Tattoos have surged in popularity, becoming a significant form of self-expression and art. If you’re considering getting inked, one of the first questions you might have is about age restrictions. Unlike federal regulations, the minimum age to get a tattoo in the United States is determined at the state level, leading to a patchwork of laws across the country. Generally, most states require you to be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent. This is largely based on legal principles that minors are typically not considered capable of entering into binding agreements or giving informed consent for medical procedures. However, some states have provisions allowing younger individuals to get tattoos under certain conditions, such as with parental or guardian permission.
For minors eager to get a tattoo, it’s essential to understand the specific laws, regulations, and studio policies in your area. This ensures you meet all age requirements, have the necessary documentation, and obtain any required parental approvals before making an appointment. It’s also worth noting that even in states where minors can legally get tattoos with consent, many tattoo studios maintain their own age policies and might choose not to tattoo anyone under 18.
Minimum Legal Age for Tattoos: Navigating State Laws
The legal landscape surrounding the minimum age for tattoos varies considerably across the United States. While some states like California and Texas strictly prohibit tattooing anyone under 18, regardless of parental consent, others like New Jersey and Colorado permit 16 and 17-year-olds to get tattooed with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Adding to this complexity, some states have less specific laws, allowing individual tattoo studios to set their own age policies. This state-by-state guide breaks down the minimum age requirements and related regulations across the U.S., offering clarity for anyone looking to understand tattoo age laws.
Alabama
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: AL Code § 22-17A-2
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must provide written informed consent. This consent must be given either directly to the tattoo artist or to a representative of the tattoo establishment in person.
- Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors in Alabama are allowed to get tattoos if they present a government-issued photo ID along with their original legal emancipation decree.
Alaska
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors).
- State Law: AS 08.13.217
- Parental Consent: Not permitted. It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18 in Alaska, even with parental consent. Exceptions are very limited and typically only apply to medical procedures or legally emancipated minors.
- Emancipated Minors: Alaska law doesn’t specifically address tattooing for emancipated minors, but given the strict prohibition, it’s likely they would also be subject to the 18-year-old minimum age.
Arizona
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: A.R.S. 13-3721
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. A parent or legal guardian must not only consent but also be physically present when a minor receives a tattoo.
- Emancipated Minors: In Arizona, even emancipated minors need a legal guardian physically present to get a tattoo.
Arkansas
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Arkansas Code § 20-27-1502
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes, but with specific conditions for 16 and 17-year-olds. Minors aged 16-17 can get a tattoo with parental consent, provided they present a valid state-issued ID, their birth certificate listing the parent, and have a parent physically present with their state-issued ID.
California
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: HSC § 119302
- Emancipated Minors: California law strictly requires individuals to be 18 to get a tattoo, meaning emancipated minors are also prohibited from getting tattoos before this age.
Colorado
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-4-2103
- Parental Consent Required: Yes, for minors aged 16-17. Parental consent is permitted for individuals in this age group to receive tattoos.
Connecticut
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: C.G.S. § 20-266p
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. Written parental consent is allowed for minors to get tattoos.
- Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors in Connecticut can get tattoos if they provide a government-issued photo ID along with their legal emancipation decree or marriage certificate.
Delaware
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Delaware Code Ch. 243
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. Minors under 18 can get a tattoo if a parent or legal guardian provides written consent beforehand. Some studios may also require a notarized Minor Release Form and photo identification from both the minor and the parent.
District of Columbia
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- District Law: D.C. Code § 47–2853.76e
- Emancipated Minors: The District of Columbia law mandates a minimum age of 18 for tattoos, which applies to emancipated minors as well.
Florida
- Minimum Age: 16 years old
- State Law: Chapter 381, Section 00787 of the 2011 Florida Statutes
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes, and with specific conditions for 16 and 17-year-olds. Minors aged 16 or 17 can get a tattoo if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who presents valid identification. A written notarized consent form is also required. Tattooing anyone under 16 is prohibited unless for medical or dental reasons performed by a licensed professional.
- Emancipated Minors: In Florida, even emancipated minors must be 18 to get a tattoo without parental involvement.
Georgia
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71
- Parental Consent: Not permitted. Tattooing individuals under 18 in Georgia is illegal unless performed by a licensed osteopath or a technician under the direct supervision of a licensed physician or osteopath for medical reasons.
- Emancipated Minors: Georgia law sets a firm age limit of 18 for tattoos, applicable to emancipated minors as well.
Hawaii
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Haw. Code R. § 11-17-7
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. Tattooing anyone under 18 is unlawful unless written permission is provided by their parent or legal guardian. Tattoo shops are required to keep these consent forms on file.
