When Can You Get A Tattoo? In the US, the answer depends on state laws, but tattooat.com can help you navigate the regulations and find the perfect artist for your body art vision. Getting inked is a personal decision that requires careful consideration, and understanding legal age restrictions is crucial for a safe and compliant tattoo experience. Dive into the details, explore stunning tattoo designs, and discover talented artists on tattooat.com, your go-to resource for all things tattoos, including tattoo aftercare and tattoo culture.
1. What Age Do You Need to Be to Get a Tattoo?
The minimum age to get a tattoo in the United States varies by state. Generally, most states require individuals to be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent. This is because individuals under 18 are typically considered minors who cannot enter legally binding contracts or provide informed consent for medical procedures.
2. Are There Any Exceptions to the Minimum Age Law?
Yes, some states allow individuals younger than 18 to get a tattoo with parental consent or if they are legally emancipated. The specific rules vary by state, so it’s essential to check the laws in your location.
3. Can Minors Get Tattoos with Parental Consent?
In several states, minors can get tattoos if they have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. In these cases, the parent or guardian must often be present during the tattooing procedure.
For example, in Arkansas, individuals aged 16-17 can get a tattoo with parental consent. They must present a valid state-issued identification, a birth certificate listing the parent’s name, and have one parent present with their state-issued ID.
4. What About Emancipated Minors? Can They Get Tattoos?
The ability for emancipated minors to get tattoos also varies by state. Some states, like Connecticut and Iowa, allow legally emancipated minors to get a tattoo if they present their legal decree or marriage certificate and a government-issued photo ID. However, in states like California and New York, even emancipated minors cannot get a tattoo because the law explicitly states that individuals must be 18 years old.
5. What Happens If I Get a Tattoo Underage?
Getting a tattoo underage in a state that prohibits it can have legal consequences for both the minor and the tattoo artist. The tattoo artist could face fines or lose their license, and the minor could face legal penalties as well.
6. What Should I Do Before Getting a Tattoo?
Before getting a tattoo, it is essential to:
- Research the laws in your state regarding the minimum age for tattooing and parental consent requirements.
- Find a reputable tattoo artist and studio that follows proper safety and hygiene procedures.
- Discuss your tattoo design with the artist and ensure it is appropriate and aligns with your values.
- Understand the risks associated with tattooing, such as infections and allergic reactions.
- Follow the tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
7. How Do Tattoo Studios Verify Age and Parental Consent?
Tattoo studios typically require individuals to provide valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify their age. If parental consent is required, the studio will usually ask for a signed consent form and proof of guardianship, such as a birth certificate.
8. Are There Any States Without Age Restrictions for Tattoos?
While most states have laws regulating the minimum age for tattooing, a few states do not have specific age restrictions. However, even in these states, tattoo studios may have their own policies regarding tattooing minors.
9. Can Tattoo Studios Refuse to Tattoo Someone, Even If They Meet the Legal Requirements?
Yes, tattoo studios have the right to refuse service to anyone, even if they meet the legal requirements. This is often based on the studio’s policies or concerns about the client’s maturity or decision-making ability.
10. Where Can I Find More Information About Tattoo Laws?
You can find more information about tattoo laws by checking your state’s health department website or consulting with a legal professional. You can also find valuable resources and information on tattooat.com.
11. Understanding State-by-State Tattoo Age Laws in the USA
Navigating the world of tattoos involves understanding the legal landscape. In the United States, tattoo laws vary significantly from state to state, especially regarding the minimum age to get a tattoo. Here’s a detailed breakdown to keep you informed:
1. Alabama
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: AL Code § 22-17A-2
- Parental Consent Required: Yes, the minor’s parent or legal guardian must provide written informed consent in the presence of the tattoo artist or their representative.
- Emancipated Minors: Legally emancipated minors can get a tattoo if they present their original legal decree and a government-issued photo ID.
