The legal age to get a tattoo in the United States is 18 years old. This is the statutory law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia[1]. The law is based on the principle that a minor cannot enter into a legal contract or otherwise render informed consent for a procedure. However, most states permit a person under the age of 18 to receive a tattoo with the permission of a parent or guardian[1].
Background Information
While the federal law does not regulate the practice of tattooing, individual states have their own laws and regulations. Some states prohibit tattooing under a certain age regardless of parental permission, with the exception of medical necessity (such as markings placed for radiation therapy)[1].
In addition to state laws, individual tattoo artists may also choose to place additional restrictions based on their own moral feelings. For example, they may refuse any clients under a specific age even with parental consent, or limit the type and/or location of where they are willing to tattoo[1].
Seventeen states prohibit tattooing of minors regardless of parental consent[2]. These states include Alaska, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Maine, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina[6]. In contrast, some states, such as Nevada, allow minors as young as 14 to be tattooed with parental consent and presence during the procedure[1].
It’s important to note that even if a state law permits it, not all tattoo artists will agree to tattoo a minor. Most tattoo artists will refuse to tattoo anyone under the age of 15 or 16 for safety and liability purposes[4].
International Perspective
The legal age for getting a tattoo is not only regulated in the United States but also in other countries. For instance, the legal age in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia is also 18 years old[4]. In some countries, such as Austria, Scotland, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, you become an adult at 16[6].
In some countries, tattoos are associated with certain cultural or political implications. For example, in North Korea, the Communist Party needs to approve your tattoo before you get one. In Japan, tattoos are often associated with the Yakuza tradition, so they might think you are in the mafia[6].
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legal age to get a tattoo in the United States is 18 years old. However, most states allow minors to get a tattoo with parental consent. It’s important to understand the laws and regulations in your specific state before deciding to get a tattoo.
Q: What is the legal age to get a tattoo?
A: The legal age to get a tattoo varies depending on the state. Each state has its own regulations regarding the minimum age for tattooing minors.
Q: Are there any restrictions on tattooing minors?
A: Yes, tattooing minors is regulated by state laws. Some states prohibit tattooing or body piercing for anyone under a certain age, while others require written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Q: Is there a list of states and their regulations on tattooing minors?
A: Yes, you can find a list of states and their regulations on tattooing minors by checking the website of your state’s Department of Public Health or similar regulatory agency.
Q: What is the minimum age to get a tattoo with parental consent?
A: The minimum age to get a tattoo with parental consent varies by state. Some states allow minors to get tattoos with the written consent of their parent or legal guardian, while others require the presence of a parent or guardian during the procedure.
Q: Do I need notarized consent to get a tattoo without parental presence?
A: Some states may require notarized consent if you are getting a tattoo without the presence of a parent or legal guardian. It’s important to check the specific regulations in your state.
Q: Can a licensed physician give consent for a minor to get a tattoo?
A: In most states, the consent of a licensed physician is not sufficient for a minor to get a tattoo. The consent must come from the person’s parent or legal guardian.
Q: Is tattooing minors punishable by law?
A: Tattooing minors in violation of state regulations can be punishable by law. It’s important for tattoo artists and body piercers to follow the laws of their state to avoid legal consequences.
Q: Can a minor give written consent to get a tattoo?
A: In most cases, a minor cannot give written consent to get a tattoo. The consent of the parent or legal guardian is required.
Q: Do I need to be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent?
A: Yes, in most states, you need to be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent. Some states may have different age requirements, so it’s important to check the regulations in your state.
Q: Can minors get body piercings without parental consent?
A: The regulations regarding body piercing for minors vary by state. Some states have specific age restrictions, while others require written or notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian.
References
- Legal status of tattooing in the United States. (2023, October 3). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_status_of_tattooing_in_the_United_States
- BODY PIERCING AND TATTOOING OF MINORS. (2013, May 20). In Connecticut General Assembly. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0231.htm
- How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo? (2021, February 4). In Iron Ink Tattoo. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://ironinktattoo.com/how-old-to-get-a-tattoo/
- How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Tattoos. (2022, June 16). In Manifest Studio. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://manifeststudio.com/blogs/news/legal-age-for-tattoos
- The 2022 State-By-State Definitive Guide to Tattoo Laws in the United States. (2022, April 8). In Tattoo School. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://tattooschool.com/2022-tattoo-laws-across-the-united-states/