Idaho
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (prohibition on minors under 14).
- State Law: Idaho Code § 18-1523
- Parental Consent Required: Yes, for individuals aged 14 to 18. A parent or legal guardian must be present and give written consent for minors aged 14-18 to get a tattoo. However, some tattoo studios may have stricter age policies, sometimes requiring clients to be at least 16.
- Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors in Idaho are permitted to get tattoos if they present a government-issued photo ID along with their legal emancipation decree or marriage certificate.
Illinois
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, except for medical reasons).
- State Law: 720 ILCS 5/12C-35
- Emancipated Minors: Illinois law specifies a minimum age of 18 for tattoos, which includes emancipated minors, unless the tattoo is performed by a physician or licensed technician under physician supervision for medical purposes.
Indiana
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Indiana Code § 35-45-21-4
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. Minors under 18 can receive a tattoo if a parent or legal guardian is present and provides written consent.
Iowa
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger, unmarried minors).
- State Law: DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS, APPEALS, AND LICENSING, §10A.531
- Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors in Iowa can get tattoos if they present a government-issued photo ID along with their legal emancipation decree or marriage certificate.
Kansas
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Kansas Code – 65-1953
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. Written notarized permission from a parent or legal guardian is needed, and this consenting adult must be present throughout the tattoo procedure.
- Emancipated Minors: Kansas law requires individuals to be 18 to get a tattoo, a rule that applies to emancipated minors as well.
Kentucky
- Minimum Age: 16 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors).
- State Law: Title 902 Chapter 45 Regulation 065 Section 7
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. Written notarized consent from a custodial parent or legal guardian is required for minors to get tattoos.
Louisiana
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: RS 14:93.2
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. It is illegal to tattoo someone under 18 unless they have permission from a parent or guardian who is present during the tattooing.
Maine
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: Maine Revised Statutes Title 32, § 4203
- Emancipated Minors: Maine law sets the minimum age for tattoos at 18, which applies to emancipated minors as well.
Maryland
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Code of Md. Regulations, 10.06.01.06
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. Written parental consent is allowed for minors to get tattoos.
- Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors in Maryland are allowed to get tattoos if they present a government-issued photo ID along with their legal emancipation decree or marriage certificate.
Massachusetts
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: Model Regulations for Body Art Establishments
- Emancipated Minors: Massachusetts law specifies a minimum age of 18 for tattoos, applicable to emancipated minors.
Michigan
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: MCL – Section 333.13102
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. Tattooing a minor requires prior written consent from a parent or legal guardian. This consent must be given in person, and the guardian must also provide proof of the minor’s birth certificate or legal guardianship to verify their authority to consent.
- Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors in Michigan can get tattoos if they present a government-issued photo ID along with their legal emancipation decree or marriage certificate, as they are excluded from the definition of “minor” under state law.
Minnesota
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: 2023 Minnesota Statutes 146B.07
- Parental Consent Required: Yes, parental consent is allowed for minors.
- Emancipated Minors: Minnesota law sets a minimum age of 18 for tattoos, which applies to emancipated minors.
Mississippi
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: Miss.Code Ann. § 73-61
- Emancipated Minors: Mississippi law mandates a minimum age of 18 for tattoos, including emancipated minors.
Missouri
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: RSMo Section 324.520
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. Tattooing someone under 18 is prohibited without written consent from a parent or legal guardian, given in the presence of the tattoo artist.
- Emancipated Minors: Missouri law requires individuals to be 18 to get a tattoo, which applies to emancipated minors as well.
Montana
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Tattooing and Piercing Establishments Administrative Rules Section 37.112.144
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. Minors under 18 can get a tattoo if a parent or guardian is present to sign a consent form, provided they show valid IDs and a birth certificate. Matching last names are required, or documentation of name change or legal guardianship. The parent must remain present during the procedure.
Nebraska
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Nebraska Revised Statute 38-10,165
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. Parental consent is allowed for minors, and the parent or court-appointed guardian must be present during the entire tattoo procedure.
Nevada
- Laws for Nevada were not provided in the original article. Further research is needed to include accurate information.
New Hampshire
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 314-A:8
New Jersey
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: N.J. Rev. Stat. Section 2C:40-21
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. Tattooing a minor under 18 requires written permission from their parent or legal guardian.
New Mexico
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: HB 790
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. Body art establishments must verify customers are at least 18. For those 17 or younger, a notarized consent form from a parent or guardian is required. This consent must be delivered in person by the parent or guardian, who must also provide photo ID. Minors themselves cannot deliver the consent.
