Can You Get A Tattoo at 17? Understanding Tattoo Laws

Can you get a tattoo at 17? In the realm of body art, understanding the legal landscape is crucial, and tattooat.com is here to guide you through the intricacies of tattoo laws. While age restrictions vary by state, exploring your options and understanding the regulations surrounding tattoos and body modifications is essential for anyone considering getting inked, and crucial for legally compliant tattoo application. Let’s delve into the details of legal age, parental consent, and state-specific tattoo guidelines, offering clarity and insights for a safe and informed tattooing experience.

1. What Are the General Age Restrictions for Getting a Tattoo?

Generally, the age restrictions for getting a tattoo in the United States vary by state, but the prevailing standard is 18 years old without parental consent. States like California, Texas, and New York have strict laws prohibiting tattooing anyone under 18, even with parental permission. However, some states allow minors aged 16 or 17 to get a tattoo with parental consent, and a few even have exceptions for medical reasons. It is critical to check the specific laws of your state to ensure compliance.

Understanding state-specific laws regarding tattoos is the first step in navigating this process. This information can help both potential clients and tattoo artists ensure they are operating within legal boundaries. Laws often consider the minor’s ability to make informed decisions about permanent body modifications, which is why parental consent is a key factor in many states.

2. Which States Allow Tattoos at 17 With Parental Consent?

Several states permit 17-year-olds to get tattoos with parental consent. These states typically require a parent or legal guardian to provide written consent and be present during the tattooing process. Here’s a brief overview of some of these states:

Arkansas: Allows those aged 16-17 with parental consent, a valid state-issued ID, a birth certificate listing the parent, and the parent’s presence with their state-issued ID.
Colorado: Permits 16 and 17-year-olds to get tattoos with parental consent.
Connecticut: Requires written parental consent for minors.
Indiana: Allows tattoos for those under 18 if a parent or legal guardian is present and provides written consent.
Kentucky: Requires written notarized consent from a custodial parent or legal guardian.
Maryland: Allows minors to get tattoos with written parental consent.
Michigan: Requires in-person written consent from a parent or legal guardian, along with proof of the minor’s birth certificate or legal guardianship.
Missouri: Requires written consent from a parent or legal guardian in the presence of the tattoo artist.
Montana: Allows minors to get a tattoo if a parent or guardian is present to sign a consent form, showing valid ID and birth certificate.
Nebraska: Parental consent is allowed, and the parent or court-appointed guardian must be present during the procedure.
New Jersey: Requires written permission from the minor’s parent or legal guardian.
North Dakota: Parental consent is allowed, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.
Ohio: Requires parental consent, presence during the procedure, a signed document explaining the process, valid state IDs for both parent and minor, and a birth certificate.
Oklahoma: Parental consent is allowed, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.
Pennsylvania: Allows minors to get a tattoo if a parent is present during the procedure.
South Dakota: Requires a signed consent from the parent or legal guardian, and some shops may require notarization.
Vermont: Minors may receive a tattoo with written permission from a parent or guardian.
Virginia: Tattoos are allowed only in the presence of a parent or guardian who has given approval.
West Virginia: Minors aged 16 and above may obtain tattoos if a parent or legal guardian is present, providing written consent and a photo ID.
Wyoming: Parental consent is allowed with parental supervision.

For those interested in exploring design options, tattooat.com offers a vast array of tattoo designs that can spark inspiration. Finding the right design is as important as understanding the legal aspects.

3. What Documentation is Required to Get a Tattoo at 17 With Parental Consent?

If you’re 17 and seeking a tattoo where it’s legally permissible with parental consent, several documents are typically required to ensure compliance. These usually include:

Written Consent Form: A signed and often notarized consent form from your parent or legal guardian, explicitly granting permission for you to receive a tattoo.
Parent/Guardian Identification: A valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) from your parent or legal guardian to verify their identity and signature.
Minor Identification: Your own valid photo ID (like a school ID, driver’s permit, or passport) to confirm your age.
Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate to prove the parental relationship between you and the consenting adult.
Legal Guardianship Documents (If Applicable): If the consenting adult is a legal guardian rather than a parent, official court documents proving legal guardianship are necessary.

It’s essential to confirm the specific requirements with the tattoo studio beforehand to ensure all necessary documentation is prepared, thus avoiding any potential issues on the day of the appointment. For guidance on choosing a reputable studio, tattooat.com offers a directory of vetted tattoo artists and studios.

