Can You Get Tattoos With Parental Consent? Yes, in some states, minors can get tattoos with parental or guardian permission, a topic we will explore at tattooat.com. This raises questions about body art, consent, and legal regulations, which we aim to clarify. Discover the diverse age laws and studio policies, and find inspiration for your own ink journey by exploring a wide range of tattoo designs and connecting with talented artists.
Table of Contents:
- Can You Get Tattoos With Parental Consent?
- Minimum Legal Age to Get a Tattoo: State-by-State Laws
- 2.1 Alabama
- 2.2 Alaska
- 2.3 Arizona
- 2.4 Arkansas
- 2.5 California
- 2.6 Colorado
- 2.7 Connecticut
- 2.8 Delaware
- 2.9 District of Columbia
- 2.10 Florida
- 2.11 Georgia
- 2.12 Hawaii
- 2.13 Idaho
- 2.14 Illinois
- 2.15 Indiana
- 2.16 Iowa
- 2.17 Kansas
- 2.18 Kentucky
- 2.19 Louisiana
- 2.20 Maine
- 2.21 Maryland
- 2.22 Massachusetts
- 2.23 Michigan
- 2.24 Minnesota
- 2.25 Mississippi
- 2.26 Missouri
- 2.27 Montana
- 2.28 Nebraska
- 2.29 Nevada
- 2.30 New Hampshire
- 2.31 New Jersey
- 2.32 New Mexico
- 2.33 New York
- 2.34 North Carolina
- 2.35 North Dakota
- 2.36 Ohio
- 2.37 Oklahoma
- 2.38 Oregon
- 2.39 Pennsylvania
- 2.40 Rhode Island
- 2.41 South Carolina
- 2.42 South Dakota
- 2.43 Tennessee
- 2.44 Texas
- 2.45 Utah
- 2.46 Vermont
- 2.47 Virginia
- 2.48 Washington
- 2.49 West Virginia
- 2.50 Wisconsin
- 2.51 Wyoming
- Summary of Tattoo Regulations in the United States
- FAQ
1. Can You Get Tattoos With Parental Consent?
Yes, the possibility of getting inked with parental consent varies greatly depending on the state. In the United States, there isn’t a universal law governing tattooing; instead, each state sets its own age requirements and regulations regarding body modifications. For many states, the golden number is 18, meaning you need to be an adult to get a tattoo without needing mom or dad’s approval. However, some states do allow individuals younger than 18 to get a tattoo if they have permission from a parent or legal guardian. If you’re below 18 and dreaming of some fresh ink, always double-check your local laws and the policies of the tattoo studio you’re eyeing to make sure you’re ticking all the right boxes. It’s all about playing it safe and respecting the rules. To find an artist or tattoo design visit tattooat.com.
Diving Deeper:
-
State Laws: The legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is primarily determined by state laws, which differ significantly. These laws reflect varying perspectives on minors’ rights and the permanence of tattoos.
-
Parental Consent: In states where it’s permitted, parental consent usually requires a signed document, and sometimes even the parent’s presence during the tattoo session. This ensures the minor has support and guidance in making such a lasting decision.
-
Studio Policies: Even if a state allows tattooing minors with consent, individual tattoo studios may have stricter policies. This is because tattoo artists want to ensure the person getting the tattoo is truly ready and understands the commitment involved.
-
Ethical Considerations: Tattoo artists often consider the maturity and understanding of the minor, the location and design of the tattoo, and the reasons behind getting it. They want to avoid contributing to a decision that the individual might regret later.
-
Emancipated Minors: Some states have specific provisions for emancipated minors, who are legally considered adults and may be able to get a tattoo without parental consent, provided they can prove their emancipated status with legal documents.
-
Medical Procedures: There can be exceptions for tattoos done for medical reasons, such as covering scars after surgery, which may be allowed at a younger age with medical and parental consent.
2. Minimum Legal Age to Get a Tattoo: State-by-State Laws
The rules about how old you need to be to get a tattoo can change a lot from one state to another in the US. Most states say you have to be 18 to get a tattoo without your parents’ permission. For instance, places like California and Texas are pretty strict—you absolutely have to be 18. But then you’ve got states such as New Jersey and Colorado that are a bit more flexible, letting 16 and 17-year-olds get tattoos if they’ve got a signed note from their mom or dad. Some states don’t have a specific age rule but let each tattoo shop decide. Below is a list of laws and regulations.
