Each province in the United States has its own set of rules controlling the practice of getting tattoos, and these laws differ from state to state. Check out these tattoo laws by state.
The comprehensive state guide for tattoo laws in the US is a comprehensive source that details the particular rules and legislation governing tattoos in each state.
Alabama
Alabama does allow tattooing; however, there are certain limitations. According to state law, children are not allowed to get tattoos or body piercings unless their parents or legal guardians provide their written informed consent.
The license for tattoo parlors must be obtained, and it must be renewed annually.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2020/title-22/title-1/chapter-17a/
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Alaska
In Alaska, it is against the law for tattoo artists to tattoo or permanently colour someone who is minor.
Minors with parental permission are not exempt from this rule. This implies that under existing legislation if you are a minor in Alaska and you desire a tattoo, you cannot acquire one.
According to generally recognized practices and laws, adult tattoos are permitted in Alaska.
Source: https://regulations.justia.com/states/alaska/title-18/chapter-23/article-3/section-18-aac-23-315/
Arizona
According to Arizona’s Tattooing Law, anyone between the ages of 14 and 17 (or until their 18th birthday) is eligible to get inked as long as their parent or legal guardian is present.
Moreover, suppose any anaesthetic is going to be in use. In that case, the person administering it must have liscense to comply with STATE legislation, and the needle needs to be sanitized or autoclaved.
Tattoo artists must be licensed and may not work from home; they must do it in a licensed business company.
Source: https://codes.findlaw.com/az/title-13-criminal-code/az-rev-st-sect-13-3721.html
Arkansas
Arkansas mandates that tattoo artists work out of a permanent beauty business, pay a yearly licensing fee, and be licensed by the State of Arkansas.
What if you want a tattoo and you’re a minor in Arkansas? If you happen to be underage and seek a tattoo in Arkansas, you must get your parent’s consent. Furthermore, it is against the law for anybody to tattoo a minor without their parents, guardians, or custodian presence and giving their written approval.
Source: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/tattoo-and-body-art
California
Children in California cannot have tattoos if they want them. Any minors under the age of 18 are barred from getting tattoos.
In accordance with California law, a person of legal age must read, complete, and sign an informed consent document containing details about the process, a declaration about the permanence of body art, and other relevant information.
The local police agency mandates all body art practitioners to register with them. The procedures to be taken during the process are outlined in the law and the training requirements.
Source: https://www.tattoorules.com/us/california-tattoo-laws/
Colorado
The following Colorado tattoo age restrictions apply: 18 is the minimum age for acquiring a tattoo in Colorado. Both piercings and tattoos fall under this category. The Colorado laws address a variety of subjects, such as the locations where tattooing will occur, client records, and other difficulties.
Tattoo Artists are not permitted to conduct the technique from their homes or any other unlicensed locations. Naturally, the method must adhere to the necessary sterility requirements, which calls for the correct disposal of the needle, pigment, and other substances.
Source: https://www.tattoorules.com/us/colorado-tattoo-laws/
Connecticut
Like other states, it forbids tattooing children (under the age of 18). If you haven’t reached the number of “eighteen,” though, you shouldn’t worry excessively as long as you aren’t keeping the plan to get a tattoo from your parents.
In the province of Connecticut, all tattoo artists are required to hold a licence. As previously stated, the tattoo artist should decline to tattoo him unless a youngster can offer formal parental authorization.
Source: https://www.tattoorules.com/us/connecticut-tattoo-laws/
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Delaware
Anyone below the age of 18 is not allowed to get a tattoo in Delaware, just like in every other US state. You can get a tattoo in the state even if you’re still a minor as long as you can show evidence of your parent’s permission. At most tattoo parlours in Delaware, signed paperwork from a parent or legal guardian is sufficient to get inked.
Every tattoo artist in Delaware must possess a licence in order to practise lawfully. Getting a tattoo in a house or any other place that doesn’t adhere to state health code regulations is forbidden. Thus it should come as no surprise that the state of Delaware requires a licence and periodic inspections of all tattoo parlours.
