In the United States, those under the age of 18 are typically not permitted to have tattoos or body piercings, though there are some exceptions. However, in certain jurisdictions, parents may give consent for their younger children to get body ink or a piercing at any location other than their ears. Each state has its laws regarding body art and what kind of consent is acceptable.
While there are no restrictions in some states on when or where a minor can get a tattoo or pierce, there are numerous limitations in other states. This means your kid might be able to obtain a tattoo or piercing without your consent at a studio. As a result, it’s critical to have this information so that your teenager is protected.
It’s a question that many people ask: how old do you have to be to get tattoos? The answer, of course, depends on the laws in your state or country. In most places, you have to be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo.
But there are some exceptions. For example, in Alabama, you can get a tattoo at 16 with parental permission. In Nevada, you can get a tattoo at 14 with parental permission. So it depends on where you live.
Reasons Behind Tattoo Age Restrictions:
Old School Mentality
Tattoos are generally unpopular among lawmakers, who tend to come from older generations and are more conservative. They hold negative attitudes about tattoos and despise those who have them. As a result, they use their political clout to ban or make it difficult for tattoo parlors to operate by the law [1].
This old-school mentality is the primary reason behind age restrictions on tattoos. Many lawmakers believe that young people are not mature enough to make permanent decisions about their bodies, so they put age limits in place to protect them from themselves.
However, some states have no age limit for tattoos. These states tend to be more progressive and open-minded about body art. If you live in one of these states, you can get a tattoo at any age!
Tattooing Is A Medical Procedure
Another reason behind the age restrictions on tattoos is that tattooing is considered a medical procedure. This means that it comes with some risks, such as infection and allergic reactions. Because of these risks, many states require that people be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo.
If a business’s equipment isn’t properly sterilized and doesn’t meet strict requirements, viruses, infections, and germs might be quickly transmitted.
Some states have even higher age limits for tattoos. For example, in Pennsylvania, you must be 21 years old to get a tattoo [2]. This is because the state considers tattoos to be body piercings, which are also regulated by age limits.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, make sure to check your state’s laws first. And always remember: safety comes first!
Tattoo Intoxicated/Impaired Individuals
Tattoo artists are not permitted to serve intoxicated or drugged clients in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Washington state, and West Virginia. Other states across the United States have no such limitations [3].
Most reputable shops will not tattoo someone who is visibly intoxicated. Some states have made it a law that the establishment can refuse service to anyone who appears to be under the influence. This is for your safety as well as the artist. If you are looking to get a tattoo while on vacation, check the state’s regulations beforehand.
Most artists will not start working on a client if they seem impaired in any way. The best thing you can do if you want to get tattoos while intoxicated is to find an artist or shop ahead of time and make arrangements with them.
What Is The Youngest Age You Can Get A Tattoo In The United States?
Individuals aged 18 and older can get a tattoo or body piercing in all but three states in the United States. Arizona, Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and several other states have no age limit for getting a tattoo. At the same time, certain jurisdictions impose a lower legal age than the ones listed above.
In other words, in certain states, a minor must be at least 16 years old to obtain a tattoo. For example, Louisiana has one of the lowest tattoo legal ages in the United States (16). Several jurisdictions have not specified an age requirement for getting a tattoo. Tattooing a kid, on the other hand, is considered a felony offense across the country and may result in a 00 maximum fine as well as prison time [4].
So, on average, the youngest age you can get a tattoo in the United States is eighteen. Some states will allow sixteen and seventeen-year-olds to get tattoos with parental consent, but this is not always the case.
There are some instances where minors can get tattoos with a doctor’s note. These cases are usually for medical reasons, such as cancer patients who want to cover up their scars.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Tattoos By State:
1) States Where Minors Need Informed Written Parental Consent [5]:
- Alabama;
- Connecticut;
- Hawaii;
- Idaho;
- Kansas;
- Kentucky;
- Maryland;
- Michigan;
- Missouri;
- Montana;
- New Jersey;
- South Dakota;
- Vermont;
- West Virginia;
To get a tattoo in these states if you are under the age of 18, you must have written parental consent forms that state that they are aware of what your child is getting. The parents or legal guardian must be present with identification when the minor arrives for their appointment. Some shops will require the notarization of these forms.
These states also require the artist to verify the identity of the parent or guardian. Most shops will ask to see a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID. They will make copies of these IDs and keep them on file.
2) States Where Parents Must Give Consent And Be Present For Tattooing Minors:
- Arizona;
- Colorado;
- Florida;
- Indiana;
- Kansas;
- Louisiana;
- Nebraska;
- Nevada;
- New Mexico;
- North Dakota;
- Ohio;
- Pennsylvania;
- Utah;
- Virginia;
- Wyoming;
In these states, it is illegal to tattoo a minor without the consent of their parent or guardian. In some cases, the parent or guardian must be present for the tattooing procedure.
