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Tattoo and piercing admin: age checks, designs, deposits and aftercare

In tattooing and piercing the rules are tighter than in most crafts, and the paperwork is part of the job.

3 min read · Last checked 22 October 2026 · Sources at the end

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules differ by area, so check each point with your local authority and your insurer.

The law in general terms

Under the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969, it is an offence to tattoo anyone under 18, except for medical reasons by a qualified medical practitioner or a person working under their direction. There is a defence if you reasonably believed the person was 18 or over. The Act applies to England, Wales and Scotland and does not extend to Northern Ireland.

Gov.uk says that to offer skin piercing and tattooing you must register yourself and your premises with the local council, and can only work at the premises you are registered for. In Greater London the licence is different (a Special Treatments Licence). The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 provides for registration and for byelaws on cleanliness, hygiene and sterilisation of instruments. In England councils adopt these provisions and set byelaws, so the detail is local. Wales has some arrangements of its own, and the Gov.uk page covers England and Wales, so check yours. If you work in Scotland or Northern Ireland, ask your local council what applies.

Piercing and age

Councils set their own guidance. Coventry City Council, for example, says under-18s may receive body piercing if you have written permission from a parent or guardian, or the treatment is done in their presence. It also says nipple and genital piercing are prohibited on minors, regardless of parental consent. Your own council's byelaws or conditions may say something different or more, and your insurer may set a minimum age. Check both.

ID checks

A practical approach for tattoos is to ask for photo ID every time, including regulars. Many studios record what they saw (type of ID and date) rather than keeping a copy, unless the council says to keep copies. If in doubt, say no.

Design approval and deposits

Agree the design, size and placement in writing before you start, and have the client approve it. A deposit is sensible. Government guidance on fair terms says you may keep a deposit if it is no more than a small percentage of the price. Say clearly at booking what happens to it.

Coventry's guidance says the health of the client and the suitability of the treatment should be discussed before treatment. A practical approach is to keep a signed consent form with health questions, the design agreed, ID seen and recorded, and the aftercare you gave, so there is a record of that discussion. Give aftercare in writing and note that you did.

Health and safety records, at a high level

Your registration depends on following your council's byelaws. Ask them what records they expect on equipment cleaning, sterilisation, waste and premises.

Do this next

  1. Confirm your registration, byelaws and any age rules with your council.
  2. Check your insurer's minimum age and records conditions.
  3. Add an ID check line to your booking and consent flow.
  4. Set a deposit and explain refundability in plain words.
  5. Write aftercare as a one-page handout and log when you give it.

The Finisher brings booking, deposits, forms and records into one back office you own. See our page for your craft.

Sources

Last checked 22 October 2026. General guidance, not legal or tax advice.

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