Can you get a tattoo under 18? The answer depends on where you live, as tattoo laws vary significantly by state, and tattooat.com is here to help you navigate these regulations and find the perfect studio for your body art dreams. Understanding the legal landscape, exploring creative tattoo ideas, and prioritizing tattoo safety are crucial for a positive tattoo experience. With tattoo design inspiration and information on tattoo aftercare, you can confidently embark on your journey into the world of body modification.
1. Understanding Tattoo Age Restrictions in the USA
What are the age restrictions for getting a tattoo in the USA? In the USA, there are no federal laws regulating tattooing; instead, the minimum age to get a tattoo is set by the states and varies between states, making it essential to understand your local regulations. Most states require individuals to be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo without parental consent, based on the legal principle that minors cannot enter binding contracts or provide informed consent for medical procedures, according to legal experts. However, some states permit those younger than 18 to get tattooed with parental or guardian permission.
1.1. State-by-State Tattoo Laws for Minors
What are the tattoo laws by state for minors? 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, according to state laws. 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, as stated in their respective statutes. Additionally, some states may not specify an exact age but instead leave the decision to individual tattoo studios, which can impose their own policies.
1.1.1. Alabama
What are the tattoo laws in Alabama? In Alabama, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as outlined in AL Code § 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.
1.1.2. Alaska
What are the tattoo laws in Alaska? In Alaska, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors), as stated in 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.
1.1.3. Arizona
What are the tattoo laws in Arizona? In Arizona, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.4. Arkansas
What are the tattoo laws in Arkansas? In Arkansas, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as mentioned in 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.
1.1.5. California
What are the tattoo laws in California? In California, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as stated in HSC § 119302.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo in California because the law states you must be 18.
1.1.6. Colorado
What are the tattoo laws in Colorado? In Colorado, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-4-2103.
- Parental Consent Required: Parental consent allowed for ages 16-17.
1.1.7. Connecticut
What are the tattoo laws in Connecticut? In Connecticut, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as specified in 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.
1.1.8. Delaware
What are the tattoo laws in Delaware? In Delaware, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.9. District of Columbia
What are the tattoo laws in the District of Columbia? In the District of Columbia, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as detailed in D.C. Code § 47–2853.76e.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
1.1.10. Florida
What are the tattoo laws in Florida? In Florida, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 16 years old, as cited in 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.
1.1.11. Georgia
What are the tattoo laws in Georgia? In Georgia, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as noted in 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.
1.1.12. Hawaii
What are the tattoo laws in Hawaii? In Hawaii, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.13. Idaho
What are the tattoo laws in Idaho? In Idaho, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on minors under 14), as cited in 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.
1.1.14. Illinois
What are the tattoo laws in Illinois? In Illinois, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 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), as detailed in 720 ILCS 5/12C-35.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
1.1.15. Indiana
What are the tattoo laws in Indiana? In Indiana, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.16. Iowa
What are the tattoo laws in Iowa? In Iowa, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger, unmarried minors), as cited in 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.
1.1.17. Kansas
What are the tattoo laws in Kansas? In Kansas, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as stated in 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.
1.1.18. Kentucky
What are the tattoo laws in Kentucky? In Kentucky, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 16 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors), according to Title 902 Chapter 45 Regulation 065 Section 7.
- Parental Consent Required: Custodial parental or legal guardian written notarized consent allowed for minors.
1.1.19. Louisiana
What are the tattoo laws in Louisiana? In Louisiana, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as mentioned in 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.
1.1.20. Maine
What are the tattoo laws in Maine? In Maine, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as detailed in Maine Revised Statutes Title 32, § 4203.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
1.1.21. Maryland
What are the tattoo laws in Maryland? In Maryland, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as specified in 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.
1.1.22. Massachusetts
What are the tattoo laws in Massachusetts? In Massachusetts, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as cited in Model Regulations for Body Art Establishments.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
1.1.23. Michigan
What are the tattoo laws in Michigan? In Michigan, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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”.
1.1.24. Minnesota
What are the tattoo laws in Minnesota? In Minnesota, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as stated in 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.
1.1.25. Mississippi
What are the tattoo laws in Mississippi? In Mississippi, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as detailed in Miss.Code Ann. § 73-61.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
1.1.26. Missouri
What are the tattoo laws in Missouri? In Missouri, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.27. Montana
What are the tattoo laws in Montana? In Montana, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as specified in 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.
1.1.28. Nebraska
What are the tattoo laws in Nebraska? In Nebraska, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.29. Nevada
What are the tattoo laws in Nevada? Nevada law does not specify a minimum age for tattoos, but most studios will require clients to be 18 or have parental consent.
1.1.30. New Hampshire
What are the tattoo laws in New Hampshire? In New Hampshire, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as cited in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 314-A:8.
1.1.31. New Jersey
What are the tattoo laws in New Jersey? In New Jersey, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.32. New Mexico
What are the tattoo laws in New Mexico? In New Mexico, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as mentioned in 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.
1.1.33. New York
What are the tattoo laws in New York? In New York, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as detailed in 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.
1.1.34. North Carolina
What are the tattoo laws in North Carolina? In North Carolina, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as cited in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-400.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
1.1.35. North Dakota
What are the tattoo laws in North Dakota? In North Dakota, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.36. Ohio
What are the tattoo laws in Ohio? In Ohio, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as specified in 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.
1.1.37. Oklahoma
What are the tattoo laws in Oklahoma? In Oklahoma, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.38. Oregon
What are the tattoo laws in Oregon? In Oregon, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as detailed in 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.
1.1.39. Pennsylvania
What are the tattoo laws in Pennsylvania? In Pennsylvania, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as cited in 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.
1.1.40. Rhode Island
What are the tattoo laws in Rhode Island? In Rhode Island, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 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, as stated in 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.
1.1.41. South Carolina
What are the tattoo laws in South Carolina? In South Carolina, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as mentioned in S.C. Code § 44-34-100.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
1.1.42. South Dakota
What are the tattoo laws in South Dakota? In South Dakota, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.43. Tennessee
What are the tattoo laws in Tennessee? In Tennessee, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on minors 16 and older, except when covering up an existing tattoo), as detailed in 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.
1.1.44. Texas
What are the tattoo laws in Texas? In Texas, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent, except for covering an existing tattoo), as specified in 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.
1.1.45. Utah
What are the tattoo laws in Utah? In Utah, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 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, as cited in 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.
1.1.46. Vermont
What are the tattoo laws in Vermont? In Vermont, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to 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.
1.1.47. Virginia
What are the tattoo laws in Virginia? In Virginia, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old, as mentioned in Va. Code § 18.2-371.3.
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: To get a tattoo without requiring parental or guardian consent or medical supervision, individuals must be at least 18 years old. For those under 18, tattoos are allowed only in the presence of a parent or guardian who has given their approval.
1.1.48. Washington
What are the tattoo laws in Washington? In Washington, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent), as detailed in Wash. Code § 26.28.085.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
1.1.49. West Virginia
What are the tattoo laws in West Virginia? In West Virginia, there is no minimum age specified, but individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from receiving tattoos, as stated in [W. Va