2.1 Alabama
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: AL Code § 22-17A-2
- Parental Consent Required: Yes, the minor’s parent or legal guardian must provide written informed consent either in the presence of the person carrying out the tattooing or in the presence of an employee or representative of that person.
- Emancipated Minors: Yes, legally emancipated minors in Alabama are permitted to receive a tattoo if they present their original legal decree along with a government-issued photo ID.
2.2 Alaska
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors).
- State Law: AS 08.13.217
- Parental Consent: It is illegal to tattoo a minor, even with parental permission. However, exceptions may apply for medical procedures or if the minor is legally emancipated.
- Emancipated Minors: No specific laws regarding tattooing for emancipated minors in Alaska.
2.3 Arizona
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: A.R.S. 13-3721
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parent or guardian must consent and be physically present.
- Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors cannot get a tattoo without the physical presence of a legal guardian in Arizona.
2.4 Arkansas
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Arkansas Code § 20-27-1502
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for ages 16-17, though you are required to present a valid state-issued identification, your birth certificate that lists your mother or father, and have one of your parents present along with their state-issued ID.
2.5 California
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: HSC § 119302
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo in California because the law states you must be 18.
2.6 Colorado
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-4-2103
- Parental Consent Required: Parental consent allowed for ages 16-17.
2.7 Connecticut
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: C.G.S. § 20-266p
- Parental Consent Required: Written parental consent allowed for minors.
- Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID.
2.8 Delaware
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Delaware Code Ch. 243
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: If you are below the age of 18, you can get a tattoo provided your parent or legal guardian offers written consent prior to the procedure. Additionally, some tattoo studios may impose extra requirements, such as notarizing a Minor Release Form and presenting photo identification for both yourself and your parent.
2.9 District of Columbia
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- District Law: D.C. Code § 47–2853.76e
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.10 Florida
- Minimum Age: 16 years old
- State Law: Chapter 381, Section 00787 of the 2011 Florida Statutes
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: A minor that is 16 or 17 can receive a tattoo provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must present valid identification. Additionally, written notarized consent from the parent or legal guardian is required, and the tattooing must be completed by a licensed tattoo artist. Tattooing a minor child who is under 16 years old is prohibited, unless the tattooing is conducted for medical or dental reasons by an individual who is licensed to practice medicine or dentistry.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo until they turn 18 years old.
2.11 Georgia
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71
- Parental Consent: In Georgia, it is unlawful to tattoo individuals under the age of 18 unless the procedure is performed by a licensed osteopath or a technician working under the direct oversight of a licensed physician or osteopath. Parental consent is not permitted.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.12 Hawaii
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Haw. Code R. § 11-17-7
- Parental Consent Required: It is unlawful to tattoo anyone under 18 years old unless their parent or legal guardian has provided written permission. All written consents must be stored at the tattoo shop for reference.
2.13 Idaho
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on minors under 14).
- State Law: Idaho Code § 18-1523
- Parental Consent Required: For individuals aged 14 to 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and grant written consent for a tattoo. Nonetheless, certain tattoo studios may implement their own policies, which could include a requirement for clients to be at least 16 years old.
- Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID.
2.14 Illinois
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent, except when the tattooing is performed by a physician or licensed technician under a physician’s supervision.).
- State Law: 720 ILCS 5/12C-35
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.15 Indiana
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Indiana Code § 35-45-21-4
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: A tattoo can be given to an individual under the age of 18 if the parent or legal guardian is present and supplies written consent.
2.16 Iowa
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger, unmarried minors).
- State Law: DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS, APPEALS, AND LICENSING, §10A.531
- Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID.
2.17 Kansas
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Kansas Code – 65-1953
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Written permission notarized from a parent or legal guardian is required, and the person who gives this consent must be present during the procedure.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.18 Kentucky
- Minimum Age: 16 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors).
- State Law: Title 902 Chapter 45 Regulation 065 Section 7
- Parental Consent Required: Custodial parental or legal guardian written notarized consent allowed for minors.
2.19 Louisiana
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: RS 14:93.2
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: It is against the law for anyone to tattoo someone under eighteen unless they have permission from a parent or guardian who is present with them.
2.20 Maine
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: Maine Revised Statutes Title 32, § 4203
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.21 Maryland
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Code of Md. Regulations, 10.06.01.06
- Parental Consent Required: Written parental consent allowed for minors.
- Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID.
2.22 Massachusetts
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: Model Regulations for Body Art Establishments
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.23 Michigan
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: MCL – Section 333.13102
- Parental Consent Required: A tattoo artist may not perform procedures on a minor without obtaining prior written consent from the minor’s parent or legal guardian. This consent must be provided in person and the guardian must also present proof of the minor’s birth certificate or legal guardianship to confirm their authority to consent.
- Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID, as “an individual under 18 years of age who is not emancipated under section 4 of 1968 PA 293, MCL 722.4” is excluded under the definition of “minor”.
2.24 Minnesota
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: 2023 Minnesota Statutes 146B.07
- Parental Consent Required: Parental consent allowed for minors.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.25 Mississippi
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: Miss.Code Ann. § 73-61
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.26 Missouri
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: RSMo Section 324.520
- Parental Consent Required: Tattooing is prohibited for those under 18 without written consent from a parent or legal guardian in the presence of the tattoo artist.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.27 Montana
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Tattooing and Piercing Establishments Administrative Rules Section 37.112.144
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Minors under 18 can get a tattoo with a parent or guardian present to sign a consent form, provided they show a valid ID and birth certificate. Both must have matching last names, or documentation of a name change or legal guardianship is needed, and the parent must remain during the procedure.
2.28 Nebraska
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Nebraska Revised Statute 38-10,165
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent or court-appointed guardian must be present during the tattoo procedure.
2.29 Nevada
The laws regarding tattoos in Nevada were not available in the provided content. It is recommended to check the official Nevada state legislation or health department websites for accurate information.
2.30 New Hampshire
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 314-A:8
2.31 New Jersey
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: N.J. Rev. Stat. Section 2C:40-21
- Parental Consent Required: Tattooing a minor under age 18 requires written permission of the minor’s parent or legal guardian.
2.32 New Mexico
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: HB 790
- Parental Consent Required: A body art establishment must verify that all customers are at least 18 years old before providing services. For customers aged 17 or younger, they must show a notarized consent form from a parent or legal guardian. This consent must be delivered in person by the parent or guardian, as individuals under 18 cannot deliver it themselves. Additionally, the parent or guardian must provide a photo ID.
2.33 New York
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.34 North Carolina
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-400
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.35 North Dakota
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: N.D. Code § 12.1-31-13
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.
2.36 Ohio
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3730.06
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must: a) be present during the tattoo procedure, b) sign a document explaining the procedure, c) present a valid state ID for them and the minor, and d) provide a birth certificate connecting the parent and minor.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor can get a tattoo because they are considered independent and can consent to their own medical treatment.
2.37 Oklahoma
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Oklahoma State Department of Health Tattooing and Body Piercing Title 21 Section 842.1 et seq.
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.
2.38 Oregon
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: Oregon Health Authority, Health Licensing Office – Chapter 331-915-0065
- Parental Consent: Tattooing services may be provided to individuals under 18 years of age only if supported by a physician’s statement authorizing or recommending the procedure and they have parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.39 Pennsylvania
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 6311
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.
- Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors might be exempt from these regulations if they can present legal documentation verifying their status.
2.40 Rhode Island
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent). Tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible with a medical exemption.
- State Law: R.I. Gen. Laws Tit. 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-9-15
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.41 South Carolina
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: S.C. Code § 44-34-100
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
2.42 South Dakota
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 26-10-19
- Parental Consent Required: If you are under 18, you will need a signed consent from your parent or legal guardian, and some tattoo shops may request that this consent be notarized.
2.43 Tennessee
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on minors 16 and older, except when covering up an existing tattoo).
- State Law: Tenn. Code § 62-38-211
- Parental Consent: Parental consent allowed for minors aged 16 and above with parental supervision only for the purposes of covering up and existing tattoo.
2.44 Texas
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent, except for covering an existing tattoo).
- State Law: RULE § 229.406 – Texas Administrative Code; Laws in Texas for Tattoos: Minimum Age and Other Restrictions.
- Parental Consent Required: A minor’s parent or guardian can approve covering an existing tattoo for those under 18, especially if it features offensive content. Clients must present a valid government-issued photo ID with their date of birth. For those 17 or younger, a parent or guardian must be present during the procedure.
2.45 Utah
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent). Tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible if authorized or prescribed by a physician.
- State Law: Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-2201
- Parental Consent Required: No tattoo or permanent cosmetic procedure may be performed on anyone under the age of 18, even if parental consent is provided, unless it is recommended or approved by a physician.
2.46 Vermont
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 26 § 4101
- Parental Consent Required: Minors who are under 18 years of age may receive a tattoo if they obtain written permission from a parent or guardian.
2.47 Virginia
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Va. Code § 18.2-371.3
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: To get a tattoo without requiring
