Tattoos are a popular skin design for Americans. However, there are rules for anyone wishing to get a legal tattoo. How old do you have to be to get a tattoo, and what are other important considerations? Let’s explore the topic.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo?
What is the legal age to get a tattoo? You must be at least 18 in America to legally get a tattoo. In other words, once you reach 18, you can legally get a tattoo without parental or guardian permission or having to get any documents concerning being 18.
However, it’s important to note that in the United States, no federal law describes the minimum age for getting a tattoo. Each state controls all such laws. In some states, the age could be as low as 14 but generally requires parental consent.
Tattoo Laws by State
Every tattoo artist and customer must pay attention to the tattoo laws of their state.
Alabama: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – Customer must not be intoxicated or impaired – Class C misdemeanor.
Alaska: Age 18 – No minors – Class B misdemeanor.
Arizona: Age 18 – Parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – Class 6 felony.
Arkansas: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – Customer must not be intoxicated or impaired – Class A misdemeanor.
California: Age 18 – No minors – Misdemeanor.
Colorado: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – Petty offense.
Connecticut: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – No penalty.
District of Columbia: Age 18 – No minors – No penalty.
Delaware: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – Customer must not be intoxicated or impaired – No penalty.
Florida: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (Must be no younger than 16. If younger than 16, tattooing must be for medical or dental purposes by a licensed physician or dentist) – Misdemeanor of the second degree.
Georgia: Age 18 – No minors – Illegal to tattoo under 18 unless performed by a licensed osteopath or technician acting under the direct supervision of a licensed physician or osteopath – Illegal to tattoo within an inch of the eyes – Misdemeanor.
Hawaii: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – Misdemeanor.
Idaho: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (must be no younger than 14) – Misdemeanor.
Illinois: Age 18 – Parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – Class A misdemeanor.
Indiana: Age 18 – Parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – Class A misdemeanor.
Iowa: Age 18 – No minors – Serious misdemeanor.
Kansas: Age 18 – Written and notarized consent from parent or guardian, and parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – Class A misdemeanor.
Kentucky: Age 18 – Written and notarized consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – No penalty.
Louisiana: Age 18 – Written and notarized consent from parent or guardian, and parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – A fine of $100-$500 and/or prison 30 days to a year.
Maine: Age 18 – No minors – Class E offense.
Maryland: Age 18 – No minors – Misdemeanor.
Massachusetts: Age 18 – No minors – $300 fine and/or prison up to one year.
Michigan: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – Customer must not be intoxicated or impaired – Misdemeanor.
Minnesota: Age 18 – No minors- Customer must not be intoxicated or impaired – Misdemeanor.
Mississippi: Age 18 – No minors – Misdemeanor.
Missouri: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – Customer must not be intoxicated or impaired – Misdemeanor.
Montana: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian, and parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – Customer must not be intoxicated or impaired – Unlawful transactions with children with a fine up to $500 or county jail imprisonment for no more than six months or both. Second offense with a fine up to $1,000 and no more than six months or both.
Nebraska: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian, and parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – Misdemeanor.
New Hampshire: Age 18 – No minors – Class A misdemeanor.
New Jersey: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian and parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – A fine of $50 to $1,000.
New Mexico: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian – Misdemeanor.
New York: Age 18 – No minors – Misdemeanor.
North Carolina: Age 18 – No minors – Class 2 misdemeanor.
North Dakota: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian, and parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – Illegal to tattoo within an inch of the eyes – Class B misdemeanor.
Ohio: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian, and parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – Misdemeanor.
Oklahoma: Age 18 – No minors – Illegal to tattoo within an inch of the eyes – Misdemeanor.
Oregon: Age 18 – Authorization of a physician for minors (no minimum minor age specified) – Illegal to tattoo within an inch of the eyes – Class B misdemeanor.
Pennsylvania: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian, and parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – First offense 3rd-degree misdemeanor, Second offense 2nd-degree misdemeanor.
Rhode Island: Age 18 – No minors – Misdemeanor.
South Carolina: Age 21 – Written consent from parent or guardian (must be no younger than 18) – Illegal to tattoo the head, face, neck, or within an inch of the eyes – Misdemeanor.
South Dakota: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – Illegal to tattoo within an inch of the eyes – Class 2 misdemeanor.
Tennessee: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian, and parent or guardian must be present (Must be no younger than 16) – Minors who misrepresent their ages are fined $50 to $250, Class A misdemeanor for the tattoo artist.
Texas: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian and must cover any existing tattoos that are offensive, gang-related, or drug-related (no minimum minor age specified) – Illegal to tattoo within an inch of the eyes – Class B misdemeanor for minors who misrepresent their ages, Class A misdemeanor for the tattoo artist.
Utah: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (no minimum minor age specified) – Class B misdemeanor.
Vermont: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian and parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – $5,000 or prison up to one year.
Virginia: Age 18 – Parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – Class 1 misdemeanor.
Washington: Age 18 – No minors – Illegal to tattoo within an inch of the eyes – Misdemeanor.
West Virginia: Age 18 – Written consent from parent or guardian (must be no younger than 14) – Illegal to tattoo within an inch of the eyes – Misdemeanor.
Wisconsin: Age 18 – Authorization from a physician if a minor (no minimum minor age specified) – Fine up to $200.
Wyoming: Age 18 – Parent or guardian must be present (no minimum minor age specified) – Misdemeanor.
States That Allow Minors to Get a Tattoo With Parental Permission
Minors must have parental permission:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Vermont
States That Allow Minors to Get a Tattoo With Parental Permission and Presence
Minors must have parental permission, and the parent must be present:
- Arizona
- Virginia
- Iowa
States That Allow You to Get a Tattoo at 18
You must be 18:
- Alaska
- California
- Georgia
- Kansas
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Why Are Age Restrictions Important?
As you can see, there are states in the US that allow tattoos at 18, and there are states in the US that allow minors to get tattoos with parental or guardian consent. However, a tattoo is a serious design, especially for minors.
If the person getting the tattoo is not 18, parents or guardians must have open and honest conversations with their minors about the responsibilities and risks of getting a tattoo at a young age.
There are many reasons why getting a tattoo has age rules attached to the act:
- They help protect minors from making impulsive decisions they may regret later.
- They ensure a person is mature enough to make an informed decision about a tattoo.
- They recognize that tattoos are permanent. They can have long-lasting effects on a person’s body and self-image.
- They support ethical behavior and maintain the tattoo industry’s reputation. Tattoo artists and studios show their dedication to moral and legal standards by adhering to these rules.
What Documents Are Needed to Get a Tattoo in the USA?
- Valid Identification: Most tattoo studios require a valid form of identification to verify your age. This is typically a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card.
- A Tattoo Consent Form: A tattoo consent form is a crucial document that serves multiple purposes in the tattooing process. Whether you are 18 or a minor with parental consent, getting a tattoo without a consent form is a red flag. The document usually includes essential details such as the artist’s name, address, contact information, and the customer’s personal information.
- Health History Form: Tattoo studios often require clients to fill out a health history form. This helps them assess any potential health risks or conditions that may affect the tattooing process. It’s important to provide accurate and thorough information to ensure your safety.
For minors who wish to get a tattoo, an extra parental consent form is needed.
- Parental Consent Form: In many states, a parent or legal guardian must provide written consent for a minor to get a tattoo. The parent or guardian may need a valid ID to prove their connection to the minor. Sometimes, the consent must be notarized.
Consequences for Obtaining a Tattoo Without Parental Consent
In California, for example, the California Penal Code says you must be 18 to get a tattoo, and you cannot be a minor. As we listed above, other states also have laws prohibiting tattooing minors without parental permission. States do not take these laws lightly.
If a tattoo artist tattoos a minor without parental consent where parental or guardian consent is required, it is considered a misdemeanor offense. Therefore, any tattoo artist who knowingly tattoos minors without parental consent can face penalties such as fines, probation, and even jail time.
Therefore, tattoo artists must adhere to the legal requirements and obtain parental consent before tattooing a minor. That said, professional tattoo artists take their profession seriously and always adhere to their state’s rules.
FAQs
Can You Get a Tattoo at 16?
Yes, it is possible. In the United States, no federal law describes the minimum age for getting a tattoo. Each state controls all such laws. In some states, the age could be as low as 14 but generally requires parental consent.
Where Can I Get a Tattoo at 16?
The following states in the United States allow individuals to get a tattoo at the age of 16 with parental consent:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida: Must be no younger than 16.
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon: Authorization of a physician needed for minors
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Tennessee: Must be no younger than 16.
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia: Must be no younger than 14.
