How Old U Gotta Be To Get A Tattoo? If you’re pondering this question, especially when considering the vibrant world of ink and body art, tattooat.com is your go-to resource. We’re here to guide you through the maze of state-specific regulations, parental consent intricacies, and the overall legal landscape surrounding tattoos, ensuring your journey into body art is both informed and exciting. With tattooat.com, you’ll discover a wealth of information on tattoo age restrictions, design inspiration, and expert tattoo artist directories for finding reputable tattoo parlors near you.
Table of Contents:
- 1. Understanding Tattoo Age Restrictions in the USA
- 2. State-by-State Tattoo Age Laws: A Detailed Guide
- 3. Parental Consent: When Is It Needed?
- 4. Emancipated Minors: Special Considerations
- 5. Tattoo Studio Policies: What to Expect
- 6. The Importance of Informed Consent
- 7. Factors to Consider Before Getting a Tattoo
- 8. Finding Reputable Tattoo Artists and Studios
- 9. Health and Safety: Ensuring a Safe Tattoo Experience
- 10. FAQs About Tattoo Age Requirements
1. Understanding Tattoo Age Restrictions in the USA
So, how old do you have to be to get a tattoo in the USA? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. In most states, you need to be 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent, and this is due to minors not being able to enter legally binding contracts. However, the rules vary from state to state. Some states allow minors to get tattoos with parental permission, while others have stricter laws. This variation underscores the importance of understanding your local regulations before considering any ink.
The legal landscape surrounding tattoos in the United States is shaped by state laws, not federal mandates. This decentralized approach means that the minimum age to get a tattoo, as well as the conditions under which a minor can receive one, can differ significantly depending on where you live. These laws are often based on the principle that minors cannot enter into binding contracts or provide informed consent for medical procedures, reflecting a broader concern for their well-being and decision-making capacity.
Tattoo artist at work – A tattoo artist carefully inks a client's arm, showcasing their concentration and expertise
Variations in state laws
- Age Restrictions: The most common regulation is the minimum age requirement of 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent.
- Parental Consent: Some states allow minors younger than 18 to get a tattoo if they have written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
- Parental Presence: Certain states require the parent or guardian to be physically present during the tattooing procedure.
- Emancipated Minors: The legal status of emancipated minors is considered in some states, granting them the same rights as adults regarding tattoos.
Why do these laws exist?
These laws are in place to protect minors from making permanent decisions they might later regret. Tattoos are permanent, and the decision to get one should be made with careful consideration of potential future consequences. Additionally, there are health and safety concerns associated with tattooing, and minors may not fully understand these risks.
Understanding Informed Consent
Informed consent is a critical aspect of tattoo laws. It ensures that individuals fully understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a medical procedure or, in this case, getting a tattoo. For minors, providing informed consent can be challenging, as they may lack the maturity and understanding to make such a decision. This is why many states require parental consent, as parents or legal guardians can help guide minors through the decision-making process.
Tattoo Age Laws: A State-by-State Overview
| State | Minimum Age | Parental Consent Required? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 18 | Yes | Written informed consent must be provided in the presence of the tattoo artist or their representative. Emancipated minors must present legal decree and photo ID. |
| Alaska | 18 | No | It is illegal to tattoo a minor, even with parental permission, except for medical procedures or legally emancipated minors. |
| Arizona | 18 | Yes | Parent or guardian must consent and be physically present. |
| Arkansas | 18 | Yes, for ages 16-17 | Minor must present a valid state-issued ID and birth certificate listing their parent. Parent must be present with their state-issued ID. |
| California | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. |
| Colorado | 18 | Yes, for ages 16-17 | Parental consent allowed for ages 16-17. |
| Connecticut | 18 | Yes | Written parental consent allowed for minors. Emancipated minors may present legal decree or marriage certificate and photo ID. |
| Delaware | 18 | Yes | Parent or legal guardian must provide written consent. Some studios may require notarized Minor Release Form and photo ID for both the minor and parent. |
| District of Columbia | 18 | No | An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. |
| Florida | 16 | Yes | Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who presents valid identification. Written notarized consent is required, and the tattooing must be done by a licensed artist. |
| Georgia | 18 | No | 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 their oversight. |
| Hawaii | 18 | Yes | Parent or legal guardian must provide written permission, and all written consents must be stored at the tattoo shop. |
| Idaho | 18 (14-18) | Yes, for ages 14-18 | Parent or legal guardian must be present and grant written consent for a tattoo. |
| Illinois | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent, except when the tattooing is performed by a physician or licensed technician under supervision. |
