How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Tattoos?

How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Tattoos? Getting a tattoo or a piercing is always exciting, especially the first time. But such physical and life-altering experiences for young adults shouldn’t be taken lightly. That is why many parents and youngsters are concerned about one issue: the minimum age for getting a tattoo or piercing.

So, what legal age to get a tattoo is require? The minimum age is 18 in all states of the United States. The legal drinking age is also 18 in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Depending on the state, you can occasionally be allow to get a minor with parental consent.

Credit: tattoosbymatt_

RELATED: 74 Alluring And Graceful Tribal Tattoo Ideas And Design For Waist

With the approval of their parents or legal guardians, a child can get a tattoo; however, some states may not accept parental authorization if the minor is under a specific age. A tattoo is something you should not hurry into or get perform illegally, especially if you are a kid.

What Is The Earliest Legal Age To Get A Tattoo? 

Moreover, the laws governing tattooing differ from nation to country and even from state within the U. S., making it challenging to provide a definitive response to this topic. No matter where you live, the age limit for getting a tattoo in the United States is 18.

Credit: ll3.tattoo

You won’t also need to obtain parental authorization at this age, sign any additional consent papers, have your age confirmed, or be concerned about disobeying any state laws. Each state has its own regulations on the application of body alteration and body art to minors, and there are also additional municipal regulations.

In accordance with 38 state legislation, children may have tattoos with their parents’ knowledge and approval or in their presence. But due to safety and liability concerns, most tattoo artists won’t ink anyone younger than 15 or 16.

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgyf0xNtXUO/ 

RELATED: 67 Elegant And Pleasing Peacock Tattoos Ideas And Designs For Beautiful Back.

The Reasons For Tattoo Age Limits

However, the majority of professional studios do not feel at ease tattooing children under the age of 16. Even if the parent is there, many tattoo artists will deny the work due to factors including the child’s physical development, intellectual growth, and emotional stability, as well as the fact that getting a tattoo is essentially a medical procedure.

If a customer says they are 18, but it turns out they were ink without parental or guardian authorization, the tattoo artist and their shop run the possibility of paying significant fines that may even force them to close.

There are also two principal reasons why the age to get tattoo limits and tattoo laws are in place:

Credit: almtattoo

Old School Mindset

Legislators frequently disapprove of tattoos since they are typically from older, more traditional generations. As a result, they utilize their political influence to make it difficult to obtain tattoos or to effectively ban them, which makes it more challenging for businesses to comply.

The Professional Process OF Getting A Tattoo

Moreover, the second reason for age to get tattoo limitations is that getting a tattoo is a medical procedure that must follow specific criteria. Tattooing comes with some dangers, especially when done on children. If a shop’s equipment is not adequately sanitize and does not follow t basic requirements, viruses, diseases, and as well as germs can spread quickly.

List Of States And Their Rules Regarding Tattooing Children Under The Age

The United States has also an 18-year-old minimum legal age to get a tattoo requirement nationwide. That also implies that anyone over the age of 18 can get a tattoo without parental permission. However, the legality of getting a tattoo while still a minor varies by state. Learn about the laws in the state where you intend to get your tattoo before you begin the planning process.

Credit: laclaude.tattoo

RELATED: 54 Incredible And Meaningful Quote Tattoo Ideas And Designs For Shoulder

Alabama

The minimum age to get tattoo is also not on it. In order to get minors should acquire their guardians’ informed written approval, which must be approve in front of the tattoo artist.

Alaska

If you’re 18 or older, you can also have a tattoo. Both written and physical permission from a parent or guardian requires for the procedure.

Arizona

Although the minimum age is not in it a parent or guardian must be present when the procedure is finish. Furthermore, Some shops allow minors to get tattoos with the written permission of their parents or guardians.

Arkansas

Young individuals who are at least 18 years old can receive a tattoo or a body piercing. It is also ban to perform any of these procedures on children.

Credit: kult.tattoo

California

Moreover, tattoos are permitted for young individuals aged 18 and over. The procedure must also be performed with a parent or adult present. Nipples and as well as the genital region cannot be tattooed.

Colorado

Furthermore, With the written parental agreement, young individuals 18 or older may have a tattoo. The operation requires the presence of a parent or as well as guardian.

