How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A Tattoo?

How old do you have to be to get a tattoo? The age to get inked varies by state, but tattooat.com is here to guide you through the legal landscape of tattoo age restrictions and parental consent laws across the United States. Discover your state’s specific requirements and find inspiration for your next tattoo journey with us!

1. Navigating the Ink: Understanding Tattoo Age Laws in the USA

So, how old do you need to be to get a tattoo? The answer isn’t always straightforward as it depends on where you live. In the United States, there aren’t any federal regulations governing the art of tattooing; instead, each state sets its own rules, particularly regarding the minimum age required to get a tattoo. A significant number of states mandate that an individual must be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo without needing permission from a parent or guardian. This is based on the legal principle that minors generally can’t enter into binding contracts or give informed consent for medical procedures. However, the legal age requirement isn’t a universal rule, with some states permitting younger individuals to get tattoos if they have the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

If you’re a minor considering getting a tattoo, it’s essential to do your homework on the specific regulations in your local area. You’ll need to verify the age requirements, understand the necessary documentation, and obtain any required parental approvals before you even think about scheduling an appointment. Keep in mind that even if your state allows minors to get tattoos with parental consent, some tattoo studios may have stricter policies and might choose not to tattoo anyone under the age of 18.

2. State-by-State Breakdown: Minimum Age for Tattoos

The legal landscape surrounding the minimum age to get a tattoo varies considerably across the United States. Some states, like California, New York, and Texas, strictly require individuals to be 18 years or older to receive a tattoo, regardless of parental consent. Conversely, states such as Arkansas and Kansas allow minors to get tattooed as young as 16 or 17 with written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of tattoo laws by state:

State	Minimum Age	Parental Consent Required	Emancipated Minors
Alabama	18	Yes	Yes, with legal decree and photo ID
Alaska	18	No	No specific laws
Arizona	18	Yes, and presence	No, parent or legal guardian must be physically present
Arkansas	18	Yes, for ages 16-17	N/A
California	18	No	No
Colorado	18	Yes, for ages 16-17	N/A
Connecticut	18	Yes	Yes, with legal decree or marriage certificate and photo ID
Delaware	18	Yes, and presence	N/A
District of Columbia	18	No	No
Florida	16	Yes, and presence	No, until 18 years old
Georgia	18	No	No
Hawaii	18	Yes	N/A
Idaho	18	Yes, for ages 14-18	Yes, with legal decree or marriage certificate and photo ID
Illinois	18	No	No
Indiana	18	Yes, and presence	N/A
Iowa	18	No	Yes, with legal decree or marriage certificate and photo ID
Kansas	18	Yes, and presence	No
Kentucky	16	Yes	N/A
Louisiana	18	Yes, and presence	N/A
Maine	18	No	No
Maryland	18	Yes	Yes, with legal decree or marriage certificate and photo ID
Massachusetts	18	No	No
Michigan	18	Yes	Yes, with legal decree or marriage certificate and photo ID
Minnesota	18	No	No
Mississippi	18	No	No
Missouri	18	Yes	No
Montana	18	Yes, and presence	N/A
Nebraska	18	Yes, and presence	N/A
Nevada	18	Varies by studio	N/A
New Hampshire	18	No	N/A
New Jersey	18	Yes	N/A
New Mexico	18	Yes	N/A
New York	18	No	No
North Carolina	18	No	No
North Dakota	18	Yes, and presence	N/A
Ohio	18	Yes, and presence	Yes, considered independent
Oklahoma	18	Yes, and presence	N/A
Oregon	18	Yes, with physician statement	No
Pennsylvania	18	Yes, and presence	Yes, if verified
Rhode Island	18	No	No
South Carolina	18	No	No
South Dakota	18	Yes	N/A
Tennessee	18	Yes, for ages 16+	N/A
Texas	18	Yes, for cover-ups	N/A
Utah	18	No	N/A
Vermont	18	Yes	N/A
Virginia	18	Yes, and presence	N/A
Washington	18	No	No
West Virginia	16	Yes, and presence	N/A
Wisconsin	18	No	N/A
Wyoming	18	Yes, and presence	N/A

Disclaimer: State laws are subject to change, so always verify the most up-to-date regulations with your local government.

2.1. Alabama

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: AL Code § 22-17A-2
Parental Consent Required: If you’re under 18 and dreaming of getting inked, Alabama requires your parent or legal guardian to provide written informed consent. They need to do this either in the presence of the tattoo artist or one of their representatives.
Emancipated Minors: Are you a legally emancipated minor in Alabama? Great news! You’re allowed to get a tattoo as long as you present your original legal decree along with a government-issued photo ID.

2.2. Alaska

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: AS 08.13.217
Parental Consent: In Alaska, tattooing a minor is illegal, even if you have your parents’ permission. However, there might be exceptions for medical procedures or if you’re legally emancipated.
Emancipated Minors: Alaska’s laws don’t specifically address tattooing for emancipated minors.

2.3. Arizona

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: A.R.S. 13-3721
Parental Consent and Presence Required: To get a tattoo in Arizona before you turn 18, you’ll need your parent or guardian to give their consent and be physically present during the process.
Emancipated Minors: Even if you’re an emancipated minor in Arizona, you can’t get a tattoo without your legal guardian being there in person.

2.4. Arkansas

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Arkansas Code § 20-27-1502
Parental Consent and Presence Required: If you’re 16 or 17 in Arkansas, you can get a tattoo with parental consent. But remember, you’ll need to bring a valid state-issued ID, your birth certificate that lists your parents, and have one of your parents present with their state-issued ID.

2.5. California

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: HSC § 119302
Emancipated Minors: In California, the law clearly states that you must be 18 to get a tattoo. This means that even if you’re an emancipated minor, you’ll have to wait until you reach adulthood to get inked.

2.6. Colorado

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-4-2103
Parental Consent Required: If you’re 16 or 17 in Colorado, you can get a tattoo as long as you have your parents’ permission.

2.7. Connecticut

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: C.G.S. § 20-266p
Parental Consent Required: In Connecticut, minors can get a tattoo with written parental consent.
Emancipated Minors: If you’re a legally emancipated minor in Connecticut, you can get a tattoo by presenting your 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’re under 18 in Delaware, you can get a tattoo if your parent or legal guardian provides written consent before the procedure. Additionally, some tattoo studios might have extra requirements, like notarizing a Minor Release Form and showing photo IDs for both you and your parent.

2.9. District of Columbia

Minimum Age: 18 years old
District Law: D.C. Code § 47–2853.76e
Emancipated Minors: If you’re in the District of Columbia, you need to be 18 to get a tattoo. This means that even if you’re an emancipated minor, you’ll have to wait until you reach adulthood.

2.10. Florida

Minimum Age: 16 years old
State Law: Chapter 381, Section 00787 of the 2011 Florida Statutes
Parental Consent and Presence Required: If you’re 16 or 17 in Florida, you can get a tattoo if you’re accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can show valid identification. You’ll also need written notarized consent from your parent or guardian, and the tattoo must be done by a licensed tattoo artist. Remember, it’s illegal to tattoo anyone under 16 unless it’s for medical or dental reasons and done by a licensed professional.
Emancipated Minors: Even if you’re an emancipated minor in Florida, you can’t get a tattoo until you turn 18.

2.11. Georgia

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71
Parental Consent: In Georgia, it’s against the law to tattoo anyone under 18 unless it’s done by a licensed osteopath or a technician under the direct supervision of a licensed physician or osteopath. Parental consent isn’t allowed.
Emancipated Minors: To get a tattoo in Georgia, you must be 18 years old. This applies even if you are an emancipated minor.

2.12. Hawaii

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Haw. Code R. § 11-17-7
Parental Consent Required: In Hawaii, you can’t get a tattoo if you’re under 18 unless your parent or legal guardian gives written permission. Make sure the tattoo shop keeps all written consents 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: If you’re between 14 and 18 in Idaho, you need a parent or legal guardian to be present and give written consent for a tattoo. However, some tattoo studios might have their own rules, like requiring clients to be at least 16 years old.
Emancipated Minors: If you’re a legally emancipated minor in Idaho, you can get a tattoo if you show your legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

2.14. Illinois

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: 720 ILCS 5/12C-35
Emancipated Minors: The legal age for getting a tattoo in Illinois is 18. That means that even emancipated minors have to wait.

2.15. Indiana

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Indiana Code § 35-45-21-4
Parental Consent and Presence Required: If you’re under 18 in Indiana, you can get a tattoo if your parent or legal guardian is present and gives written consent.

2.16. Iowa

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS, APPEALS, AND LICENSING, §10A.531
Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors who are legally recognized can get a tattoo if they present their legal decree, 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: You must have written, notarized permission from a parent or legal guardian, and that person must be present during the procedure.
Emancipated Minors: To get a tattoo in Kansas, you must be 18 years old. This also applies to emancipated minors.

2.18. Kentucky

Minimum Age: 16 years old
State Law: Title 902 Chapter 45 Regulation 065 Section 7
Parental Consent Required: In Kentucky, minors are able to get tattoos so long as they have written, notarized consent from a custodial parent or legal guardian.