If you are under 18 and looking to get a tattoo, it is best to consult with a parent or guardian first. They will be able to help you make an informed decision and provide consent if necessary.
3) States Where Tattoos Are Prohibited Or Illegal On Minors, Even With Parental Consent:
- Alaska;
- Arkansas;
- California;
- District of Columbia;
- Delaware;
- Georgia;
- Illinois;
- Iowa;
- Maine;
- Massachusetts;
- Minnesota;
- Mississippi;
- New Hampshire;
- New York;
- North Carolina;
- Oklahoma;
- Oregan;
- Rhode Island;
- South Carolina;
- Tennessee;
- Texas;
- Washington;
- Wisconsin;
In these states, it is illegal to tattoo a minor, even with parental consent. The only exception is in the case of a medical emergency. If you’re under 18 and thinking about getting a tattoo, you’ll need to wait until you’re of legal age or find a state with more lenient laws.
Do your research before committing to a tattoo – this is something that will be on your body for life! Be sure to visit reputable shops with experienced artists who can give you the design you want safely and legally. And always remember: tattoos are permanent, so think long and hard before making this decision.
How Should Parents Give Consent?
States that require written consent for body art have safeguards in place to prevent forgeries. If you are giving written consent, you will need to document what exactly it is you are consenting to. For instance, if your teen child wants a tattoo, you’ll need to say what design they want and where on their body they want it placed. For piercings, you’ll need to note the type of piercing as well as its location.
The bottom line is that if you want to be sure your child is getting a tattoo or piercing done safely and legally, it’s best to go with them to the appointment [6].
If you’re still not comfortable with the idea of your teen getting a tattoo or piercing, there are some things you can do to ease your mind. You can talk to the artist ahead of time about their experience and hygiene practices. You can also ask to see the shop’s license and make sure it’s up-to-date. Finally, you can insist on being in the room while the procedure is taking place.
Can A 13-Year-Old Get A Tattoo In The United States?
Some states allow minors to get a tattoo with written parental or guardian consent and attendance, however the chances of an ethical firm tattooing someone that young is quite low. The majority of people will not tattoo anybody under the age of 15 [7].
There are a lot of reasons why someone might want to wait until they are older to get a tattoo. The biggest reason is that tattoos are permanent and you need to be sure that you want one before getting inked. If you’re not sure, it’s better to wait until you’re certain.
Another reason why minors shouldn’t get tattoos is that their skin is still developing and growing. This means that the tattoo will change as they grow, which can result in an uneven or distorted design.
What States Allow Getting A Tattoo At 14?
A few states allow people to get tattoos at the age of 14. These states include Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, and Oklahoma. In these states, it is required that a parent or guardian must be present during the tattooing process.
It’s important to note that even though some states do allow minors to get tattoos, it’s up to the individual shops whether or not they want to serve them. So if you’re under 18 and looking to get a tattoo in one of these states, you’ll need to call around and see which shops are open to giving tattoos to minors.
Are Hand And Neck Tattoos Illegal On Minors?
There is no law against hand and neck tattoos on minors, however, some tattoo shops will not tattoo minors in these areas. It is always best to check with the specific shop you would like to get your tattoo at to see their age policy.
While there is no legal age limit for getting a tattoo in most states, it is generally recommended that people wait until they are 18. This is because the body is still growing and changing until around that age, which could impact how the tattoo looks over time. In addition, people under 18 may not be able to provide informed consent for a permanent body modification.
What Is The Best Age To Get A Tattoo?
There’s no wrong or ideal age to get tattooed once you’ve reached the legal age. However, if the pain is a worry, it’s worth noting that tattoos tend to hurt more as you grow older due to thinning skin, so your 20s and 30s are the best years for tattoos when it comes to the skin’s flexibility [8].
Tattoo Legal Age In The Rest Of The World
In the United States, you must be 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent.
In the UK, you have to be 18 as well, but in Canada and Australia, the age limit is 16. Elsewhere in Europe, it differs from country to country. For instance, in Germany, you have to be 18 whereas, in Denmark and Sweden, the legal age is 20.
FAQ:
- Can you get tattoos at the age of 16?
Parents or legal guardians must provide written consent for minors to receive a tattoo. Presently, there are no age restrictions concerning body piercings.
Some states require that all body piercings be done by a licensed professional. Others have no such requirement. In some cases, parental consent may be required for minors to receive body piercings. It is always best to check with your local laws and regulations before getting any type of body piercing.
- Can you get a tattoo at 16 in Washington?