Source: https://www.tattoorules.com/us/delaware-tattoo-laws/
Florida
It requires 18 years of age to acquire a tattoo, nonetheless, in contrast to some restrictive areas, a minor aged 16 or 17 is permitted to acquire a tattoo with parental authorization (either from the parent or legal guardian).
Only artists who are licensed by the state of Florida can perform tattooing. It is strictly forbidden to tattoo someone at home or in any other unauthorised location; thus, the tattoo business also needs to follow specific rules.Also, the store needs a licence that must be renewed annually.
The tattoo artist must confirm that the individual he is tattooing is of legal age (at minimum 18) or that a parent or guardian is present if the client is a minor.
Source: https://www.tattoorules.com/us/florida-tattoo-laws/
Georgia
Throughout the county of Georgia, 18 is the lowest age requirement. This implies that, even with parental approval, no one younger than this age is permitted to acquire a tattoo.
To legally execute a tattooing process in Georgia, the tattoo artist must have a licence and practice outside a registered studio.
Source: https://www.tattoorules.com/us/georgia-tattoo-laws/
Hawaii
Without the parent’s or legal guardians’ written permission, tattooing anybody under the age of eighteen is forbidden. Clients between the ages of 16 and 17 may give written approval from their parents. Legal guardian consent is also permissible.
Artists have the right to decline to execute their services if they think the customer is too alcoholic or if they think the tattoo would be applied to a part of his body where he is not at ease having it done.
Moreover, tattooing is prohibited for anyone with an illness that is contagious or suspected of having one.
Source: https://health.hawaii.gov/opppd/files/2015/06/11-17.pdf
Idaho
Without the parent or legal guardian’s prior written approval, it is illegal for anyone to intentionally tattoo, brand, or conduct body piercing on a kid between the ages of 14 and 18.
The penalty for tattoo artists who violate Idaho’s tattoo age laws may be severe. Their tattoo licence could also be temporarily or permanently cancelled in addition to a fine (of up to $500).
Source: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title18/t18ch15/sect18-1523/
Illinois
Parental approval is required for anyone under the age of 18. Anybody under the age of 18 who wants a tattoo must also be accompanied by their parents or other legal guardians.
Also, the tattoo parlour requires licensing. Laws prohibit tattooing at any unauthorised location, even from homes.
Sources: https://www.tattoorules.com/us/illinois-tattoo-laws/
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Indiana
Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and have their consent in writing before getting a tattoo.
An Indiana-based tattoo artist must possess a current licence in order to be authorised to execute a tattooing operation. The studio must meet all sanitary requirements set forth by the state.
Iowa
Anyone below the age of 18 is not allowed to acquire a tattoo in Iowa. A minor cannot obtain a tattoo within the state of Iowa, even with parental approval. The permitting of tattoo artists and the locations where they work is a crucial focus of Iowa law.
Source: https://hhs.iowa.gov/tattoo
Kansas
In the state of Kansas, minors under the age of 18 who have their parents’ permission may receive tattoos. The guardian must be present in the salon throughout the entire process, and the consent should be notarized.
Only authorised businesses may perform tattoos. Also, there are some standards for cleanliness and sterilisation.
Source: https://www.tattoorules.com/us/kansas-tattoo-laws/
Kentucky
No one under the age of 18 is permitted to get inked in Kentucky according to the state’s tattoo age rules. The Kentucky tattoo laws for minors also state that you can proceed with the tattoo if you can provide written authorization from a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, the consent must be notarized.
In order for a business to function lawfully, certain cleanliness and sterilisation requirements must be fulfilled.
Source: https://www.tattoorules.com/us/kentucky-tattoo-laws/
Louisiana
In Louisiana, if a person between the ages of 16 and 17 can present a document with parental consent form, they can get a tattoo. In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be present when getting the tattoo. If a tattoo artist is found guilty of breaking the applicable section’s rules, the offender faces a minimum punishment of $100, a maximum fine of $500, a maximum sentence of one year in prison, or both.