New York
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law
- Emancipated Minors: New York State law sets a firm minimum age of 18 for tattoos, applicable to emancipated minors.
North Carolina
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-400
- Emancipated Minors: North Carolina law mandates a minimum age of 18 for tattoos, including emancipated minors.
North Dakota
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: N.D. Code § 12.1-31-13
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. Parental consent is allowed for minors, and a parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.
Ohio
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3730.06
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. Parental consent is permitted for minors, provided the parent: a) is present during the tattooing, b) signs a document explaining the procedure, c) presents valid state IDs for both themselves and the minor, and d) provides a birth certificate proving parentage.
- Emancipated Minors: In Ohio, emancipated minors are considered independent and can consent to their own medical treatment, thus they can get tattoos.
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: Yes. Parental consent is allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattooing.
Oregon
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: Oregon Health Authority, Health Licensing Office – Chapter 331-915-0065
- Parental Consent: Allowed only under specific conditions. Tattooing services for those under 18 are only permitted if supported by a physician’s statement authorizing or recommending the procedure and with parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: Oregon law sets a minimum age of 18 for tattoos, applicable to emancipated minors.
Pennsylvania
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 6311
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. Parental consent is allowed for minors, and a parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.
- Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors might be exempt from these regulations if they can provide legal documentation verifying their status.
Rhode Island
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent, except for medical exemptions).
- State Law: R.I. Gen. Laws Tit. 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-9-15
- Emancipated Minors: Rhode Island law establishes a minimum age of 18 for tattoos, including emancipated minors, unless a medical exemption applies.
South Carolina
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: S.C. Code § 44-34-100
- Emancipated Minors: South Carolina law mandates a minimum age of 18 for tattoos, including emancipated minors.
South Dakota
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 26-10-19
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. If under 18, a signed consent from a parent or legal guardian is needed, and some tattoo shops may require this consent to be notarized.
Tennessee
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (prohibition on minors 16 and older, except for tattoo cover-ups).
- State Law: Tenn. Code § 62-38-211
- Parental Consent: Allowed for minors aged 16 and above, with parental supervision, but only for covering up existing tattoos.
Texas
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent, except for tattoo cover-ups).
- State Law: RULE § 229.406 – Texas Administrative Code; Laws in Texas for Tattoos: Minimum Age and Other Restrictions.
- Parental Consent Required: A parent or guardian can consent to a tattoo for a minor under 18 only for the purpose of covering up an existing tattoo, particularly if it is offensive. Clients must show 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.
Utah
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-2201
- Parental Consent Required: Not permitted generally. No tattoo or permanent cosmetic procedure can be performed on anyone under 18, even with parental consent, unless recommended or approved by a physician.
Vermont
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 26 § 4101
- Parental Consent Required: Yes. Minors under 18 may get a tattoo with written permission from a parent or guardian.
Virginia
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Va. Code § 18.2-371.3
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. Individuals must be at least 18 to get a tattoo without needing parental or guardian consent or medical supervision. For those under 18, tattoos are allowed only if a parent or guardian is present and gives approval.
Washington
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent).
- State Law: Wash. Code § 26.28.085
- Emancipated Minors: Washington law sets the minimum age for tattoos at 18, applicable to emancipated minors.
West Virginia
- Minimum Age: None specified, but prohibits tattoos for individuals under 16.
- State Law: W. Va. Code § 16-38-3
- Parental Consent Required: Yes, for minors aged 16 and 17. Minors in this age range can get tattoos if a parent or legal guardian is present at the studio and provides both written consent and photo ID.
Wisconsin
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (strict prohibition for younger minors, even with parental consent, except for medical reasons).
- State Law: Wisc. Admin. Code Ch. SPS 221.10(1)(b)(3)
Wyoming
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Wyoming Statute § 14-3-107
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes. Parental consent is allowed for minors with parental supervision.
Tattoo session in progress, showcasing a young woman getting a detailed tattoo on her arm in a professional studio.
Understanding Why Age Restrictions Exist for Tattoos
The enforcement of minimum age laws for tattoos is rooted in multiple considerations, blending legal principles with concerns about maturity and informed consent. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons behind these age restrictions:
1. Legal Capacity and Contractual Agreements:
In the eyes of the law, individuals under the age of 18 are generally considered minors, lacking the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts. Getting a tattoo involves a service agreement between the client and the tattoo artist or studio. Since minors are not deemed legally competent to sign contracts, these agreements could be challenged or voided. By setting a minimum age of 18, states ensure that clients are legally adults capable of understanding and agreeing to the terms and conditions of receiving a tattoo.