Connecticut

Moreover, no minimum legal age to get a tattoo is mentioned. It is also necessary to have parental or guardian consent.

D.C.

18+-year-olds can obtain tattoos; however, body piercing is not permitted. Parental or as well as guardian approval must be obtained in writing.

Credit: jess_ink__

RELATED: When Can I Remove My Tattoo Wrap?

Delaware

Anyone 18 years or as well as older may receive a tattoo or a body piercing and mandatory written permission that has been certified for a particular procedure.

Florida

Anyone aged 16 or also older may acquire a tattoo or a body piercing. Moreover, It is necessary to have a parent or guardian present, along with picture identification, proof of guardianship, and notarized consent.

Georgia

18+-year-olds can as well as obtain tattoos, and for getting tattoos, parental or guardian approval must be receive in writing.

Hawaii

No minimum age is also mention. Moreover, it is necessary to get formal parental or guardian approval for tattooing operations.

Idaho

Teenagers who are at least 14 years old can obtain a tattoo. Written, informed parental/guardian permission is essential, as is the presence of a parent/guardian during the procedure.

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgyf0nGtPyn/ 

Illinois

18+-year-olds can obtain tattoos, but a written parental or guardian authorization is necessary.

Indiana

No minimum age to get a tattoo is also mentioned. The procedure requires the presence of a parent or guardian who also gives written approval.

Iowa

Anyone 18 years of age or as well as older may receive a tattoo or a body piercing. Furthermore, It is illegal to tattoo children.

Kansas

Anyone aged 16 or older may also acquire a tattoo. The parent or guardian must provide written, notarized consent and be present during the operation.

RELATED: Why Do Tattoos Scar & How Do You Prevent It?

Kentucky

No minimum legal age to get a tattoo is also mentioned. Parental or guardian consent must be expressed in writing and as well as notarized.

Credit: jess_ink__

Louisiana

Teenagers who are 16 years old or older can as well as receive a tattoo. For tattoos, a parent or guardian must give written permission and be present during the process.

Maine

18+-year-olds can obtain tattoos; however, parental or guardian permission is necessary by law.

Maryland

There is also no mention of the minimum age. But young adults should get written permission from their parents or guardians, and that permission should be kept on file for three years.

Massachusetts

With the exception of the genital region, young adults 18 or as well as older may receive tattoos. Furthermore, A parent could present identification and sign the consent form in the case of non-genital tattoos.

Michigan

No minimum age is also mention. Parental or guardian approval requires in writing and must also be present with physical presence for tattooing.

Credit: kult.tattoo

RELATED: What Happens If You Scratch a Tattoo?

Minnesota

Teenagers who are 18 years or above can as well as get tattoos. Moreover, youngsters are not allow to have tattoos on their nipples or genital area.

Missouri

Moreover, there is no minimum age for getting a tattoo, whereas a written agreement with the signature of a parent or guardian is essential.

Montana

No age limit is as well as mention. A parent or legal guardian must express “explicit” permission “in person” and also be present throughout the procedure.

Nebraska

There is also no mention of the minimum age to get a tattoo. However, the operation requires a parent or guardian’s written agreement and physical presence.

Nevada

Insufficient information is also available. Moreover, tattoos, piercings, and other body art are not allow under Nevada law. Regional health districts could as well as govern these procedures.

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CgyfxK8OOA9/ 

RELATED:

New Hampshire

Young adults who are at least 18 years old are allowed to have tattoos. A parent or legal guardian must provide written approval for piercings and be present throughout the process.

New Jersey

Tattoos are legal for young adults 16 and older, but the procedures require the written permission of a parent or legal guardian.

North Mexico

There is no minimum age requirement. Parents or guardians must sign a written consent form and be present throughout the procedure.

RELATED: Who Is At Fault For A Tattoo Blowout?

New York

Anyone 18 years of age or older can obtain a tattoo. Without specific written approval from both parents or legal guardians, who must also be present throughout the tattooing process, youngsters cannot get inked.

North Carolina

Young adults who are at least 18 years old are allowed to have tattoos. But even with parental or guardian approval, minors cannot have tattoos.

