How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo?
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With all the hype around tattoos, many kids can’t wait to the day when they get their first one. However, there state laws regarding the minimum age requirement for tattoos. So how old do you have to be to get a tattoo?
The minimum age requirement varies from state to state. Most states require you to be 18; in other states you can be as young as 14 and get a tattoo. In some states, there are no age restrictions at all.
This article will break it down for you so you know exactly how old you must be to get a tattoo in your state.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo?
In most states, you can get tattooed at 18 years old. In some states, you can get tattoos at a younger age, typically only with parent or guardian consent. Other states prohibit tattoos for anyone under 18.
States Where Tattoo Age is 18 Years Old and Tattooing Minors is Illegal
In these states, you can’t get a tattoo unless you are 18 years old. Tattooing minors is illegal, although there are some exceptions.
Alaska
California
District of Columbia
Georgia
Illinios
Iowa
Maine
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Mississippi
New Hampshire
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wisconsin
Laws may vary if the subject is an emancipated minor, or if the tattoo is part of medical procedures, or covers up an existing tattoo.
Utah has particularly strict rules as minors can’t get a tattoo even if the minor’s Utah parent is present. Tattooing for minors is only allowed as part of a medical procedure.
Oregon has similar laws as minors can only be tattoed as part of a medical procedure and the minor’s Oregon parent provides consent.
In Tennessee, minors 16 and over can only get a tattoo to cover up an existing tattos with the minor’s Tennessee parent permission.
Texas allows tattooing on minors only if it covers up on existing tattoo and the minor’s Texas parent is present and brings a valid ID.
States Where the Tattoo Age in 18 Years Old But Minors Can Get Tattoos with Parental Consent
Alabama: According to state law,Alabama parent or guardian must provides legal consent in front of the tattoo artist or another staff member for a minor to get tattooed.
Arizona: Minors can get a tattoo with parental consent, a parent or guardian must be physically present.
Arkansas: Minors 16-17 may get tattoos but parents must be present and provide a valid ID, the minor.s ID, and a birth certificate proving parenthood.
Colorado: Parental consent is required for minors 16-17.
Connecticut: A minor’s Connecticut parent or guardian must provide written consent.
Delaware: Minors may get a tattoo with a parent’s prior written consent form.
Hawaii: Minors may get a tattoo with a parent or guardian’s written consent.
Idaho: Minors 14-18 years old may get tattooed if their parents are present and provide written parental consent.
Kansas: A minor may be tattooed with notarized consent; a parent or guardian must also be present.
Louisiana: Minors may get tattoos if a Louisiana parent is present and provides consent.
Maryland: Minors may get tattoos with written parental consent.
Michigan: A Michigan minor can get tattooed if a parent or guardian is present and brings a birth certificate or proof of legal guardianship and written consent.
Missouri: Missouri minors may get tattoos if their parent provides written consent in front of the tattoo artist.
Montana: Minors in Montana can get ink if the minor’s Montana parent is present and provides a valid ID and birth certificate and signs a consent form.
Nebraska: The minor’s Nebraska parent must be present during the procedure.
New Jersey: Minors can get tattooed with parent or guardian consent.
New Mexico: Individuals 17 and under can get tattooed if written consent is delivered by parent or guardian in person.
North Dakota: For a minor to get a tattoo, there must be a parent or guardian present providing consent.
Ohio: The minor’s Ohio parent must be present and must sign a document explaining the procedure, and bring along a valid ID for themselves and the minor, and a birth certificate.
Oklahoma: The minor’s Oklahoma parent must be present during the procedure.
Pennsylvania: A Pennsylvania minor may get tattoed if the minor’s Pennsylvania parent is present and provides consent.
South Dakota: South Dakota minors may be tattooed with parental consent.
Vermont: A minor’s Vermont parent consent is a green light for tattoos on minors.
Virginia: A minor’s Virginia parent or guardian in-person consent is enough for minors to get body art .
Wyoming: A Wyoming minor may get tattooed with a parent or guardian present.
States with Unusual Tattoo Laws
Here are some states with tattoo laws that deviate from the norm.
Florida: In Florida, individuals as young as 16 can get a tattoo. However, 16 and 17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult who must bring valid ID and a notarized consent form. It is illegal to tattoo minors under 16.
Kentucky: Kentucky also has a tattoo minimum age of 16. Minors must bring notarized consent from a parent or guardian. Minors under 16 cannot be tattoed.
Nevada: Nevada state law does not set a minimum age for tattooing minors. However, minors 14-18 years old can only get tattoos if a parent or guardian is present and provides written consent. The Southern Nevada Health District enforces stricter rules stating minors 14-18 can only be tattooed if a medical professionl is present.
West Virginia: Although West Virginia does not specify a minimum age for tattooing, minors under 16 may not get tattoos. Minors 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent with written consent and a valid ID.
Tattoo Minimum Age FAQs
What is the Punishment for Minors Getting A Tattoo?
State laws vary but most minors who are caught getting tattoos can be punished with a misdemeanor criminal offense which is typically up to 6 months of jail time and $1000 in fines. Depending on the circumstance, the tattoo artists may also get fined and/or lose their license. Any adults involved may also be punished.
What is Wrong with Tattooing Minors?
Many people think minors shouldn’t get tattooed because they are not old enough to make a decision they may regret. However, tatoos also post health risks like infections and allergic reactions. Additionally, because minors are still growing, the tattoos are likely to become stretched and distorted.
Tattoos.ai Ensures You are Happy with Your Tattoo Decision
Tattoos are a big decision- regardless of your age. Ensure you are happy with the art and placement before finalizing anything.
Tattoos.ai can help. Our free AI tattoo generator will allow you to create the art and simulate its placement on your body so you can tell how it will look before the procedure. It will eliminate regrettable decisions.
Contact us when you are ready for your next tattoo.