Do You Have To Be 18 To Get A Tattoo?

Do You Have To Be 18 To Get A Tattoo? The age restrictions on tattoo art vary significantly across the United States, but don’t worry, tattooat.com is here to guide you through the legal landscape of tattoo application. We’ll explore state-by-state regulations, parental consent rules, and exceptions for emancipated minors, offering insights into the rules around permanent body art and safe tattooing practices.

1. What Is The Minimum Age To Get A Tattoo Legally?

The minimum age to get a tattoo legally varies by state, with most states requiring individuals to be 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent. Understanding state laws is key for anyone considering a tattoo, especially minors, to ensure they are compliant with legal requirements and studio policies.

1.1 Why Is There a Minimum Age for Tattoos?

The rationale behind setting a minimum age for tattoos stems from several legal and ethical considerations. One of the primary reasons is the concept of informed consent. Minors are generally considered unable to fully understand the long-term implications and potential risks associated with tattoos, such as infection, allergic reactions, or future regrets.

1.2 What Does Informed Consent Mean?

Informed consent requires that a person fully comprehends the procedure, its permanence, and potential health risks before agreeing to it. Since tattoos are permanent and involve puncturing the skin, states often require individuals to be of legal age to make such decisions independently. According to Portland State University’s Art Department research in July 2025, this ensures that individuals have the maturity and cognitive ability to weigh the pros and cons before undergoing the procedure.

1.3 How Does Contract Law Play A Role?

Contract law also plays a role in determining the minimum age for tattoos. Minors are typically unable to enter into legally binding contracts. Since getting a tattoo involves an agreement between the client and the tattoo artist, states often set the minimum age at 18 to ensure the contract is enforceable.

1.4 What Are The Health And Safety Considerations?

Health and safety considerations are paramount. Tattooing involves puncturing the skin, which carries risks of infection and allergic reactions. Adults are generally considered more capable of understanding and adhering to aftercare instructions, reducing the likelihood of complications.

1.5 What About Parental Rights?

Parental rights and responsibilities are another factor. Some states allow minors to get tattoos with parental consent, acknowledging the role of parents in guiding their children’s decisions. However, other states prohibit tattooing minors altogether, regardless of parental consent, prioritizing the minor’s well-being and future autonomy.

1.6 What About The Tattoo Artist’s Perspective?

Tattoo artists may have ethical concerns about tattooing minors. They might worry about potential regret, social stigma, or the minor’s ability to handle the permanence of the tattoo. Some artists may also fear legal repercussions if they tattoo a minor without proper consent or in violation of state laws.

1.7 Why Is It Important To Respect The Minimum Age?

Respecting the minimum age for tattoos is crucial for legal, ethical, and health reasons. It ensures that individuals are making informed decisions, that contracts are enforceable, and that health risks are minimized. Tattoo artists who disregard these regulations could face penalties, including fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges.

2. What Are The State-by-State Tattoo Laws?

State laws regarding the minimum age for tattoos vary significantly, so it’s essential to know the specific regulations in your state. Let’s take a look at the laws in each state to provide a clear understanding of the legal landscape surrounding tattoos:

2.1 Alabama

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: AL Code § 22-17A-2
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).
State Law: AS 08.13.217
Parental Consent: It is illegal to tattoo a minor, even with parental permission. However, exceptions may apply for medical procedures or if the minor is legally emancipated.
Emancipated Minors: No specific laws regarding tattooing for emancipated minors in Alaska.

2.3 Arizona

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: A.R.S. 13-3721
Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parent or guardian must consent and be physically present.
Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors cannot get a tattoo without the physical presence of a legal guardian in Arizona.

2.4 Arkansas

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Arkansas Code § 20-27-1502
Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for ages 16-17, though you are required to present a valid state-issued identification, your birth certificate that lists your mother or father, and have one of your parents present along with their state-issued ID.

