How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Tattoos

Summary

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Mom, Dad: I want to get a tattoo. How many times have we heard or said this phrase? But, what is the minimum age for a minor to get a tattoo?

Why is there a minimum age for minors to get a tattoo?

The popularization of tattoos has made them no longer considered something marginal, which has led to people of all ages getting tattoos nowadays.

Although we’re moving away from the absurd idea that appearance and job performance are related (since they’re not at all), certain sectors in our country still have reservations about hiring people with visible tattoos.

According to the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), the percentage of young people between 20 and 40 years old who have something tattooed on their skin already exceeds 30%.

Establishing a minimum age for minors to get a tattoo is important for several reasons:

The growing body undergoes many changes, so the tattoo could become distorted or fade over the years.
Fads change, and what we like at 13 may seem terrible at 23.
A tattoo is for life, so the decision should be made when the person is mature and has a competent artist who can advise them.

Can minors get tattoos?

According to reports from the Ministry of Health, studios are prohibited from tattooing minors under 18 years old without their parents’ or guardians’ consent.
Therefore, minors can get tattoos if they have their parents’ consent and are accompanied by them on the day of the appointment.
The usual minimum age allowed is 16 years old.

Key Points

The minimum legal age to receive a tattoo without parental consent is 18 years old in every state, as minors cannot provide legal consent or enter into contracts.
There are no federal laws regulating the age for getting tattoos at a certain age. Instead, state laws regarding tattoo age vary. For example, 45 states allow minors to get tattoos with proper consent. Note that studios may impose additional restrictions on tattoos, including a complete refusal to serve minors.
Teenagers should carefully consider whether a tattoo is right for them, with the support of their parents or guardians. Consider factors such as infections, allergic reactions, and permanence.
Always select tattoo shops and body piercing facilities with proper licenses, a solid reputation for hygiene, and a high level of care.
Consult with a personal injury attorney if you were injured due to the artist’s negligence.

Minimum Legal Age to Get a Tattoo

State	Minimum Age	Consent	Restrictions for Minors
Alabama	No specific minimum age	A parent or legal guardian must sign a written informed consent form in front of the tattoo artist.	None
Alaska	18 years old	A parent or guardian must provide written consent and be present.	None
Arizona	No specific minimum age	The parent or guardian must be physically present during the procedure.	None
Arkansas	18 years old	No parental consent allowed; minors cannot get tattoos	No exceptions. It’s illegal to tattoo minors.
California	18 years old	No tattoos allowed for minors, even with parental consent.	No tattoos allowed for minors, even with parental consent.
Colorado	18 years old	Written parental consent required for minors.	No tattoos allowed for minors under 16
Connecticut	18 years old	No parental consent allowed for minors.	Only licensed medical professionals can perform tattoos on minors
Delaware	18 years old	Written consent from a parent or guardian required.	No tattoos allowed for minors under 18, no exceptions.
Florida	16 years old	If you’re 16 or 17, you need a notarized note from a parent or guardian, and they must be present with you.	Minors under 16 can’t get tattoos, period.
Georgia	18 years old	No tattoos allowed for minors, no matter what.	None
Hawaii	18 years old	A minor can get a tattoo if there’s written consent from a parent or guardian, who must be present in person.	This might vary by county regulations.
Idaho	14 years old	If you’re between 14 and 17, you can get a tattoo if your parent or guardian signs and is present.	Minors under 14 are off-limits
Illinois	18 years old	No tattoos allowed for minors, even with parental authorization	None
Indiana	18 years old	A minor can get a tattoo if there’s written consent and a parent or guardian is present.	This might vary by local health department rules.
Iowa	18 years old	No tattoos allowed for minors, regardless of parental consent.	None
Kansas	18 years old	If you’re under 18, you can get a tattoo with a notarized note from a parent or guardian, who must be present.	None
Kentucky	18 years old	Minors can get a tattoo if they have written, notarized consent from a parent or guardian present.	Totally off-limits for minors under 16.
Louisiana	18 years old	No tattoos allowed for minors, even with written parental permission.	None
Maine	18 years old	Minors can’t get tattoos, period.	None
Maryland	18 years old	A minor can get a tattoo if there’s written consent from a parent or guardian, who must be present.	Some counties might have stricter rules
Massachusetts	18 years old	Minors can’t get tattoos, no matter what their parents say	None
Michigan	No specific minimum age	Parental consent must be written and signed in front of the artist or employee.	No tattoos, branding, or piercing allowed for minors without consent.
Minnesota	18 years old	Minors can’t get tattoos, even if their parents agree	Tattoos are prohibited for minors.
Mississippi	18 years old	No tattoos allowed for minors, regardless of parental permission	None
Missouri	18 years old	A minor can get a tattoo if there’s written consent from a parent or guardian present.	Minors under 14 prohibited
Montana	18 years old	Minors can’t get tattoos, period.	None
Nebraska	18 years old	If you’re under 18, you can get a tattoo with written consent from a parent or guardian, who must be present.	None
Nevada	18 years old	Minors can’t get tattoos, even with parental permission	None
New Hampshire	18 years old	Minors can’t get tattoos, regardless of consent	None
New Jersey	18 years old	Minors can’t get tattoos, no matter what	None
New Mexico	18 years old	Minors can get a tattoo if a parent or guardian gives written consent and is present.	Minors under 14 prohibited
New York	18 years old	Minors can’t get tattoos, even if their parents say yes	None
North Carolina	18 years old	Minors can’t get tattoos under any circumstances.	None
North Dakota	18 years old	A minor can get a tattoo if there’s written consent from a parent or guardian present.	Minors under 18 can’t get tattoos without consent

What precautions should be taken?

Really, the same ones as adults. We don’t mind being repetitive when it comes to skin safety and health.

How to Choose a Tattoo Shop

The choice shouldn’t be based solely on the artist’s portfolio. The shop should be clean and sanitary, and the following practices should be followed:

Gloves: They should be worn during each procedure and changed frequently, i.e., removed and replaced if/when the artist touches anything other than you or their equipment.
Disposable needles: All needles should be pre-packaged, sterilized, and used only once. Therefore, they should be disposed of properly, in biohazard bags and sharps containers.
Disposable ink cups: The inks used in tattoos should be placed in a disposable cup and then discarded. Ink should never be taken directly from the primary source bottle or returned to that bottle.
Training and certifications: While specific training requirements may vary between communities, the best tattoo artists will have received training in bloodborne pathogens, infections, and cross-contamination.

About Author

Jade Blunt | Tattoo Gun Machinehttps://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine

Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.

Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.

As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.

Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.

My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.

But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.

So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!