2. Alaska
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: AS 08.13.217
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. It is illegal to tattoo a minor, even with parental permission, except for medical procedures or legally emancipated minors.
- Emancipated Minors: No specific laws regarding tattooing for emancipated minors in Alaska.
3. Arizona
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: A.R.S. 13-3721
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes, a parent or guardian must consent and be physically present during the tattoo.
- Emancipated Minors: Emancipated minors cannot get a tattoo without the physical presence of a legal guardian.
4. Arkansas
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Arkansas Code § 20-27-1502
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent is allowed for ages 16-17. Minors must present a valid state-issued ID, their birth certificate, and have one parent present with their state-issued ID.
5. California
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: HSC § 119302
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo in California because the law states you must be 18.
6. Colorado
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-4-2103
- Parental Consent Required: Parental consent is allowed for ages 16-17.
7. Connecticut
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: C.G.S. § 20-266p
- Parental Consent Required: Yes, written parental consent is 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.
8. Delaware
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Delaware Code Ch. 243
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes, minors under 18 can get a tattoo with written parental consent. Some studios may require notarization of a Minor Release Form and photo identification for both the minor and parent.
9. District of Columbia
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- District Law: D.C. Code § 47–2853.76e
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
10. Florida
- Minimum Age: 16 years old
- State Law: Chapter 381, Section 00787 of the 2011 Florida Statutes
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Minors aged 16 or 17 can get a tattoo if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who presents valid identification. Written notarized consent is also required, and the tattooing must be done by a licensed tattoo artist. Tattooing a minor under 16 is prohibited unless for medical or dental reasons by a licensed professional.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo until they turn 18 years old.
11. Georgia
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. 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.
12. Hawaii
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Haw. Code R. § 11-17-7
- Parental Consent Required: Yes, 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.
13. Idaho
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- 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. Some tattoo studios may require 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.
14. Illinois
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: 720 ILCS 5/12C-35
- Parental Consent: Not allowed, except when the tattooing is performed by a physician or licensed technician under a physician’s supervision.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
15. Indiana
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Indiana Code § 35-45-21-4
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Yes, 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.
16. Iowa
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- 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.
17. Kansas
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Kansas Code – 65-1953
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: 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.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
18. Kentucky
- Minimum Age: 16 years old
- State Law: Title 902 Chapter 45 Regulation 065 Section 7
- Parental Consent Required: Yes, custodial parental or legal guardian written notarized consent allowed for minors.
19. Louisiana
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: RS 14:93.2
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: 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.
20. Maine
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Maine Revised Statutes Title 32, § 4203
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
21. Maryland
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Code of Md. Regulations, 10.06.01.06
- Parental Consent Required: Yes, written parental consent is 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.
22. Massachusetts
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Model Regulations for Body Art Establishments
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
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”.
24. Minnesota
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- 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.
25. Mississippi
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Miss.Code Ann. § 73-61
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
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.
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.
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.
29. Nevada
- Information for Nevada will be added soon.
30. New Hampshire
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 314-A:8
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent.
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.
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.
33. New York
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
34. North Carolina
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-400
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
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.
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.
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.
38. Oregon
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- 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.
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.
40. Rhode Island
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: R.I. Gen. Laws Tit. 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-9-15
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible with a medical exemption.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
41. South Carolina
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: S.C. Code § 44-34-100
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
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.
43. Tennessee
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- 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.
44. Texas
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- 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.
45. Utah
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- 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.
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.
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.
48. Washington
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Wash. Code § 26.28.085
- Parental Consent: Not allowed. Outright prohibition on younger minors, even with parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
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.
50. Wisconsin
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Wisc. Admin. Code Ch. SPS 221.10(1)(b)(3)
- Parental Consent: Not allowed, except when the tattooing is performed by a physician in the course of the physician’s professional practice.
51. Wyoming
- Minimum Age: 18 years old
- State Law: Wyoming Statute § 14-3-107
- Parental Consent and Presence Required: Parental consent allowed for minors with parental supervision.