- Wisconsin: Authorization from a physician needed if a minor
- Wyoming
What Age Can You Get a Tattoo With Parental Consent?
As low as 14. In the United States, no federal law describes the minimum age for getting a tattoo. Each state controls all such laws. In some states, the age could be as low as 14 but generally requires parental consent.
Can a 14 Year Old Get a Tattoo With Parental Consent?
Yes, it is possible. In the United States, no federal law describes the minimum age for getting a tattoo. Each state controls all such laws. In some states, the age could be as low as 14 but generally requires parental consent.
What States Can You Get a Tattoo at 14?
The following states in the United States allow individuals to get a tattoo at the age of 14 with parental consent:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon: Authorization of a physician needed for minors
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin: Authorization from a physician needed if a minor
- Wyoming
Can You Get a Tattoo at 15 With Parental Consent?
Yes, it is possible. In the United States, no federal law describes the minimum age for getting a tattoo. Each state controls all such laws. In some states, the age could be as low as 14 but generally requires parental consent.
Can You Get a Tattoo at 17 With Parental Consent?
Yes, it is possible. In the United States, no federal law describes the minimum age for getting a tattoo. Each state controls all such laws. In some states, the age could be as low as 14 but generally requires parental consent.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Texas?
In Texas, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors can get a tattoo with written consent from a parent or guardian, but there is no specific minimum age mentioned. Offensive, gang-related, or drug-related tattoos must be covered.
Tattooing near the eyes is prohibited. Misrepresenting age is a misdemeanor for minors, and tattoo artists can face a higher-level misdemeanor.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Florida?
In Florida, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors who are at least 16 years old can get a tattoo with written consent from a parent or guardian. However, if the minor is younger than 16, tattooing is only allowed for medical or dental purposes by a licensed physician or dentist. Violation of these regulations is considered a second-degree misdemeanor.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in California?
In California, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors are not allowed to get tattoos, and it is considered a misdemeanor for both the minor seeking a tattoo and the tattoo artist to violate this regulation.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Georgia?
In Georgia, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors are not allowed to get tattoos, except if performed by a licensed osteopath or a technician under the direct supervision of a licensed physician or osteopath. Tattooing within an inch of the eyes is prohibited, and violating these regulations is considered a misdemeanor.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Illinois?
In Illinois, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors can get a tattoo with the presence of a parent or guardian, but there is no specific minimum age mentioned. Violating these regulations is considered a Class A misdemeanor.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Alabama?
In Alabama, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors can get a tattoo with written consent from a parent or guardian, but there is no specific minimum age mentioned. It is required that the customer is not intoxicated or impaired during the tattooing process. Violation of these regulations is considered a Class C misdemeanor.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors who are at least 16 years old can get a tattoo with written consent from a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must also be present during the tattooing process.
Minors who misrepresent their ages can face fines ranging from $50 to $250, while tattoo artists can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for violating these regulations.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors are not allowed to get tattoos. Tattooing within an inch of the eyes is prohibited, and violating these regulations is considered a misdemeanor.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Michigan?
In Michigan, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors can get a tattoo with written consent from a parent or guardian, but there is no specific minimum age mentioned. It is required that the customer is not intoxicated or impaired during the tattooing process. Violating these regulations is considered a misdemeanor.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Arizona?
In Arizona, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors can get a tattoo with the presence of a parent or guardian, but there is no specific minimum age mentioned. Violating these regulations is considered a Class 6 felony, which is a serious offense.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Iowa?
In Iowa, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors are not allowed to get tattoos. Violating these regulations is considered a serious misdemeanor.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo in Oregon?
In Oregon, the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18. Minors can only get a tattoo if they have authorization from a physician, but there is no specific minimum age mentioned. Tattooing within an inch of the eyes is prohibited, and violating these regulations is considered a Class B misdemeanor.
To Conclude
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo? As we have shown, the legal age restrictions for getting a tattoo vary across different countries, with some jurisdictions allowing minors to get tattoos with parental consent. Even if minors are qualified to get a tattoo in your state, you should consider factors such as maturity, understanding of the permanence and risks of tattoos, and emotional readiness.
A comprehensive tattoo consent form should address various aspects to ensure informed consent and protect the artist and the client. This includes age verification and parental consent, photography and documentation release, and aftercare instructions and responsibilities.
By having these considerations in the consent form, both parties can enter into the tattooing process with a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
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