surfaces between clients
- Have an autoclave or single-use tubes/grips
- Hold public liability insurance
- Give you a consent form and aftercare advice
Red flags to avoid
Walk away if you see any of these:
- No visible registration and an unwillingness to discuss it
- Re-used needles or equipment that isn't sterilised
- A dirty or cluttered workspace
- Pressure to skip the consent form or rush the booking
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a tattoo studio is registered?
Ask the studio directly, or contact your local council's environmental health department - registration is a public record.
Do tattoo artists need insurance?
It isn't legally required everywhere, but reputable artists carry public liability insurance. It's reasonable to ask.
Is home tattooing legal in the UK?
Premises must be registered too, so most home setups won't meet the requirements. Always choose a registered studio.