Can Kids Get Tattoos? No, generally, minors can’t get tattoos without parental consent or meeting specific age requirements, as detailed by tattooat.com. Tattoo regulations and age restrictions vary across states, influencing the legalities of body art, tattoo artistry, and underage tattooing. Let’s explore the intricacies of tattoo laws and parental consent for minors.
1. What Age Do You Have To Be To Get A Tattoo?
The minimum age to get a tattoo varies by state; most states require individuals to be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent. This is because minors are generally considered unable to enter into binding contracts or provide informed consent for medical procedures. In some states, minors can get a tattoo with parental or guardian permission.
Understanding state-specific laws and regulations ensures compliance and awareness, whether you are a minor seeking a tattoo, a parent considering consent, or a tattoo artist serving clients. Before scheduling an appointment, check local laws, studio policies, and age requirements.
2. Minimum Legal Age To Get A Tattoo: A State-By-State Guide
Regulations differ significantly across the United States regarding the minimum age for obtaining a tattoo. Some states require individuals to be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo without parental consent, while others permit minors as young as 16 to get tattooed if they have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Here is a detailed breakdown by state:
| State | Minimum Age | Parental Consent Required | State Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 18 | Yes, written informed consent from parent/guardian | AL Code § 22-17A-2 |
| Alaska | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | AS 08.13.217 |
| Arizona | 18 | Yes, consent and physical presence required | A.R.S. 13-3721 |
| Arkansas | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required for ages 16-17 | Arkansas Code § 20-27-1502 |
| California | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | HSC § 119302 |
| Colorado | 18 | Yes, parental consent allowed for ages 16-17 | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-4-2103 |
| Connecticut | 18 | Yes, written parental consent allowed | C.G.S. § 20-266p |
| Delaware | 18 | Yes, written consent required | Delaware Code Ch. 243 |
| District of Columbia | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | D.C. Code § 47–2853.76e |
| Florida | 16 | Yes, consent and presence required, notarized consent | Chapter 381, Section 00787 of the 2011 Florida Statutes |
| Georgia | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71 |
| Hawaii | 18 | Yes, written permission required | Haw. Code R. § 11-17-7 |
| Idaho | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required for ages 14-18 | Idaho Code § 18-1523 |
| Illinois | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | 720 ILCS 5/12C-35 |
| Indiana | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required | Indiana Code § 35-45-21-4 |
| Iowa | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger, unmarried minors | DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS, APPEALS, AND LICENSING, §10A.531 |
| Kansas | 18 | Yes, written notarized permission, presence required | Kansas Code – 65-1953 |
| Kentucky | 16 | Yes, custodial parental/legal guardian written notarized consent | Title 902 Chapter 45 Regulation 065 Section 7 |
| Louisiana | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required | RS 14:93.2 |
| Maine | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | Maine Revised Statutes Title 32, § 4203 |
| Maryland | 18 | Yes, written parental consent allowed | Code of Md. Regulations, 10.06.01.06 |
| Massachusetts | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | Model Regulations for Body Art Establishments |
| Michigan | 18 | Yes, written consent and proof of guardianship required | MCL – Section 333.13102 |
| Minnesota | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | 2023 Minnesota Statutes 146B.07 |
| Mississippi | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | Miss.Code Ann. § 73-61 |
| Missouri | 18 | Yes, written consent and presence required | RSMo Section 324.520 |
| Montana | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required, valid ID, birth certificate | Tattooing and Piercing Establishments Administrative Rules Section 37.112.144 |
| Nebraska | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required | Nebraska Revised Statute 38-10,165 |
| Nevada | 18 | Varies – Check local regulations | N/A |
| New Hampshire | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | N.H. Rev. Stat. § 314-A:8 |
| New Jersey | 18 | Yes, written permission required | N.J. Rev. Stat. Section 2C:40-21 |
| New Mexico | 18 | Yes, notarized consent form, delivered in person | HB 790 |
| New York | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law |
| North Carolina | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-400 |
| North Dakota | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required | N.D. Code § 12.1-31-13 |
| Ohio | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required, documentation | Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3730.06 |
| Oklahoma | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required | Oklahoma State Department of Health Tattooing and Body Piercing Title 21 Section 842.1 et seq. |
| Oregon | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | Oregon Health Authority, Health Licensing Office – Chapter 331-915-0065 |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required | Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 6311 |
| Rhode Island | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | R.I. Gen. Laws Tit. 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-9-15 |
| South Carolina | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | S.C. Code § 44-34-100 |
| South Dakota | 18 | Yes, signed consent from parent/legal guardian | S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 26-10-19 |
| Tennessee | 18 | No, outright prohibition on minors 16 and older, except when covering up an existing tattoo | Tenn. Code § 62-38-211 |
| Texas | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | RULE § 229.406 – Texas Administrative Code; Laws in Texas for Tattoos: Minimum Age and Other Restrictions. |
| Utah | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-2201 |
| Vermont | 18 | Yes, written permission required | Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 26 § 4101 |
| Virginia | 18 | Yes, consent and presence required | Va. Code § 18.2-371.3 |
| Washington | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | Wash. Code § 26.28.085 |
| West Virginia | None specified | Minors aged 16 and above may obtain tattoos provided that a parent or legal guardian is present at the tattoo studio, and they supply both written consent and a photo ID. | W. Va. Code § 16-38-3 |
| Wisconsin | 18 | No, outright prohibition on younger minors | Wisc. Admin. Code Ch. SPS 221.10(1)(b)(3) |
| Wyoming | 18 | Yes, consent and parental supervision | Wyoming Statute § 14-3-107 |
2.1. Alabama
- Minimum Age: 18 years old.
- Parental Consent Required: 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: 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).
- Parental Consent: It is illegal to tattoo a minor, even with parental permission. 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Parental Consent Required: Parental consent allowed for ages 16-17.
2.7. Connecticut
- Minimum Age: 18 years old.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- Parental Consent Required: Custodial parental or legal guardian written notarized consent allowed for minors.
2.19. Louisiana
- Minimum Age: 18 years old.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 vary; it is best to check with the specific location you plan to visit.
2.30. New Hampshire
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
2.31. New Jersey
- Minimum Age: 18 years old.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
