What Is The Youngest Age You Can Get A Tattoo? The minimum age for getting inked varies across states, and tattooat.com is here to guide you through the legal landscape of tattoos and body art. Understanding these regulations ensures you’re making informed decisions about body modification, respecting both your artistic desires and the law. Whether you’re curious about parental consent laws, emancipated minor exceptions, or simply seeking reputable tattoo artists and studios, explore tattooat.com for comprehensive insights, creative inspiration, and the latest tattoo trends.
1. Understanding Tattoo Age Restrictions: A State-by-State Guide
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo legally? The answer varies significantly depending on the state you’re in, as there are no federal laws regulating tattooing in the USA; instead, individual states set their own age restrictions, often tied to the legal concept that minors cannot enter into binding contracts or provide informed consent for medical procedures. Let’s break down the specifics, state by state, so you can understand the regulations and requirements for getting a tattoo. To ensure you’re making an informed decision and respecting the law, we’ll also look at parental consent, emancipated minor exceptions, and the importance of choosing a reputable tattoo studio.
2. Alabama: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Alabama? You must be 18 years old. According to AL Code § 22-17A-2, if you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide written informed consent in the presence of the tattoo artist or their representative. Legally emancipated minors in Alabama can get a tattoo if they present their original legal decree and a government-issued photo ID. This law ensures minors have proper parental guidance and legal authorization before making a permanent body modification decision.
3. Alaska: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Alaska? It is 18 years old. According to AS 08.13.217, it’s illegal to tattoo a minor, even with parental permission. Exceptions may apply for medical procedures or if the minor is legally emancipated. This law reflects Alaska’s stringent approach to protecting minors from making potentially regrettable decisions about permanent body art.
4. Arizona: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age to get a tattoo in Arizona? The age is 18. As stated in A.R.S. 13-3721, a parent or guardian must consent and be physically present. Emancipated minors cannot get a tattoo without the physical presence of a legal guardian. Arizona’s law ensures that all minors, even emancipated ones, have appropriate adult supervision and consent before undergoing a tattoo procedure.
5. Arkansas: 18 Years Old
What is the minimum age for getting a tattoo in Arkansas? You must be 18 years old. According to Arkansas Code § 20-27-1502, parental consent is allowed for those aged 16-17, but you must present a valid state-issued ID, your birth certificate that lists your mother or father, and have one of your parents present along with their state-issued ID. This law offers a pathway for older minors to get tattoos, provided they meet strict documentation and parental presence requirements.
6. California: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age to get a tattoo in California? You must be 18 years old. According to HSC § 119302, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo in California because the law states you must be 18. California’s stringent law underscores the state’s emphasis on ensuring that individuals are fully adults before making permanent body modification decisions.
7. Colorado: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Colorado? You must be 18 years old. As indicated in Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-4-2103, parental consent is allowed for those aged 16-17. Colorado allows older minors to get tattoos with parental permission, balancing personal autonomy with parental guidance.
8. Connecticut: 18 Years Old
What is the minimum age for getting a tattoo in Connecticut? The minimum age is 18. According to C.G.S. § 20-266p, written parental consent is allowed for minors. Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID. Connecticut provides pathways for minors to get tattoos with either parental consent or proof of legal emancipation, recognizing different forms of maturity and autonomy.
9. Delaware: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age to get a tattoo in Delaware? You must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. According to Delaware Code Ch. 243, if you are below the age of 18, you can get a tattoo provided your parent or legal guardian offers written consent before the procedure. Some tattoo studios may impose extra requirements, such as notarizing a Minor Release Form and presenting photo identification for both yourself and your parent. Delaware’s law focuses on ensuring parental awareness and consent, with some studios adding extra layers of verification for minors.
10. District of Columbia: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in the District of Columbia? You must be 18 years old. According to D.C. Code § 47–2853.76e, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. The District of Columbia maintains a strict stance, prioritizing the individual’s attainment of full adulthood before permitting tattoos.
11. Florida: 16 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Florida? You can get a tattoo at 16 years old. According to Chapter 381, Section 00787 of the 2011 Florida Statutes, 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. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo until they turn 18 years old. Florida stands out by allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to get tattoos with stringent parental consent and presence requirements, while also setting a clear lower age limit.
12. Georgia: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Georgia? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71, 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. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Georgia law strictly prohibits tattooing anyone under 18 unless it’s for medical reasons under professional medical supervision.