| Indiana | 18 | Yes | Parent or legal guardian must be present and supply written consent. |
| Iowa | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger, unmarried minors. Legally emancipated minors may present their legal decree or marriage certificate and photo ID. |
| Kansas | 18 | Yes | Written permission notarized from a parent or legal guardian is required, and the person who gives this consent must be present during the procedure. |
| Kentucky | 16 | Yes | Custodial parental or legal guardian written notarized consent allowed for minors. |
| Louisiana | 18 | Yes | 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. |
| Maine | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. |
| Maryland | 18 | Yes | Written parental consent allowed for minors. Emancipated minors may present their legal decree or marriage certificate and photo ID. |
| Massachusetts | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. |
| Michigan | 18 | Yes | A tattoo artist may not perform procedures on a minor without obtaining prior written consent from the minor’s parent or legal guardian. |
| Minnesota | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. Parental consent allowed for minors. |
| Mississippi | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. |
| Missouri | 18 | Yes | Tattooing is prohibited for those under 18 without written consent from a parent or legal guardian in the presence of the tattoo artist. |
| Montana | 18 | Yes | 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. |
| Nebraska | 18 | Yes | Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent or court-appointed guardian must be present during the tattoo procedure. |
| Nevada | 18 | State law does not directly address minimum age or parental consent. | Local regulations may apply. |
| New Hampshire | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. |
| New Jersey | 18 | Yes | Tattooing a minor under age 18 requires written permission of the minor’s parent or legal guardian. |
| New Mexico | 18 | Yes | For customers aged 17 or younger, they must show a notarized consent form from a parent or legal guardian. |
| New York | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. |
| North Carolina | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. |
| North Dakota | 18 | Yes | Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure. |
| Ohio | 18 | Yes | Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must: a) be present during the tattoo procedure, b) sign a document explaining the procedure. |
| Oklahoma | 18 | Yes | Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure. |
| Oregon | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | Yes | Parental consent allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure. |
| Rhode Island | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. Tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible with a medical exemption. |
| South Carolina | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. |
| South Dakota | 18 | Yes | 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. |
| Tennessee | 18 | Yes, for minors 16 and older | Parental consent allowed for minors aged 16 and above with parental supervision only for the purposes of covering up an existing tattoo. |
| Texas | 18 | Yes, for covering existing tattoos | A minor’s parent or guardian can approve covering an existing tattoo for those under 18, especially if it features offensive content. |
| Utah | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. Tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible if authorized or prescribed by a physician. |
| Vermont | 18 | Yes | Minors who are under 18 years of age may receive a tattoo if they obtain written permission from a parent or guardian. |
| Virginia | 18 | Yes | To get a tattoo without requiring parental or guardian consent or medical supervision, individuals must be at least 18 years old. |
| Washington | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. |
| West Virginia | None specified | Yes, for minors 16 and older | 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. |
| Wisconsin | 18 | No | Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent, except when the tattooing is performed by a physician in the course of the physician’s professional practice. |
| Wyoming | 18 | Yes | Parental consent allowed for minors with parental supervision. |
2. State-by-State Tattoo Age Laws: A Detailed Guide
Navigating the intricate web of state laws can be daunting. To simplify this process, tattooat.com offers a comprehensive, state-by-state guide to tattoo age laws. This resource provides detailed information on minimum age requirements, parental consent rules, and any additional stipulations, ensuring you’re fully informed about the laws in your specific location.
Understanding the specific laws in your state is crucial for both tattoo enthusiasts and artists. Non-compliance can result in legal penalties, including fines and even criminal charges. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of the laws governing tattoo age restrictions:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Colorado
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-4-2103
- Parental Consent Required: Parental consent allowed for ages 16-17.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nevada
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: State law does not directly address minimum age or parental consent. Local regulations may apply.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
North Dakota
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: N.D. Code § 12.1-31-13
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental
