Body modification

Anyone carrying out body modifications in Oxford must register with us under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. Body modifications are defined as:

• acupuncture
• ear piercing
• electrolysis
• tattooing

Registration protects against the risk of diseases such as Hepatitis and AIDs. This registration only needs to be carried out once, provided the person and the place do not change. Fees for registration are reviewed annually. Our licensing fees and charges document can be found on our Fees and Charges page.

Although registration is not required for mobile practitioners (where the practitioner only sometimes visits people at their request) it is recommended so that practices and procedures can be assessed and guidance given.

Currently the law does not apply to piercing to other parts of the body (tongue, belly buttons or genitalia). However if this service is provided in addition to ear piercing normal registration will apply.

Anyone registered for skin piercing must also comply with the relevant byelaws explained in the documents below:

Acupuncture byelaws (11kB PDF)
Ear piercing and electrolysis byelaws (11kB PDF)
Tattooing byelaws (12kB PDF)

Application Forms

Body Modification Application Form (34kB DOC)
Ear Piercing and Electrolysis Questions (21kB PDF)
Acupuncture Questions (25kB PDF)
Tattooing Questions (181kB DOC)

Contact Us

Email: licensingmisc@oxford.gov.uk
Telephone: 01865 252561
Fax: 01865 252344
Address: Oxford City Council, St Aldate's Chambers, 109 St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1DS

Page last reviewed 25 October 2012