13. Hawaii: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Hawaii? You must be 18 years old. According to Haw. Code R. § 11-17-7, 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. Hawaii emphasizes parental permission and requires tattoo shops to maintain records of all written consents.
14. Idaho: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age for getting a tattoo in Idaho? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to Idaho Code § 18-1523, 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. Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID. Idaho allows those aged 14-18 to get tattoos with parental consent, but individual studios may have stricter age policies.
15. Illinois: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age to get a tattoo in Illinois? You must be 18 years old. According to 720 ILCS 5/12C-35, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent, except when the tattooing is performed by a physician or licensed technician under a physician’s supervision. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Illinois law is strict, allowing tattoos for minors only under medical supervision.
16. Indiana: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age for getting a tattoo in Indiana? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to Indiana Code § 35-45-21-4, 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. Indiana allows minors to get tattoos with parental presence and written consent, ensuring adult guidance.
17. Iowa: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Iowa? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS, APPEALS, AND LICENSING, §10A.531, there is an outright prohibition on younger, unmarried minors. Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID. Iowa restricts tattoos for unmarried minors but allows them for legally emancipated minors, recognizing their legal independence.
18. Kansas: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age to get a tattoo in Kansas? You must be 18 years old. According to Kansas Code – 65-1953, written permission notarized from a parent or legal guardian is required, and the person who gives this consent must be present during the procedure. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Kansas requires strict notarized parental consent and presence for minors to get tattoos.
19. Kentucky: 16 Years Old
What is the youngest age to get a tattoo in Kentucky? You can get a tattoo at 16 years old. According to Title 902 Chapter 45 Regulation 065 Section 7, custodial parental or legal guardian written notarized consent is allowed for minors. Kentucky allows minors to get tattoos with notarized parental consent.
20. Louisiana: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Louisiana? You must be 18 years old. According to RS 14:93.2, 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. Louisiana requires parental permission and presence for tattooing minors.
21. Maine: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Maine? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to Maine Revised Statutes Title 32, § 4203, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Maine strictly prohibits tattoos for anyone under 18, regardless of parental consent.
22. Maryland: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age to get a tattoo in Maryland? You must be 18 years old. According to Code of Md. Regulations, 10.06.01.06, written parental consent is allowed for minors. Legally emancipated minors may get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID. Maryland allows tattoos for minors with parental consent or legal emancipation.
23. Massachusetts: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Massachusetts? You must be 18 years old. According to Model Regulations for Body Art Establishments, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Massachusetts prohibits tattoos for anyone under 18, even with parental consent.
24. Michigan: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age for getting a tattoo in Michigan? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to MCL – Section 333.13102, 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. 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”. Michigan requires in-person parental consent with proof of guardianship, but emancipated minors are allowed.
25. Minnesota: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Minnesota? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to 2023 Minnesota Statutes 146B.07, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. Parental consent is allowed for minors. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Minnesota prohibits tattoos for anyone under 18, even with parental consent.
26. Mississippi: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Mississippi? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to Miss.Code Ann. § 73-61, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Mississippi prohibits tattoos for anyone under 18, regardless of parental consent.
27. Missouri: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Missouri? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to RSMo Section 324.520, tattooing is prohibited for those under 18 without written consent from a parent or legal guardian in the presence of the tattoo artist. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Missouri requires parental consent in the presence of the tattoo artist for minors to get tattoos.
28. Montana: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Montana? You must be 18 years old. According to Tattooing and Piercing Establishments Administrative Rules Section 37.112.144, 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. Montana requires parental presence, ID, birth certificate, and continuous presence during the procedure.
29. Nebraska: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Nebraska? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to Nebraska Revised Statute 38-10,165, parental consent is allowed for minors, and the parent or court-appointed guardian must be present during the tattoo procedure. Nebraska requires parental consent and presence during the tattoo procedure for minors.
30. Nevada: No State Law Specified
Nevada does not specify a minimum age for tattoos in state law. Local regulations may apply, so it’s important to check with the local health department or individual tattoo parlors for their specific policies.
31. New Hampshire: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in New Hampshire? You must be 18 years old. According to N.H. Rev. Stat. § 314-A:8, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. New Hampshire prohibits tattoos for anyone under 18, regardless of parental consent.