2.19. Louisiana

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: RS 14:93.2
Parental Consent and Presence Required: In Louisiana, 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
State Law: Maine Revised Statutes Title 32, § 4203
Emancipated Minors: Maine requires that you be 18 years old to get a tattoo. That means that emancipated minors will also need to wait.

2.21. Maryland

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Code of Md. Regulations, 10.06.01.06
Parental Consent Required: Minors in Maryland are able to get a tattoo if they have written parental consent.
Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors in Maryland 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
State Law: Model Regulations for Body Art Establishments
Emancipated Minors: Massachusetts law says that you have to be 18 to get a tattoo, and this applies to emancipated minors as well.

2.23. Michigan

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: MCL – Section 333.13102
Parental Consent Required: In Michigan, tattoo artists are not allowed to perform procedures on a minor without getting written consent from the minor’s parent or legal guardian. This consent has to be given in person, and the guardian has to show proof of the minor’s birth certificate or legal guardianship to prove their authority to consent.
Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors in Michigan may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

2.24. Minnesota

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: 2023 Minnesota Statutes 146B.07
Parental Consent Required: Parental consent is allowed for minors to get tattoos in Minnesota.
Emancipated Minors: In Minnesota, you have to be 18 to get a tattoo. This is also true for emancipated minors.

2.25. Mississippi

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Miss.Code Ann. § 73-61-1
Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors are not able to get a tattoo in Mississippi, because the law requires that you be 18.

2.26. Missouri

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: RSMo Section 324.520
Parental Consent Required: In Missouri, it is against the law to tattoo someone under 18 without written consent from a parent or legal guardian, and the parent or guardian must be present with the tattoo artist.
Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors have to be 18 to get a tattoo in Missouri.

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: In Montana, minors under 18 can get a tattoo if a parent or guardian is 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: Nebraska allows parental consent for minors to get tattoos, but the parent or court-appointed guardian must be present during the tattoo procedure.

2.29. Nevada

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Varies by studio.

2.30. New Hampshire

Minimum Age: 18 years old
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: New Jersey requires that minors under 18 have written permission of the minor’s parent or legal guardian in order to get a tattoo.

2.32. New Mexico

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: HB 790
Parental Consent Required: Before providing services, a body art establishment has to make sure that all customers are at least 18 years old. If a customer is 17 or younger, they must show a notarized consent form from a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must deliver this consent in person, as individuals under 18 are not allowed to deliver it themselves. The parent or guardian must also bring a photo ID.

2.33. New York

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law
Emancipated Minors: You have to be 18 to get a tattoo in New York, even if you are an emancipated minor.

2.34. North Carolina

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-400
Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors have to wait until they are 18 to get a tattoo in North Carolina.

2.35. North Dakota

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: N.D. Code § 12.1-31-13
Parental Consent and Presence Required: North Dakota allows parental consent for minors to get tattoos, but 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: Ohio allows parental consent for minors to get tattoos, but 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 in Ohio is considered independent and can consent to their own medical treatment, including tattoos.

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: Oklahoma allows parental consent for minors to get tattoos, but the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.

2.38. Oregon

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Oregon Health Authority, Health Licensing Office – Chapter 331-915-0065
Parental Consent: In Oregon, if individuals under 18 want to get tattoo services, they can only do so if they have a physician’s statement authorizing or recommending the procedure and they have parental consent.
Emancipated Minors: In Oregon, you have to be 18 to get a tattoo. This applies to emancipated minors as well.

2.39. Pennsylvania

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 6311
Parental Consent and Presence Required: In Pennsylvania, minors can get tattoos if they have parental consent and the parent is present during the tattoo procedure.
Emancipated Minors: Pennsylvania might exempt emancipated minors from these regulations if they can provide legal paperwork to verify their status.

2.40. Rhode Island

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: R.I. Gen. Laws Tit. 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-9-15
Emancipated Minors: In Rhode Island, you have to be 18 to get a tattoo, and this also applies to emancipated minors. Tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible with a medical exemption.

2.41. South Carolina

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: S.C. Code § 44-34-100
Emancipated Minors: The law in South Carolina states that you must be 18 to get a tattoo, and this is also true for emancipated minors.

2.42. South Dakota

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 26-10-19
Parental Consent Required: In South Dakota, 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: Minors aged 16 and above are able to get tattoos in Tennessee with parental supervision for the sole purpose of covering up an existing tattoo.

2.44. Texas

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: RULE § 229.406 – Texas Administrative Code
Parental Consent Required: In Texas, if you are a minor and have a parent or guardian who approves, you are able to cover up an existing tattoo, especially if it features offensive content. Clients must have 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
State Law: Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-2201
Parental Consent Required: In Utah, 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: In Vermont, 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: In Virginia, individuals must be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo without needing parental or guardian consent or medical supervision. If you’re under 18, tattoos are only allowed if a parent or guardian is present and approves.

