In the USA, there are no federal laws regulating tattooing. Instead, the minimum age to get a tattoo is set by the states and varies between states. Most states require individuals to be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo without parental consent. This is partly grounded in the legal notion that minors are unable to enter into binding contracts or provide informed consent for medical procedures. However, some states allow those younger than 18 to get tattooed with parental or guardian permission.
If you are a minor looking to get a tattoo, check local laws, regulations, and studio policies to ensure you meet the age requirements, have appropriate documentation, and obtain any parental approvals required before scheduling an appointment. Additionally, even in states where minors are permitted to receive tattoos, some studios may have their own age restrictions or may choose not to tattoo anyone under 18.
Minimum Legal Age to Get a Tattoo: State-by-State Laws
The regulations surrounding the minimum age for obtaining a tattoo can differ significantly across the United States. Some states, such as California and Texas, require individuals to be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo without any parental consent. However, states like New Jersey and Colorado permit minors as young as 16 to get tattooed if they have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, some states may not specify an exact age but instead leave the decision to individual tattoo studios, which can impose their own policies.
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
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: None specified. While Nevada state law does not impose regulations on tattoos, local health districts have the authority to set their own guidelines. For instance, the Southern Nevada Health District enforces specific tattoo laws. Minors under the age of 14 are prohibited from receiving tattoos unless they are accompanied by a medical professional. For those aged 14 to 18, obtaining a tattoo is permitted as long as a legal parent or guardian is present and provides written consent. However, certain tattoo artists may decline to tattoo individuals under 15, regardless of parental consent.
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 consent allowed for minors, and the parent must be present during the tattoo procedure.
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.
Oklahoma
Oregon
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: Oregon Health Authority, Health Licensing Office – Chapter 331-915-0065
- Parental Consent: Tattooing services may be provided to individuals under 18 years of age only if supported by a physician’s statement authorizing or recommending the procedure and they have parental consent.
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
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.
Rhode Island
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent). Tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible with a medical exemption.
- State Law: R.I. Gen. Laws Tit. 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-9-15
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
South Carolina
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: S.C. Code § 44-34-100
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
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.
Tennessee
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on minors 16 and older, except when covering up an existing tattoo).
- State Law: Tenn. Code § 62-38-211
- Parental Consent: Parental consent allowed for minors aged 16 and above with parental supervision only for the purposes of covering up and existing tattoo.
Texas
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent, except for covering an existing tattoo).
- State Law: RULE § 229.406 – Texas Administrative Code
- 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.
Utah
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent). Tattooing a minor under 18 years of age is only permissible if authorized or prescribed by a physician.
- State Law: Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-2201
- Parental Consent Required: No tattoo or permanent cosmetic procedure may be performed on anyone under the age of 18, even if parental consent is provided, unless it is recommended or approved by a physician.
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.
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.
Washington
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent).
- State Law: Wash. Code § 26.28.085
- Emancipated Minors: An emancipated minor cannot get a tattoo because the law states you must be 18.
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.
Wisconsin
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (outright prohibition on younger minors, even if they have parental consent, except when the tattooing is performed by a physician in the course of the physician’s professional practice).
- State Law: Wisc. Admin. Code Ch. SPS 221.10(1)(b)(3)
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.
Summary of Tattoo Laws in the United States
Much like negligence laws in the US, tattoo laws across the United States vary significantly by state, primarily focusing on the minimum age requirement for receiving a tattoo and the need for parental consent. Most states enforce a minimum age of 18, with outright prohibitions on tattooing minors.
However, several states permit tattooing minors aged 16 or 17 with written parental consent or require the presence of a parent or guardian during the procedure. A few states uniquely allow for tattoos to be administered at lower ages under specific circumstances, such as medical recommendations. Understanding these legal frameworks is crucial for both tattoo recipients and artists to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Even if you are legally allowed to receive a tattoo, such as through parental consent or if you are 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, irrespective of legal permissions. This reluctance can stem from concerns over the permanence of tattoos, the maturity required to make such a decision, or past experiences with younger clients. Therefore, it is advisable for potential clients to communicate directly with the tattoo studio to clarify their policies and possibly arrange for a consultation before the procedure.