Source: http://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78730
Maine
In Maine, anyone below the age of 18 is not allowed to tattoo any marks or images. Nevertheless, those who are older than 18 years old can have tattoos. The upkeep of a hygienic atmosphere at all times is a vital need for shops. This covers the routine sterilisation of tools, single-use needles, and other things.
Source: https://www.tattoorules.com/us/maine-tattoo-laws/
Maryland
In Maryland, one typically needs to be 18 to acquire a tattoo. However, if the client is younger than 18, a tattoo is still permissible with the parent or legal guardian’s written consent. The tattoo parlour must retain the consent form, with the client’s name, the tattoo artist’s name, the date, and a description of the process, on record for at least three years.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_status_of_tattooing_in_the_United_States
Massachusetts
In this state, children below the age of 18 may acquire a tattoo with their parent’s consent. In addition, the permission form must have documentation attesting to the parent or guardian’s presence when the performance of procedure. A driver’s license, passport, or military ID is acceptable proof for the guardians or parents.
Source: https://www.mass.gov/doc/bodyart-memo20010123-info-briefing-regpdf/download
Michigan
A minor may receive a tattoo, as in many states, with parental approval and frequently with the need for the parents to be present.
According to state legislation, if the rule governing the minimum age is broken, the artist is solely responsible and faces a maximum punishment of $500 and a brief jail period.
Source: https://theshopssite.com/2018/07/26/michigan-licensed-body-art-facilities/
Minnesota
Minnesota is one of the few states in the US that entirely outlaws tattooing for those under 18 years old. While the majority of states permit minors to receive tattoos with documented parental agreement and/or the parent’s presence, this is not the situation in Minnesota.
The only situation in which this regulation does not apply is when a doctor is doing a tattoo for medical reasons.
Sources: https://www.health.state.mn.us/
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Mississippi
In Mississippi, getting a tattoo when underage, even with parental approval, is a violation. A license may be revoked, or other legal action may be taken as punishment for tattooing an underage individual, depending on how frequently and seriously the infringement occurs.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/2013/title-73/chapter-61/section-73-61-1
Missouri
According to state legislation, minors who want tattoos must obtain their parents’ permission beforehand.
Sterilisation and sanitation standards are quite stringent, and all licensed tattoo parlours must follow them in Missouri. This covers the proper cleaning and sanitation of all equipment in addition to using fresh needles for each client.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_status_of_tattooing_in_the_United_States
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Montana
Montana is one of the states in the US that permit minors to receive tattoos with documented parental agreement and/or the parent’s presence.
The tattoo artist, not the parent or the child, shall be held accountable in cases when the law is broken and a minor gets inked. This might result in a $500 fine or perhaps up to six months of imprisonment.
Source: https://rules.mt.gov/gateway/RuleNo.asp?RN=37%2E112%2E158
Nebraska
In Nebraska, there is only one requirement for clients: they must be 18 or older in order to obtain a tattoo. One can get a tattoo when 16 years old, provided they have formal parental agreement from their parents or legal guardians.
Yet another crucial regulation is the requirement that tattoo artists in Nebraska possess a legal body art licence granted by the state.
Nevada
Tattoos, piercings, and other forms of body art are not prohibited under Nevada state law. Regional health districts could control the procedure.
For instance, the Southern Nevada Health District forbids tattooing on juveniles under the age of 14, and for minors between the ages of 14 and 18, a parent or legal guardian must give written approval and be present throughout the treatment. Also, persons who are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol are not permitted to get tattoos in the southern Nevada region.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, it is against the law to tattoo or brand anybody under the age of 18. For children with parental consent, there are no specific prohibitions. A minor may get body piercings with parental approval. Nevertheless, getting a tattoo before the age of 18 is not allowed.
The tattoo studio must also have a licence from the municipality in which it is located and adhere to all applicable health and safety laws.
Source: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0231.htm
New Jersey
Without the presence, written consent, and appropriate identification of a parent or legal guardian, no tattooing or everlasting treatments will be given to anyone under 18 without that person’s agreement.