2.5 California

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

2.6 Colorado

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

2.7 Connecticut

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: C.G.S. § 20-266p
Parental Consent Required: Written parental consent allowed for minors.
Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

2.8 Delaware

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Delaware Code Ch. 243
Parental Consent and Presence Required: If you are below the age of 18, you can get a tattoo provided your parent or legal guardian offers written consent prior to the procedure. Additionally, some tattoo studios may impose extra requirements, such as notarizing a Minor Release Form and presenting photo identification for both yourself and your parent.

2.9 District of Columbia

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
District Law: D.C. Code § 47–2853.76e
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.10 Florida

Minimum Age: 16 years old
State Law: Chapter 381, Section 00787 of the 2011 Florida Statutes
Parental Consent and Presence Required: A minor that is 16 or 17 can receive a tattoo provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must present valid identification. Additionally, written notarized consent from the parent or legal guardian is required, and the tattooing must be completed by a licensed tattoo artist. Tattooing a minor child who is under 16 years old is prohibited, unless the tattooing is conducted for medical or dental reasons by an individual who is licensed to practice medicine or dentistry.
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo until they turn 18 years old.

2.11 Georgia

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71
Parental Consent: In Georgia, it is unlawful to tattoo individuals under the age of 18 unless the procedure is performed by a licensed osteopath or a technician working under the direct oversight of a licensed physician or osteopath. Parental consent is not permitted.
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.12 Hawaii

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Haw. Code R. § 11-17-7
Parental Consent Required: It is unlawful to tattoo anyone under 18 years old unless their parent or legal guardian has provided written permission. All written consents must be stored at the tattoo shop for reference.

2.13 Idaho

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on minors under 14).
State Law: Idaho Code § 18-1523
Parental Consent Required: For individuals aged 14 to 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and grant written consent for a tattoo. Nonetheless, certain tattoo studios may implement their own policies, which could include a requirement for clients to be at least 16 years old.
Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

2.14 Illinois

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent, except when the tattooing is performed by a physician or licensed technician under a physician’s supervision.).
State Law: 720 ILCS 5/12C-35
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.15 Indiana

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Indiana Code § 35-45-21-4
Parental Consent and Presence Required: A tattoo can be given to an individual under the age of 18 if the parent or legal guardian is present and supplies written consent.

2.16 Iowa

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger, unmarried minors).
State Law: DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS, APPEALS, AND LICENSING, §10A.531
Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

2.17 Kansas

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Kansas Code – 65-1953
Parental Consent and Presence Required: Written permission notarized from a parent or legal guardian is required, and the person who gives this consent must be present during the procedure.
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.18 Kentucky

Minimum Age: 16 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors).
State Law: Title 902 Chapter 45 Regulation 065 Section 7
Parental Consent Required: Custodial parental or legal guardian written notarized consent allowed for minors.

2.19 Louisiana

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: RS 14:93.2
Parental Consent and Presence Required: It is against the law for anyone to tattoo someone under eighteen unless they have permission from a parent or guardian who is present with them.

2.20 Maine

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: Maine Revised Statutes Title 32, § 4203
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.21 Maryland

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Code of Md. Regulations, 10.06.01.06
Parental Consent Required: Written parental consent allowed for minors.
Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

2.22 Massachusetts

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: Model Regulations for Body Art Establishments
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.23 Michigan

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: MCL – Section 333.13102
Parental Consent Required: A tattoo artist may not perform procedures on a minor without obtaining prior written consent from the minor’s parent or legal guardian. This consent must be provided in person and the guardian must also present proof of the minor’s birth certificate or legal guardianship to confirm their authority to consent.
Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID, as “an individual under 18 years of age who is not emancipated under section 4 of 1968 PA 293, MCL 722.4” is excluded under the definition of “minor”.

2.24 Minnesota

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: 2023 Minnesota Statutes 146B.07
Parental Consent Required: Parental consent allowed for minors.
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.25 Mississippi

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

2.26 Missouri

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: RSMo Section 324.520
Parental Consent Required: Tattooing is prohibited for those under 18 without written consent from a parent or legal guardian in the presence of the tattoo artist.
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.27 Montana

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Tattooing and Piercing Establishments Administrative Rules Section 37.112.144
Parental Consent and Presence Required: Minors under 18 can get a tattoo with a parent or guardian present to sign a consent form, provided they show a valid ID and birth certificate. Both must have matching last names, or documentation of a name change or legal guardianship is needed, and the parent must remain during the procedure.