Credit: elena_joint

North Dakotas

There is no minimum age requirement. Written parental or guardian consent is necessary, and both must be present during the procedure.

Ohio

The minimum age to get tattoo is not specified. The procedure requires the written approval of both parents or legal guardians, who must also be present.

Oklahoma

Tattoos are legal for young adults 18 and older. Children under 18 cannot have tattoos without their written, signed, and parent or guardian’s presence. However, scleral tattooing is prohibits by Oklahoma law.

Oregon

Young adults who are at least 18 years old are allow to have tattoos. Minors can have tattoos with the permission of a doctor.

Pennsylvania

No minimum age is mention. Minors cannot get ink without written approval from both parents or legal guardians, who must also be present throughout the tattooing process.

RELATED: When Can I Start Using Lotion On My Tattoo?

Rhode Island

Tattoos are permits for adults age 18, but minors cannot have tattoos.

Credit: kult.tattoo

South Carolina

Young adults who are at least 18 years old are allow to have tattoos. Moreover, It is illegal to tattoo children. Also, tattoos on the head, face, or neck are ban.

South Dakota

No age restriction is mention, and parental or guardian authorization is requires for body piercings and tattoos.

Tennessee

Tattoos are permits for young individuals age 18 and over. A parent or legal guardian must obtain written authorization and be present for any tattoos or tattoos that cover already-existing tattoos.

Texas

While body piercings are permits for young adults 18 and older, tattoos are not.

Parental or guardian agreement is requires in writing and presence for tattoos that cover already-existing tattoos.

Utah

There is no declared minimum age. The process requires a parent or guardian’s written consent, identification, and presence.

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgyfz1fJpTv/ 

RELATED: 20 Best Tattoo Artists from All Over The World To Get Ink Inspiration From

Vermont

No minimum age is also mention, and there is no specific information available.

Virginia

No minimum age is given. But during the procedure, a parent or guardian must be present.

Washington

Young adults who are at least 18 years old are allow to have tattoos; However, teens cannot get to have tattoo. There is no more data available.

West Virginia

There is no indication of minimum age. A parent or legal representative must sign off in writing.

Wisconsin

Tattoos are also permits for young individuals age 18 and over. Moreover, People under the age of 18 are not allow to have tattoos. As part of their professional practice, also doctors are permits to do tattooing.

Wyoming

The age restriction is also not specified. Verbal agreement and as well as the physical presence of a parent or guardian require for the procedure. ID is as well as use to confirm age.

