Tattoo regulations in England
In England, tattooists and their premises register with the local council under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, and the council's byelaws set hygiene rules. London boroughs license special treatments separately under their own act. Councils decide how long client records are kept, typically two to three years.
Last checked September 25, 2026
Minimum age
Who you can tattoo, and with whose permission.
Minimum age
18 and over
Younger clients
Parental consent is not an exception
The Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 applies. No one under 18 may be tattooed, even with a parent's consent.
Consent
What the customer signs before each tattoo.
Client records
What to record and how long to keep it.
Keep for 3 years
From official guidance
- Accounting records: 6 years
What to record
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Type of ID checked
- Date of the procedure
- Placement on the body
- Artist
- Health questionnaire answers
- Client signature
Ink
What can go into the skin and what you must record.
Sterilization and waste
Cleaning, sterilizing and getting rid of sharps.
Licensing
What you need to open a studio and work in it.
Guest artists
Hosting artists from somewhere else.
Guest artists usually need to register with the council where they will work before their first session, even for a few days. Some councils charge a fee per registration.