2. Informed Consent for Medical Procedures:
Getting a tattoo is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a procedure that penetrates the skin, carrying potential health risks such as infections, allergic reactions, and scarring. Legal frameworks require that individuals must give informed consent for medical procedures, meaning they understand the risks and implications involved. Minors are often considered less equipped to fully comprehend these risks and long-term consequences. The age of 18 is thus seen as a benchmark for when individuals are more likely to possess the cognitive maturity to make informed decisions about their health and bodies.
3. Maturity and Decision-Making:
The decision to get a tattoo is permanent, and while tattoo removal is an option, it can be costly, painful, and not always fully effective. Legislators often believe that individuals under 18 may not have the life experience or maturity to fully grasp the permanence of a tattoo and its potential impact on their future. Setting the minimum age at 18 aims to ensure that individuals have had more time to develop a stable sense of self and consider the long-term ramifications of their choices regarding body modification.
4. State Variations and Parental Rights:
The variations in state laws reflect differing views on parental rights and the extent to which minors should have autonomy over their bodies. States that allow tattooing with parental consent acknowledge the role of parents or guardians in guiding their children’s decisions, particularly on matters with lasting effects. Conversely, states with strict age limits emphasize protecting minors from making irreversible decisions before reaching full adulthood, regardless of parental approval.
5. Protecting Tattoo Artists and Studios:
Age restriction laws also serve to protect tattoo artists and studios from legal liabilities. Tattooing a minor without proper consent or in violation of state laws can lead to legal penalties, including fines and potential license revocation. By adhering to these laws, tattoo businesses can operate within legal boundaries and avoid legal challenges related to tattooing underage individuals.
Navigating Tattoo Studio Policies
Even if you meet the legal age requirements in your state, or qualify for an exception like parental consent, it’s important to remember that individual tattoo studios can have their own policies that may be stricter than state law. Many studios prefer to tattoo only individuals who are 18 and older, regardless of legal allowances for minors.
Why Studios Might Have Stricter Policies:
- Liability Concerns: Studios may wish to minimize any potential legal risks associated with tattooing minors, even with consent. Dealing with minors can sometimes involve more complex consent processes and potential disputes down the line.
- Maturity and Decision Regret: Tattoo artists often want to ensure their clients are making well-considered decisions they are unlikely to regret. There’s a perception that younger clients, even with parental consent, might be more prone to regretting a tattoo later in life.
- Studio Ethos and Clientele: Some studios aim to cultivate a clientele of adults and may feel that tattooing minors doesn’t align with their studio’s image or values.
- Experience and Comfort Level: Some artists may simply feel more comfortable working with adult clients and prefer to avoid the complexities of tattooing minors.
How to Approach Tattoo Studios as a Minor (Where Permitted):
- Research State Laws: First, fully understand the laws in your state regarding tattoos for minors. Know whether parental consent is permitted and any specific requirements.
- Identify Studios Open to Minors: Not all studios tattoo minors even where it’s legal with consent. Call or check studio websites to see if they have stated policies on age.
- Prepare Documentation: If parental consent is required, ensure you have all necessary documents: consent forms, IDs for both you and your parent/guardian, and potentially a birth certificate or notarized consent.
- Consult with the Studio: Before booking, have a consultation with the tattoo artist or studio manager. Discuss your tattoo idea, their policies on minors, and ensure they are comfortable proceeding.
- Parental Involvement: If consent is needed, ensure your parent or guardian is fully involved in the process, from the consultation to being present during the tattoo.
Key Takeaway: While state laws provide a legal framework, tattoo studios have significant autonomy in setting their own rules. Always check directly with the studio to understand their specific age policies and requirements before proceeding with getting a tattoo.
Conclusion: Know the Tattoo Age Laws Before You Get Inked
Navigating the legal age for tattoos in the U.S. requires understanding that laws are set at the state level and vary considerably. While most states enforce a minimum age of 18, some allow 16 and 17-year-olds to get tattoos with parental consent, and a few have unique exceptions. For anyone considering getting a tattoo, especially minors, it is crucial to:
- Know Your State Law: Research and understand the specific tattoo age laws in your state.
- Check Studio Policies: Always verify the age policies of the tattoo studio you plan to visit, as they may be stricter than state law.
- Prepare Necessary Documentation: If you are a minor in a state that allows tattoos with consent, gather all required documents, including consent forms and identification.
- Communicate Openly: Discuss age requirements and consent procedures with the tattoo studio beforehand to ensure a smooth and legal process.
By taking these steps, both aspiring tattoo recipients and tattoo artists can ensure they are operating within legal guidelines and making informed, responsible decisions about body art.
