Know Before You Ink or Pierce: Tattoo & Piercing Age Laws by State

Instant legal age verification for tattoos, ear piercings, body piercings, and all body modifications. Explore 240+ licensed shops, comprehensive state laws for all 50 states, and legal resources.

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How to Use Our Age Checker

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What Age Can You Get a Tattoo? Complete State-by-State Guide

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo?

The legal age to get a tattoo varies by state in the United States. Most states require you to be 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent. However, some states allow minors to get tattoos with parental consent, while others have complete bans on tattooing minors.

Check your state's age requirements β†’

Can You Get a Tattoo at 16 with Parental Consent?

In some states, 16-year-olds can get tattoos with written parental consent and parental presence during the procedure. States like Arkansas, Colorado, and Nevada allow tattoos at 16 with proper parental authorization. Always verify current state laws before proceeding.

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Can a 14 Year Old Get a Tattoo with Parental Consent?

Most states do NOT allow 14-year-olds to get tattoos, even with parental consent. The minimum age in states that allow minor tattoos is typically 16 or 17 years old. States like Alabama, California, and Georgia prohibit all tattoos on minors under 18, with penalties up to $5,000.

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Legal Age to Get a Tattoo in Popular States

🌴 California Tattoo Age

18 years old

No exceptions. Tattooing minors is illegal in California, even with parental consent. Penalties include fines up to $5,000 and license revocation.

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🀠 Texas Tattoo Age

18 years old

No exceptions. Texas law prohibits tattooing anyone under 18, regardless of parental consent. Violations result in Class A misdemeanor charges.

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🌴 Florida Tattoo Age

16+ with consent

Florida allows tattoos at 16 with written parental consent. Parent/guardian must be present during procedure with valid ID verification.

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πŸ—½ New York Tattoo Age

18 years old

New York prohibits all tattoos on minors under 18. No parental consent exceptions. Violations can result in criminal charges and fines.

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🌲 Illinois Tattoo Age

18 years old

Illinois requires individuals to be 18 to get tattoos. Parental consent does not change the age requirement. Strict enforcement statewide.

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πŸŒ„ Georgia Tattoo Age

18 years old

Georgia law prohibits tattooing minors under 18 without exceptions. Medical tattoos for reconstructive purposes may be considered on case-by-case basis.

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View Interactive Map of All 50 States β†’

Tattoo with Parental Consent: What You Need to Know

If you're wondering "can I get a tattoo at 16 with parental consent" or "what states can you get a tattoo at 16", the answer varies significantly by location.

States That Allow Tattoos at 16 with Parental Consent:

  • Arkansas: 16+ with written and notarized parental consent
  • Colorado: 16+ with parent/guardian present during procedure
  • Nevada: 16+ with written parental consent and ID verification
  • Florida: 16+ with parental consent and parental presence required
  • Montana: 16+ with written parental/guardian authorization

States with Strict 18+ Laws (No Exceptions):

  • California, Alabama, Georgia: Complete ban on minor tattoos
  • Texas, New York, Illinois: No parental consent exceptions
  • North Carolina, Virginia, Massachusetts: Strictly 18 years old

⚠️ Is It Illegal to Get a Tattoo Under 18?

In most states, yes. Getting a tattoo under 18 is illegal in the majority of US states. Tattoo artists face penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 in fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges. Minors and parents can also face legal consequences.

Read Complete Parental Consent Guide β†’

Minimum Age to Get a Tattoo: Complete Breakdown

Minimum Age Requirements Number of States
18 years old No parental consent accepted 35+ states
16-17 years old Written parental consent + ID 10+ states
Under 16 years Prohibited in all states 50 states
Medical Exception Reconstructive/medical procedures 5+ states

Looking for specific state requirements? Use our interactive comparison tool to find age limits, consent requirements, and penalties in your state.

Compare All 50 States β†’

Most Searched Tattoo Age Questions

Can you get a tattoo at 17?

In most states, no. Only states with parental consent laws (like Florida, Arkansas, Colorado) allow 17-year-olds to get tattoos with proper authorization.

What age can u get a tattoo?

The legal tattoo age is 18 years old in most US states. A few states allow 16-17 year olds with written parental consent and parental presence.

Can you get a tattoo at 15?

No. All 50 US states prohibit tattooing 15-year-olds, even with parental consent. The youngest legal age is 16 in select states.

Do you have to be 18 to get a tattoo?

In 35+ states, yes. However, about 10-15 states allow minors aged 16-17 to get tattoos with documented parental consent and supervision.

When can you legally get a tattoo?

You can legally get a tattoo at 18 years old nationwide without restrictions. Some states allow 16+ with parental consent.

Tattoo age by state?

Tattoo age requirements vary from 16 to 18 years old depending on state laws. Use our age checker tool for your specific state.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to get a tattoo?

In most US states, you must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. Some states allow minors aged 16-17 to get tattooed with written parental consent and parental presence during the procedure.

Can minors get tattoos with parental consent?

It depends on the state. States like Alabama prohibit tattooing minors entirely, even with parental consent. Other states like Florida allow it at age 16 with notarized parental consent.

What happens if I lie about my age?

Providing false information about your age to get a tattoo is illegal in most states. You could face fines, and the tattoo artist could lose their license and face criminal charges.

Do I need parental presence or just consent?

This varies by state. Some states require only written consent, while others require the parent or legal guardian to be physically present during the tattoo procedure. Check your state's specific requirements.

Are piercing age laws the same as tattoo laws?

Not always. Some states have different age requirements for piercings versus tattoos. Ear piercings often have lower age limits than body tattoos.

Can I get a tattoo at 17 with parental consent?

It depends on your state. States like Colorado and Idaho allow this, while states like Alabama, Alaska, and California do not permit tattooing anyone under 18 regardless of parental consent.