2.28 Nebraska

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Nebraska Revised Statute 38-10,165
Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent or court-appointed guardian must be present during the tattoo procedure.

2.29 Nevada

There are no state laws regulating tattoo age restrictions in Nevada, leaving it up to individual tattoo parlors to set their own policies.

2.30 New Hampshire

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 314-A:8

2.31 New Jersey

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: N.J. Rev. Stat. Section 2C:40-21
Parental Consent Required: Tattooing a minor under age 18 requires written permission of the minor’s parent or legal guardian.

2.32 New Mexico

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: HB 790
Parental Consent Required: A body art establishment must verify that all customers are at least 18 years old before providing services. For customers aged 17 or younger, they must show a notarized consent form from a parent or legal guardian. This consent must be delivered in person by the parent or guardian, as individuals under 18 cannot deliver it themselves. Additionally, the parent or guardian must provide a photo ID.

2.33 New York

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.34 North Carolina

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-400
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.35 North Dakota

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

2.36 Ohio

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3730.06
Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must: a) be present during the tattoo procedure, b) sign a document explaining the procedure, c) present a valid state ID for them and the minor, and d) provide a birth certificate connecting the parent and minor.
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor can get a tattoo because they are considered independent and can consent to their own medical treatment.

2.37 Oklahoma

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Oklahoma State Department of Health Tattooing and Body Piercing Title 21 Section 842.1 et seq.
Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.

2.38 Oregon

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: Oregon Health Authority, Health Licensing Office – Chapter 331-915-0065
Parental Consent: Tattooing services may be provided to individuals under 18 years of age only if supported by a physician’s statement authorizing or recommending the procedure and they have parental consent.
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.39 Pennsylvania

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 6311
Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.
Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors might be exempt from these regulations if they can present legal documentation verifying their status.

2.40 Rhode Island

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent). Tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible with a medical exemption.
State Law: R.I. Gen. Laws Tit. 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-9-15
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.41 South Carolina

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: S.C. Code § 44-34-100
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.42 South Dakota

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 26-10-19
Parental Consent Required: If you are under 18, you will need a signed consent from your parent or legal guardian, and some tattoo shops may request that this consent be notarized.

2.43 Tennessee

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on minors 16 and older, except when covering up an existing tattoo).
State Law: Tenn. Code § 62-38-211
Parental Consent: Parental consent allowed for minors aged 16 and above with parental supervision only for the purposes of covering up and existing tattoo.

2.44 Texas

Minimum Age: 18 years old (prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent, except for covering an existing tattoo).
State Law: RULE § 229.406 – Texas Administrative Code; Laws in Texas for Tattoos: Minimum Age and Other Restrictions.
Parental Consent Required: A minor’s parent or guardian can approve covering an existing tattoo for those under 18, especially if it features offensive content. Clients must present a valid government-issued photo ID with their date of birth. For those 17 or younger, a parent or guardian must be present during the procedure.

2.45 Utah

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent). Tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible if authorized or prescribed by a physician.
State Law: Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-2201
Parental Consent Required: No tattoo or permanent cosmetic procedure may be performed on anyone under the age of 18, even if parental consent is provided, unless it is recommended or approved by a physician.

2.46 Vermont

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 26 § 4101
Parental Consent Required: Minors who are under 18 years of age may receive a tattoo if they obtain written permission from a parent or guardian.

2.47 Virginia

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Va. Code § 18.2-371.3
Parental Consent and Presence Required: To get a tattoo without requiring 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.

2.48 Washington

Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
State Law: Wash. Code § 26.28.085
Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.

2.49 West Virginia

Minimum Age: None specified. Individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from receiving tattoos.
State Law: W. Va. Code § 16-38-3
Parental Consent Required: 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.

2.50 Wisconsin

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 in the course of the physician’s professional practice).
State Law: Wisc. Admin. Code Ch. SPS 221.10(1)(b)(3)

2.51 Wyoming

Minimum Age: 1