4. What Are the Potential Penalties for Tattooing a Minor Illegally?

The penalties for tattooing a minor illegally can be severe for tattoo artists and establishments. These penalties vary by state but often include:

Fines: Significant monetary fines can be imposed, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation.
License Suspension or Revocation: Tattoo artists risk having their professional licenses suspended or revoked, preventing them from practicing their trade.
Criminal Charges: In some jurisdictions, tattooing a minor without proper consent is considered a criminal offense, leading to misdemeanor or even felony charges.
Civil Lawsuits: Artists and studios may face civil lawsuits from the minor or their parents, seeking damages for physical or emotional harm.
Closure of Business: Tattoo establishments that repeatedly violate age restriction laws may be forced to close down.

Adhering to legal age requirements and consent protocols is crucial for tattoo artists to avoid these severe consequences. Proper training and understanding of local regulations are essential for maintaining a legal and ethical practice. For additional insights, consider exploring articles on industry best practices on tattooat.com.

5. How Do Tattoo Studios Verify Age and Parental Consent?

Tattoo studios take several steps to verify age and parental consent to ensure they comply with the law and avoid legal repercussions. Common verification methods include:

Photo Identification: Requiring clients to present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card, to confirm they are of legal age.
Parental Presence: If a minor is permitted to get a tattoo with parental consent, the studio will require the parent or legal guardian to be physically present during the tattooing process.
Written Consent Forms: Obtaining a signed and notarized consent form from the parent or legal guardian, explicitly granting permission for the minor to receive a tattoo.
Birth Certificate Verification: Requesting a copy of the minor’s birth certificate to prove the parental relationship between the minor and the consenting adult.
Legal Guardianship Documents: If the consenting adult is a legal guardian, requiring official court documents proving legal guardianship.
Studio Policies: Implementing strict internal policies that mandate thorough verification of age and consent for all clients, regardless of perceived age.

These practices help tattoo studios maintain ethical standards and ensure they are operating within the boundaries of the law. Tattooat.com also emphasizes the importance of these verification steps in its resources for tattoo artists.

6. What Factors Should a 17-Year-Old Consider Before Getting a Tattoo, Even With Parental Consent?

Even with parental consent, a 17-year-old should carefully consider several factors before getting a tattoo to ensure it’s a well-informed and responsible decision:

Permanence: Tattoos are permanent, and while removal options exist, they can be costly, painful, and may not completely erase the tattoo.
Design Choice: Trends change, and personal preferences can evolve. Choosing a timeless design that holds personal significance can prevent future regret.
Location on the Body: Consider how the placement of the tattoo may affect future job opportunities or personal comfort. Some areas are more visible and less easily concealed than others.
Pain Tolerance: Tattooing involves some level of pain, and different areas of the body have varying pain sensitivities.
Health Risks: Ensure the tattoo studio follows strict hygiene practices to minimize the risk of infections or allergic reactions.
Future Implications: Think about how the tattoo might be perceived by future employers, partners, or social circles.
Emotional Maturity: Assess whether you are making the decision based on genuine desire or peer pressure.
Studio Reputation: Research the tattoo studio and artist to ensure they are reputable, licensed, and experienced.

Taking these factors into account can help ensure that getting a tattoo is a positive and satisfying experience. For guidance on selecting a design that reflects your personality, tattooat.com offers a wide range of options and inspiration.

7. How Can Emancipated Minors Get Tattoos?

The ability of emancipated minors to get tattoos varies by state. In some states, emancipation grants minors the same rights as adults, including the right to consent to medical procedures like tattooing. However, other states may still require individuals to be 18 years old to get a tattoo, regardless of their emancipation status.

To determine the specific rules in your state, follow these steps:

Research State Laws: Check your state’s laws regarding tattooing and emancipation.
Consult Legal Resources: Seek advice from a legal professional or consult legal aid services.
Contact Tattoo Studios: Call tattoo studios in your area to inquire about their policies on tattooing emancipated minors.

Even if legally permitted, some tattoo studios may have their own policies regarding tattooing emancipated minors due to concerns about liability and ethical considerations.

8. Are There Specific Body Parts Where Tattooing Minors Is Always Prohibited?

While the legality of tattooing minors largely depends on state laws and parental consent, some tattoo studios may have internal policies prohibiting tattooing certain body parts on minors, regardless of legal permissions. Common areas often restricted include:

Face: Tattoos on the face are highly visible and can impact future job opportunities and personal image.
Neck: Similar to facial tattoos, neck tattoos are often seen as unprofessional or rebellious.
Hands: Hand tattoos can also be highly visible and may affect employment prospects.
Genitals: Tattooing on the genitals is generally considered inappropriate for minors due to its sensitive nature.