Credit:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CgyfvCLpCF-/ 

STATE	AGE LIMIT	CONSENT OF THE PARENT/GUARDIAN OR LAWS
Alabama	No lowest age mentioned	Minors must also have parental permission to get a tattoo. Moreover, body art regulations and restrictions in Alabama do not apply to ear piercing.
Arizona	18+	Minors must be tattooed or as a well as pierced in the presence of the parent.
Arkansas	18+	Minors must have a parent’s signature before they may get tattooed or also pierced.
Alaska	18+	Moreover, kids are not allowed to have tattoos. But, minors can have their earlobe pierced with parental permission.
California	18+	During the technique, a parental or as well as custodian must be there. Teenagers with parent approval could also have their earlobe punctured. Piercing or also tattooing of the genital section or nipples is not legalized.
Colorado	18+	With the documented parental agreement, young adults can obtain a tattoo and as well as a body penetrating. During the process, a parent and as well as custodian must be there.
Connecticut	The least age isn’t clear.	Minors must have parental approval, AND as well as a physician or registered nurse must be there during tattooing. Furthermore, minors may get their earlobe pierced without the permission of their parent.
District of Columbia	18+	Tattoos are acceptable for young adults, and also piercing is permitted. It is also necessary to have written parental/guardian consent. Moreover, minors with parental approval can have their earlobe pierced.
Delaware	18+	For a specific process, verified written consent was also essential. Furthermore, there aren’t any rules governing youngsters or ear penetrating.
Florida	16+	A parent must also be there, along with evidence of responsibility, picture identification, and handwritten authorization. Piercing for dental and as well as medical purposes is approved if complete by a dentist or doctor.
Georgia	18+	Tattoos are allowed for young adults who are 18 plus, and as well as piercing is official. Moreover, body piercing procedures involve written parent/custodian approval. On the other hand, teenagers without parental authorization can have their earlobe punctured.
Hawaii	There isn’t any lowest age limit.	Written parental/guardian approval is also necessary for tattooing and penetrating operations.
Idaho	14+	Minors between the ages of 14 and 18 require the written authorization and also presence of a parent and even legal guardian to have a piercing or ink.
Illinois	18+	Youngsters are also not allowed to enter a tattoo shop without the presence of a parent and legal guardian. Moreover, youngsters are not legalized to get tattoos. On the other hand, minors can get their earlobe punctured without parental consent.
Indiana	The bottom age isn’t defined.	To undergo a piercing or ink, minors must have a written contract and as well as the existence of a parent and even a legal guardian.
Iowa	18+	Moreover, it is against the law to tattoo a child. There aren’t any laws against body piercing.
Kansas	16+	A parent and as well as even caretaker should offer written, signed consent and be available throughout the task. Moreover, children can get their earlobes punctured without the approval of their paternities.
Kentucky	There isn’t any lowest age obligation.	Written, signed consent from parents or as well as guardians is compulsory. The Ear also penetrating necessities to be verified, with written permission.
Louisiana	16+	For minors to have a tattoo and piercing, parental or as well as custodian consent is required.
Maine	18+	Tattooing a child is also prohibited. Moreover, For minors to get pierced, parental or custodian authorization must be provided in writing.
Maryland	The lowest age isn’t clear.	Age restrictions for body piercing and tattoos are not currently regulated by legislation.Young adults must have written permission from the parent or caretaker, and that permission must be kept on file for three years.
Massachusetts	18+	18+-year-olds can also obtain a tattoo and a piercing, but not in the genital region. A parent can present identification and sign the consent form in the case of non-genital body piercing.
Michigan	No lowest age is mentioned.	A parent and as well as even custodian must give written, informed consent and be there for body piercing and tattooing procedures. There isn’t any age restriction or requirement for parental approval in cases when children have their earlobe pierced.
Minnesota	18+	Youngsters are not allowed to have a nipple or genital tattoo or piercing. The division of the tongue, subdermal implantation, and other types of common body adaptation are not permitted for minors.
Mississippi	18	It is also against the law to tattoo or pierce a minor.
Missouri	There isn’t any specified minimum age.	A parent/caretaker should provide an on-paper contract and be available throughout the technique for both piercings and tattoos. There isn’t any info for teenagers who need to get their earlobes punctured.
Montana	There isn’t any least age obligation.	A parent and custodian should offer “clear,” “in-person” consent and be available throughout the procedure. There isn’t any info for teenagers who desire to get their earlobe pierced.
Nebraska	The minimum age isn’t given.	A parent and protector should sign a consent letter and be there during the task. Piercing doesn’t include the ear’s exterior components.
Nevada	There isn’t any information provided.	There are presently no age restrictions for tattoos or body piercing. Tattoo and as well as piercing parlors are not regulated by the state.
New Hampshire	18+	A parent/custodian should sign a written consent letter and be there through the piercing procedure. Youngsters are not allowed to be tattooed or marked, although they can have their earlobe punctured without parental authorization.
New Jersey	16+	Both procedures require written parental/guardian consent. Minors can get their earlobes punctured with parental permission.
New Mexico	There isn’t any least age requirement.	Minors require written authorization and the existence of a parent and caretaker while getting a tattoo and piercing.
New York	18+	Teenagers are not allowed to be inked unless they have recognized and signed a parental/caretaker agreement, and both must be there thru the procedure. Minors can also get their earlobe punctured without parental consent.
North Carolina	18+	Even with parent or caretaker approval, tattoos cannot be applied to teenagers. Youngsters can attain their ears punctured without parental consent.
North Dakota	There isn’t any age requirement.	Both parents/guardians must give written approval and be available thru the process. There isn’t any info for children who desire to get their earlobe pierced.
Ohio	The minimum age isn’t specified.	Both parents/guardians must give written approval and as well as be there throughout the system. Minors cannot have their earlobe pierced unless they have parental/custodian authorization and are present during the process.
Oklahoma	18+	Teenagers are not allowed to be inked unless they have recognized and signed a parental/guardian agreement, and both must be there throughout the surgery. Oklahoma rule does not ban earlobe penetrating; however, scleral tattooing is banned.
Oregon	18+	A parent/custodian should give written consent and evidence of identity for body piercings. Minors can be inked with the consent of a doctor.
Pennsylvania	There isn’t any age necessity.	Teenagers are not legalized to be inked unless they have recognize and signed a parental/guardian agreement, and as well as both must be there throughout the technique. There isn’t any information on minors or ear piercings.
Rhode Island	18+	Teenagers cannot be ink, although they can have their earlobe pierced with the permission of a parent and even a custodian.
South Carolina	18+	Tattooing isn’t legalized for children. They are allowed to attain their earlobe punctured if the parent and even carer have given on paper certified consent and are there during the practice. Inkings on the face and also head are still illegal.
South Dakota	The minimum age isn’t specified.	A parent should sign a consent letter for inking and piercings.There isn’t info on youngsters or ear penetrating.
Tennessee	18+	A minor over the age of 18 may obtain a tattoo to cover a current tattoo, but they should have their parent there and have ID.Minors must have written approval and the availability of a parent and even legal guardian to get pierced.
Texas	18+	Minors must have written permission and the availability of a parent and even legal guardian to obtain a tattoo.Only if it is to hide an ‘excessive or offensive’ tattoo and the parent feels it is ‘in the best interests of the child.’Body piercing laws and regulations do not apply to ear piercing.
Utah	There isn’t any smallest age obligation.	A parent and even a caretaker should give written authorization, offer confirmation of identity, and be there thru the procedure.Minors can get their earlobes punctured without the approval of the parent or custodians.
Vermont	No lowest age is mentioned.	Minors must also have the written permission of a parent and legal guardian before getting a piercing or ink. There isn’t any further info presented.
Virginia	There isn’t any reference for minimum age.	During the process, a parent should be there.Minors can have their earlobe punctured without the consent or presence of the parent or custodians.
Washington	18+	It is also contrary to the regulation of tattoo teenagers. Nothing further is known at this time.
West Virginia,	No lowest age is mentioned.	A parent and as well as even a caretaker must propose written consent.
Wisconsin	18+	Moreover, Tattooing isn’t lawful for teenagers below 18.Tattooing and penetrating can be performed by a doctor as a form of expert training.
Wyoming	Not least age is mentioned.	A parent and also custodian should give verbal consent and be there throughout the practice.According to Wyoming state law, procedures are carried out under the direction of a trained doctor.