Every shop that provides tattooing services must register with the state and get a permit. It is illegal to tattoo individuals at home or in any unauthorised location.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2014/title-2c/section-2c-40-21/
New Mexico
Tattoos can be applied to those under 18 in this state, as in many others. The signed permission does not need to be certified if the parent or guardian stays with the child throughout the body art process, provided the parent or legal guardian must provide photographic identification.
All tattoo parlours in New Mexico should have a licence from the Department of Health. In New Mexico, it’s against the law to get a tattoo from a shop that isn’t registered or regulated.
Source https://codes.findlaw.com/nm/chapter-61-professional-and-occupational-licenses/nm-st-sect-61-17b-5/
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New York
Regardless of parental permission, New York State law mandates that tattoo customers be at least 18 years old (18+). Guidelines for tattoo artists and studios are also part of the New York tattoo legislation. The Department of Health must register and inspect all tattoo studios as part of a significant state rule.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/new-york/2020/pbh/article-4-a/467/
North Carolina
It is forbidden for anybody to tattoo a person under the age of 18 on their arm, limb, or any other portion of their body. A Class 2 misdemeanour shall be committed by anybody who violates the rules in this section.
In North Carolina, tattooing is prohibited without first getting a licence to practise as a tattoo artist.
Source: https://codes.findlaw.com/nc/chapter-14-criminal-law/nc-gen-st-sect-14-400.html
North Dakota
Any body art technique for an individual under the age of eighteen cannot be carried out without the presence, written approval, and legal identity of a parent, legal guardian, or child’s custodial parent.
In North Dakota, a licence from the regional Department of Health is required before practising as a tattoo artist.
Source:
https://codes.findlaw.com/nd/title-23-health-and-safety/nd-cent-code-sect-23-01-35.html
Ohio
In Ohio, it is explicitly stated by the law that a person who wants to acquire a tattoo is required to be at least 18 years old.
Many states, including Ohio, permit children to have tattoos with their parent’s permission. Yet, as per the legislation, both the parent and the kid must be at the tattoo parlour when the process is done. Also, the parent have the obligation to submit a signed declaration approving the tattooing of their child.
Ohio law mandates that all tattoo and body piercing businesses get a local health department licence. In Ohio, tattoo artists are free to refuse a tattoo request for any reason, including the customer’s intoxication or an improper placement or design.
Oklahoma
The legal age for getting a tattoo in Oklahoma is 18 years old. Anybody who performs or offers to execute body piercing or tattooing on a minor under the age of eighteen (18) is breaking the law.
Any shop or artist have full permission to refuse service to any customer for any reason – as long as it’s not discriminatory.
Possible causes of refusal could be:
- Not having reached the required age
- Being seen as having used alcohol or drugs
- Unwillingness to consent to a legal release
- Inappropriate tattoo design
- Incorrect positioning
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/2021/title-21/section-21-842-3/
Oregon
Many states, including Oregon, permit children to have tattoos with parental permission. Before getting a tattoo, if you’re under 18, you’ll need your parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form.
The form must have signature in the presence of the artist by the minor as well as their parent or legal guardian, and the store must keep this on a file. Inking a minor is a class B misdemeanour in the state of Oregon, which carries a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a $2,500 fine.
Source: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/hlo/pages/board-body-art-practitioners-tattoo-artists-license.aspx
Pennsylvania
To get a tattoo in Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18. If you’re 16 or 17, a few exceptions to this regulation permit minors to have tattoos as long as they can present documented parental authorization. Also, the parent or legal guardian must be present during the session with the minor in order for it to be legally enforceable.
Sources: https://www.health.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
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Rhode Island
The regulations of the smallest state in the union contain a particular clause. In general, the state forbids tattooing on anyone. A $300 fine, a one-year jail term, or both may be imposed.
The legislation of Rhode Island permits tattooing for medical reasons, such as birthmarks, scars, etc. Nothing in the law “shall be regarded as preventing the eradication of tattoo marks from the body of any individual of whatever age,” according to the law. Hence, even with parental permission, a youngster cannot receive a tattoo unless there’s a medical need, but an existing tattoo may be removed.