These restrictions are often based on the belief that minors may not fully understand the long-term implications of such visible and potentially controversial placements. Tattoo studios prioritize responsible practices and ethical considerations when dealing with young clients. Tattooat.com encourages studios to maintain such ethical standards.

9. What Are the Differences in Regulations Between Tattooing and Body Piercing for Minors?

The regulations surrounding tattooing and body piercing for minors often differ, with body piercing generally having more lenient rules. Here are some key distinctions:

Age Restrictions: The minimum age for getting a tattoo is typically 18 without parental consent, while body piercing may be allowed at a younger age with parental consent in some states.
Parental Consent Requirements: Body piercing often requires only written or verbal consent from a parent or legal guardian, whereas tattooing may necessitate notarized consent and the parent’s physical presence.
State Laws: Some states have specific laws regulating tattooing but lack similar regulations for body piercing, leading to inconsistencies in enforcement.
Studio Policies: Many tattoo studios apply stricter policies to tattooing than body piercing, reflecting the permanence and higher stakes associated with tattoos.

These differences reflect the perceived level of risk and permanence associated with each procedure. Body piercing is often viewed as less permanent and easier to reverse than tattooing, which influences the regulatory approach.

10. What Ethical Considerations Do Tattoo Artists Face When Tattooing Minors, Even With Legal Consent?

Even when legal requirements are met, tattoo artists face several ethical considerations when tattooing minors:

Maturity and Comprehension: Ensuring the minor fully understands the permanence of the tattoo and the potential long-term implications.
Informed Consent: Verifying that the minor is not being coerced or pressured into getting a tattoo by peers, parents, or other external factors.
Design Appropriateness: Assessing whether the chosen design is age-appropriate and not offensive, controversial, or likely to be regretted in the future.
Placement Considerations: Advising against placing tattoos on highly visible areas that may impact future job opportunities or personal image.
Hygiene and Safety: Maintaining strict hygiene practices to minimize the risk of infections, allergic reactions, or other health complications.
Emotional Well-being: Being sensitive to the minor’s emotional state and ensuring they are comfortable and not experiencing undue anxiety or stress.

Balancing legal compliance with ethical responsibility is crucial for tattoo artists when working with minors. Open communication, thorough education, and a commitment to the minor’s best interests are essential.

Understanding these factors will help anyone navigate the world of tattoos and ensure a positive and responsible experience. For additional information, resources, and inspiration, be sure to visit tattooat.com.

Minimum Legal Age to Get a Tattoo: State-by-State Laws

The regulations surrounding the minimum age for obtaining a tattoo can differ significantly across the United States. Some states, such as California and Texas, require individuals to be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo without any parental consent. However, states like New Jersey and Colorado permit minors as young as 16 to get tattooed if they have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, some states may not specify an exact age but instead leave the decision to individual tattoo studios, which can impose their own policies.

1. Alabama

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: AL Code Â§ 22-17A-2
Parental Consent Required: The minor’s parent or legal guardian must provide the necessary 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. 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.

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.

4. Arkansas

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Arkansas Code Â§ 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.

5. California

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: HSC Â§ 119302
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo in California because the law states you must be 18.

6. Colorado

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Colo. Rev. Stat. Â§ 25-4-2103
Parental Consent Required: Parental consent allowed for ages 16-17.

7. Connecticut

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: C.G.S. Â§ 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.

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.

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 Â§ 47â€“2853.76e
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

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.

11. Georgia

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: O.C.G.A. Â§ 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.

12. Hawaii

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Haw. Code R. Â§ 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.

13. Idaho

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on minors under 14).
State Law: Idaho Code Â§ 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.

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.

15. Indiana

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Indiana Code Â§ 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.

16. Iowa

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger, unmarried minors).
State Law: DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS, APPEALS, AND LICENSING, Â§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.

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.

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.

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.

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, Â§ 4203
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

25. Mississippi

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: Miss.Code Ann. Â§ 73-61
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

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.

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.

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.

29. Nevada

Information for Nevada is missing in the article.

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. Â§ 314-A:8

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.

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.

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.

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. Â§ 14-400
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

35. North Dakota

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: N.D. Code Â§ 12.1-31-13
Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.

36. Ohio

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: [Ohio Rev. Code Ann. Â§ 3