2.48. Washington

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Wash. Code § 26.28.085
Emancipated Minors: If you are an emancipated minor, you still have to be 18 to get a tattoo in Washington.

2.49. West Virginia

Minimum Age: 16 years old
State Law: W. Va. Code § 16-38-3
Parental Consent Required: In West Virginia, 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
State Law: Wisc. Admin. Code Ch. SPS 221.10(1)(b)(3)

2.51. Wyoming

Minimum Age: 18 years old
State Law: Wyoming Statute § 14-3-107
Parental Consent and Presence Required: Wyoming allows parental consent for minors with parental supervision in order to get a tattoo.

3. Navigating the Tattoo World: Key Considerations

As you navigate the tattoo landscape, remember that laws vary significantly from state to state, particularly regarding age and parental consent. Most states require individuals to be 18 years or older to get a tattoo, with several allowing minors aged 16 or 17 to get tattooed with parental consent or the presence of a parent or guardian. In a few states, tattoos can be administered at younger ages under specific circumstances, such as medical recommendations. Staying informed about these legal frameworks is essential for both tattoo recipients and artists to ensure compliance with state regulations.

3.1. Studio Policies and Discretion

Even if you meet the legal requirements for getting a tattoo, whether through parental consent or as an emancipated minor, individual tattoo parlors may have their own policies regarding minors. Many establishments may be hesitant to tattoo individuals under a certain age, regardless of legal permissions. This caution can stem from concerns about the permanence of tattoos, the maturity required to make such a decision, or past experiences with younger clients.

It’s always wise to reach out to the tattoo studio beforehand to ask about their policies and maybe schedule a consultation before booking the session.

3.2. Maturity and Decision-Making

Getting a tattoo is a big deal. It’s something that will stay with you forever, so it’s important to really think about it and make sure you’re making the right choice. It’s not just about finding a design you like; it’s about choosing something that reflects who you are and what you value. Take your time to explore different styles, talk to artists, and envision how the tattoo will look on your skin in the years to come.

3.3. Health and Safety Considerations

Safety is key when it comes to getting a tattoo. Make sure you’re going to a licensed and reputable studio that follows strict hygiene practices. The artists should be using sterile equipment and taking all necessary precautions to prevent infections. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their sterilization procedures and what measures they take to ensure a safe environment.

4. Why Age Restrictions Exist: Protecting Minors

The age restrictions on tattoos are there for a reason. They’re designed to protect young people from making decisions they might regret later in life. As we grow and change, our tastes and preferences can evolve, and a tattoo that seemed like a great idea at 16 might not hold the same appeal at 25. By setting a minimum age, states aim to ensure that individuals have the maturity and understanding to make an informed decision about permanently altering their bodies.

4.1. The Concept of Informed Consent

Informed consent is a fundamental principle in healthcare, and it applies to tattooing as well. It means that a person fully understands the procedure, its risks, and its consequences before agreeing to it. Minors are often considered less capable of providing informed consent due to their limited life experience and cognitive development.

4.2. Addressing Potential Regret

Tattoo regret is a real thing. Many people who get tattoos at a young age later wish they hadn’t, whether it’s because the design no longer reflects their identity or because they face social or professional repercussions. Age restrictions are intended to reduce the likelihood of tattoo regret by ensuring that individuals are old enough to consider the long-term implications of their decision.

4.3. Societal Perceptions and Professional Implications

While tattoos have become more mainstream in recent years, they are still not universally accepted. In some industries and professions, visible tattoos can be a barrier to employment or advancement. Age restrictions help to protect minors from making choices that could limit their future opportunities.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tattoo Age Laws

5.1. What happens if a tattoo artist tattoos a minor illegally?

Tattooing a minor in violation of state laws can result in significant penalties for the tattoo artist and the establishment. These can include fines, suspension or revocation of licenses, and even criminal charges. The exact consequences vary depending on the specific laws of the state.

5.2. Can I get a tattoo if I’m 17 with parental consent?

Whether you can get a tattoo at 17 with parental consent depends on the laws of your state. Some states allow it, while others have a strict minimum age of 18 regardless of parental permission. Check the laws in your specific location to be sure.

5.3. What kind of ID do I need to get a tattoo?

Typically, you’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. The ID must clearly show your name, date of birth, and a photograph.

5.4. Do tattoo studios verify age?

Yes, reputable tattoo studios are required to verify the age of their clients. They typically do this by checking a government-issued photo ID. Studios that don’t verify age are likely operating illegally and