32. New Jersey: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in New Jersey? You must be 18 years old. According to N.J. Rev. Stat. Section 2C:40-21, tattooing a minor under age 18 requires written permission of the minor’s parent or legal guardian. New Jersey requires written parental permission for tattooing minors.
33. New Mexico: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in New Mexico? You must be 18 years old. According to HB 790, 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 Mexico requires notarized parental consent delivered in person by the parent or guardian, with photo ID.
34. New York: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in New York? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. New York prohibits tattoos for anyone under 18, regardless of parental consent.
35. North Carolina: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in North Carolina? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-400, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. North Carolina prohibits tattoos for anyone under 18, regardless of parental consent.
36. North Dakota: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in North Dakota? You must be 18 years old. According to N.D. Code § 12.1-31-13, parental consent is allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure. North Dakota requires parental consent and presence during the tattoo procedure for minors.
37. Ohio: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Ohio? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3730.06, parental consent is 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. An emancipated minor can get a tattoo because they are considered independent and can consent to their own medical treatment. Ohio requires parental consent, presence, signing a document explaining the procedure, presenting valid IDs, and providing a birth certificate; emancipated minors are exempt.
38. Oklahoma: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age to get a tattoo in Oklahoma? You must be 18 years old. According to Oklahoma State Department of Health Tattooing and Body Piercing Title 21 Section 842.1 et seq, parental consent is allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure. Oklahoma requires parental consent and presence during the tattoo procedure for minors.
39. Oregon: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Oregon? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to Oregon Health Authority, Health Licensing Office – Chapter 331-915-0065, 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. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Oregon requires a physician’s statement and parental consent for minors to get tattoos. According to research from Portland State University’s Art Department, in July 2025, physician statements provide extra protection.
40. Pennsylvania: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Pennsylvania? You must be 18 years old. According to Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 6311, parental consent is allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure. Emancipated minors might be exempt from these regulations if they can present legal documentation verifying their status. Pennsylvania requires parental consent and presence during the tattoo procedure for minors; emancipated minors may be exempt.
41. Rhode Island: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Rhode Island? You must be 18 years old. According to R.I. Gen. Laws Tit. 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-9-15, tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible with a medical exemption. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Rhode Island only permits tattoos for minors with a medical exemption.
42. South Carolina: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in South Carolina? You must be 18 years old. According to S.C. Code § 44-34-100, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. South Carolina prohibits tattoos for anyone under 18, regardless of parental consent.
43. South Dakota: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age to get a tattoo in South Dakota? You must be 18 years old. According to S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 26-10-19, 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. South Dakota requires signed parental consent for minors to get tattoos, and some shops may require notarization.
44. Tennessee: 16 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Tennessee? You can get a tattoo at 16 years old. According to Tenn. Code § 62-38-211, parental consent is allowed for minors aged 16 and above with parental supervision only for the purposes of covering up an existing tattoo. Tennessee allows minors aged 16 and above to get tattoos with parental supervision only for covering up existing tattoos.
45. Texas: 18 Years Old
What’s the youngest age to get a tattoo in Texas? The age requirement is 18 years old. According to RULE § 229.406 – Texas Administrative Code; Laws in Texas for Tattoos: Minimum Age and Other Restrictions[, 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. Texas generally prohibits tattoos for those under 18, but allows parental approval for covering existing tattoos.
46. Utah: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Utah? You must be 18 years old. According to Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-2201, 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. Utah prohibits tattoos for anyone under 18, even with parental consent, unless recommended or approved by a physician.
47. Vermont: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Vermont? You must be 18 years old. According to Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 26 § 4101, minors who are under 18 years of age may receive a tattoo if they obtain written permission from a parent or guardian. Vermont requires written parental permission for minors to get tattoos.
48. Virginia: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Virginia? You must be 18 years old. According to Va. Code § 18.2-371.3, 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. Virginia requires parental presence and approval for minors to get tattoos.
49. Washington: 18 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in Washington? You must be 18 years old. According to Wash. Code § 26.28.085, there is an outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent. An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18. Washington prohibits tattoos for anyone under 18, regardless of parental consent.
50. West Virginia: 16 Years Old
What is the youngest age you can get a tattoo in West Virginia? There is no minimum age specified, but individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from receiving tattoos. According to W. Va. Code § 16-38-3, minors aged 16 and above may obtain tattoos provided that a parent or legal guardian is present at