Source: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/title11/11-9/11-9-15.HTM
South Carolina
According to South Carolina law, it is prohibited to conduct or propose to do tattooing on a person who has not reached the age of 18. “The minor upon whom tattooing is done, or the parent or legal guardian of that minor, or any other minor, is not responsible for punishment according to this section,” declares another part of the law. It appears that the tattoo artist will be in breach of the law and might be subject to a penalty of up to $2,500 or imprisonment for up to one year or both, regardless of whether the parents or guardians consent or another adult grants permission.
Source:
https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/2012/title-16/chapter-17/section-16-17-700
South Dakota
According to South Dakota law, no minor may have a tattoo unless the youngster’s parents have approved the tattoo in agreement. Unauthorised tattooing of a kid can result in a Class 2 misdemeanour conviction.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/south-dakota/2019/title-9/chapter-34/section-9-34-17/
Tennessee
The legislation in Tennessee places stringent limitations on body piercing and tattoos. In general, minors have no permission to have tattoos, even with parental permission. It is typically against the law for tattoo parlors to tattoo kids. There is no permission or legal authorization needed for temporary tattoos.
Source: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/eh-program/eh-tattoo.html
Texas
In Texas, there is no set minimum age for getting a tattoo. This implies that regardless of age, anybody can acquire a tattoo in Texas. The sole prerequisite is that if the tattoo recipient is under the age of 18, they must have their parents’ permission.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) licence requires for a tattoo or body piercing studio to operate.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2017/health-and-safety-code/title-2/subtitle-g/chapter-146/
Utah
In Utah, it is against the law (regardless of the county) to tattoo a child under the age of 14 without their legal guardian or parents’ permission. Your body artist licence might be revoked for tattooing a child without parental or legal guardian authorization.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/body_art/stateregs/ut.html
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Vermont
In Vermont, it is against the law for anyone under 18 to acquire a tattoo or body piercing without express permission from both of their parents. The parents must accompany you to the shop where it will be done, fill out all necessary paperwork. They watch it be done from beginning to end, be present for the aftercare instructions and paperwork, and bring their state-issued IDs as well as a photo ID.
To legally practise in Vermont, tattoo artists must possess a current tattoo licence.
Virginia
It is permissible to tattoo a person under the age of eighteen only in the presence of the individual’s parent or guardian or when carried out by someone under the guidance of a physician, registered nurse, or other medical services employees licensed to execute their tasks. A Class 3 misdemeanour constitutes a violation of this law.
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Washington
Regarding the tattooing of minors, Washington State is reasonably explicit and straightforward. According to the legislation in Washington, “Anyone who tattoos any minor below the age of eighteen is guilty of an offence.
Source: https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/law-and-life/is-it-illegal-to-give-a-friend-a-tattoo/
West Virginia
According to the legislation, a kid must have written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian before getting a tattoo. But, tattooists in that state have said they would prefer not to work with clients who require parental permission or who are too immature to make an educated choice.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/west-virginia/2022/chapter-30/article-33/
Wisconsin
The majority of states concentrate on the minimum age requirement when it comes to tattoo rules for consumers. One should be 18 or older in order to acquire a tattoo, precisely like in any state that controls the trade.
They require the customer to present a legitimate piece of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card that attests to their age.
However, you won’t get a tattoo if you can’t present one of these kinds of identification.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/2021/chapter-463/section-463-10/
Wyoming
When it comes to consumer tattoo legislation, the majority of states focus on the minimum age requirement. Like many jurisdictions regulating the industry, Wyoming requires you to be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo.
In Wyoming, tattooing a person under 18 is a misdemeanour that carries a fine or jail term of up to $750 or both.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/2011/title14/chapter3/section14-3-107
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Conclusion:
In order to assist people in making informed judgements about having a tattoo while remaining in compliance with relevant rules and regulations, this guide would attempt to give a comprehensive understanding of the present status of tattoo regulations and laws in the United States.
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