RELATED: Can I Still Donate Blood and Plasma If I Have Tattoos?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which States Permit 14 Years Old To Get A Tattoo?

Getting a tattoo or piercing under the age of 14 is risky and as well as it can be complicate. However, there are twenty-four states that permit minors under the age of 14 to have tattoos or some sort of piercing including ear piercing with parent or guardian written approval, caretaker present, or both. 

This written approval is for the safety of both the minor and as well as the artist.  According to Iowa law, married children are exempt from parental consent requirements while getting tattoos.

However, just because state law allows it does not guarantee that a tattoo artist will agree to tattoo a 14-year-old. Furthermore, Most artists will refuse anyone under the age of 15, regardless of their consent. 

Tattooing a kid, even with parental agreement, is also a crime in several areas. Tattoos are also permanent, and many people consider that kids are not old enough to make knowledgeable choices.

Is It Illegal For Teenagers To Have Hand And Neck Tattoos?

In most places, tattoo parlors will as well as avoid tattooing a child’s hands, face, or neck because of possible legal or medical implications for the parlor or the artist. Some also states expressly prohibit face tattoos. 

The purpose of the rules is to protect your health and safety as well as the health and safety of the tattoo artist and the store.

Furthermore, it is a strict rule in Denmark for tattoo artists not to ink a child’s neck, head, or hands. In several states, it is also illegal to acquire a tattoo on one’s face. A tattoo cannot be place within an inch of your eyes, for instance, in Georgia. 

You also cannot get offensive or hateful pictures tattooed, and most artists will decline to do so. Furthermore, tattooing on children is illegal in Texas, except to cover up existing obscene or offensive designs.