A misdemeanor is triggered when anyone applies a tattoo to a minor under the age of eighteen. The punishment is a fine of up to 00 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. If the artist knows that the person getting the tattoo is under eighteen, they can be charged with a gross misdemeanor, which has a maximum fine of 00 and/or imprisonment for up to 364 days [9].
There are currently no state laws in Washington that prohibit tattoos specifically. The age limit is set by individual shops and artists. Most places will not tattoo anyone under the age of eighteen, regardless of parental consent. Some shops will make exceptions for sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds if they have parental consent forms signed by both parents. Others require that the parent or guardian be present during the tattooing process.
- Can you get a tattoo at 16 in NC?
According to North Carolina law, it is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18. Body piercing has a parental consent provision for minors, but there is no such exception when it comes to tattoos.
- Should I let my 17-year-old child get a tattoo?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including the child’s maturity level, the type of tattoo they are considering, and your parenting style. Ultimately, you will need to make the decision that you feel is best for your child and family.
If you are considering letting your 17-year-old get a tattoo, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- First, tattoos are permanent and can be difficult to remove later on;
- Second, the age limit for getting tattoos varies by state, so be sure to check the laws in your area before proceeding;
- Finally, it’s important to have a frank discussion with your child about the risks involved with getting a tattoo and make sure they understand the commitment they are making;
If you decide to allow your child to get a tattoo, there are a few things you can do to help them make a safe and responsible decision:
- Make sure they consult with a reputable tattoo artist who uses sterile equipment and follows proper safety precautions;
- Encourage them to choose a simple design that can be easily covered if they later change their mind;
- Help them research the meaning of the design they are considering to avoid regretting it later on;
- Can you get a tattoo at 15 with parental consent?
Yes, in some states you can get a tattoo at 15 with parental consent. Each state has its laws and regulations when it comes to tattoos and minors. It is important to do your research before getting a tattoo, especially if you are not of legal age. Some states require that you be 18 years old to get a tattoo, while others allow minors as young as 16 to get tattoos with parental consent.
- Can a 14-year-old get a tattoo in Florida?
According to Chapter 64E-28 of the Florida Administrative Code, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to get a tattoo in the state of Florida. If you are 16 or 17, you must have parental consent. If you are 18 or older, you can get a tattoo without parental consent [10].
In Florida, it is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18, even with parental consent. Violation of this law is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not exceeding 00. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, you should wait until you are 18 years old or older to avoid any legal consequences.
- What happens if a kid gets a tattoo?
If a kid under the age of 18 gets a tattoo, their parents or guardians can be charged with child abuse. The penalties for this vary from state to state, but they can be pretty severe. In some states, the charge is a felony. So if you’re thinking about letting your underage kids get tattoos, you might want to think twice.
There are also a few states that have specific laws about minors and tattoos. In North Carolina, for example, it’s illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18. And in New York, minors need parental consent to get tattoos.
- What happens if a 15-year-old gets a tattoo?
If a 15-year-old gets a tattoo, their parents may be held liable. In some states, it is illegal to tattoo a minor without parental consent. If the tattoo artist breaks the law, they may be fined or put out of business. The minor may also have to pay for medical expenses if they experience any complications from the tattoo. Additionally, the minor may have to get the tattoo removed later in life if they regret getting it.
- How long does a small tattoo take?
A small tattoo can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the design. The tattoo artist will work with you to determine how long it will take based on the size and placement of the tattoo.
In general, larger tattoos take longer than smaller ones. Tattoos that are placed on areas with more muscle tend to take longer as well. For instance, a small tattoo on the wrist may only take a few minutes, while a large tattoo on the chest or back could take an hour or more.
- Can tattoos be removed?
Yes, tattoos can be removed, but it is a costly and painful process. The best way to avoid having to remove a tattoo is to be sure that you want one before you get it. Think carefully about the design, placement, and size of the tattoo before you commit to it. Keep in mind that tattoos are permanent and there is no guarantee that they will be able to be removed completely.
Useful Video: What Should The Age Limit Be For Tattoos?
References:
- https://ironinktattoo.com/how-old-to-get-a-tattoo/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_status_of_tattooing_in_the_United_States
- https://freehand.ink/post/legal-ages-to-get-tattoos-across-the-world
- https://www.verywellfamily.com/ages-for-body-piercing-and-tattooing-2611114
- https://tattify.com/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-get-tattoos/
- https://hugateen.com/articles/faq/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-get-tattoos/
- https://tattify.com/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-get-tattoos/
- https://readinsideout.com/education/when-is-the-best-time-to-get-a-tattoo
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx
- https://www.studio54tattoo.com/policy-for-minors