Home » How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Tattoos? A Complete Guide

How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Tattoos? A Complete Guide

Body art is all the rage among youngsters today, especially getting permanent tattoos. Many young people are getting tattoos to express their thoughts, ideas, individuality, freedom of choice, and autonomy of bodies.

Tattoos are often a way for people to embrace what they love. Although the art of tattoos has existed for centuries in certain cultures, more and more teenagers are getting attracted towards it as they want to take risks and do something that brings a thrill to their lives.

Since youth is now more inclined towards body art, it tends to interfere with the rules and regulations set up by certain places. Here it becomes even more important to know the legal requirements around the minimum age limit.

Are you wondering how old one has to be in order to get a tattoo done? Do you want to know the legal age of tattoos all across the globe? Dive right into this article to learn everything about the age limit for your first tattoo.

How Old Should You Be to Get Tattooed?

How Old Should You Be to Get Tattooed?

Getting a tattoo is a life-long and life-altering decision as it will not be permanent but might also affect various aspects of your life, like employment. This is why people believe that young adults must be careful while getting it.

Like many things concerning teenagers, the most commonly accepted legal age for getting tattoos is 18 years. If you are an adult legally, you can be allowed to get a tattoo done in most places around the world.
However, the legal age can differ with countries and regions. Keep reading to know at what age teens can get tattoos.

What Are The Age Restrictions For Tattoos Around The Globe?

Most countries have set up strict rules and regulations around the legal age to get tattoos. If you or anyone around you is planning to get a tattoo, it is imperative to ensure the age limit is met.

Here are the age restrictions set up by different countries around the globe:

1. The United States of America

StateLaws
AlabamaMinors must get the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian
AlaskaMinors cannot get a tattoo
ArizonaMinors must need the presence of a parent or guardian
ArkansasMinors must get the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian
CaliforniaMinors cannot get a tattoo
ColoradoMinors must get the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian
ConnecticutMinors must get the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian
DCMinors cannot get a tattoo
DelawareMinors must get the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian
FloridaMinors must have written as well as notarized consent from a parent or guardian
GeorgiaOnly a licensed physician can do a tattoo on a minor with parental consent
HawaiiMinors must get the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian
IdahoMinors must get the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian
IllinoisOnly a licensed physician can do a tattoo on a minor with parental consent
IndianaMinors must have the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian, and they must also be present there
IowaMinors can’t get tattoos unless they are married
KansasMinors must have written consent from either a parent or a legal guardian
KentuckyMinors must get the consent of a parent or even a legal guardian
LouisianaMinors must get the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian
MaineThe state prohibits minors from getting tattoos
MarylandThe state doesn’t have any law prohibiting minors from getting tattoos
MassachusettesOnly a licensed physician can do a tattoo on a minor, provided they have parental consent
MichiganA minor must get parental or legal guardian consent
MinnesotaA minor must get parental or legal guardian consent
MississippiMinors cannot get tattoos
MissouriMinors must have the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian, and they must also be present there
MontanaA minor must get parental or legal guardian consent
NebraskaThe state doesn’t have any age limit
New HampshireMinors must have the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian, and they must also be present there
New JerseyMinors must get written consent from either a parent or a legal guardian
New MexicoA minor must have the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian, and they must also be present
New YorkMinors can’t get tattoos
North CarolinaMinors can’t get tattoos
North DakotaA minor must have the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian, and they must also be present
OhioA minor must have the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian, and they must also be present
OklahomaMinors can’t get tattoos
OregonOnly a licensed physician can do a tattoo on a minor with parental consent
PennsylvaniaA minor must have the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian, and they must also be present
Rhode IslandA minor must have the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian, and they must also be present
South CarolinaMinors must get written consent from either a parent or a legal guardian
South DakotaMinors must get written consent from either a parent or a legal guardian
TennesseeA minor under 16 must have written consent from a legal guardian or parent
TexasMinors must have written consent from a parent or a legal guardian, and if it is an offensive design, they must be present
UtahMinors must get written consent from either a parent or a legal guardian
VermontMinors must get written consent from either a parent or a legal guardian
VirginiaMinors need written consent from either a legal guardian or a parent unless a licensed physician performs the tattoo
WashingtonMinors can’t get tattoos
West VirginiaMinors must have written consent from either a parent or a legal guardian
WisconsinOnly a licensed physician can do a tattoo on a minor with parental consent
WyomingA minor must have the written consent of either a parent or a legal guardian, and they must also be present

The USA is among the countries where tattoo art is the most popular. Owing to it, the country also has numerous legal restrictions governing body art and tattooing in specific.

When it comes to the USA, the states govern the age restrictions on tattoos, and the minimum age limit might vary depending upon the area.

2. Canada

ProvinceLaws
OntarioA minor requires parental consent in writing.
QuebecNo minimum age limit, but a majority of shops don’t allow kids who are under 17-18 years.
Nova ScotiaDoesn’t have a minimum age limit, but tattoo shops set a minimum age limit.
AlbertaGuidelines recommend 18 as the minimum age limit, but there is no rigid law.
British ColumbiaThe Ministry of Health gives a recommendation to tattoo shops to obtain parental consent for kids younger than 19, but there is no law.
SaskatchewanNo minimum age limit, but it recommends shops not tattoo a teenager under 18.

Much like America, Canada also doesn’t follow a country-wide minimum age limit for getting tattoos. They leave this decision to the provinces, and here are the tattooing laws of Canada’s largest provinces:

3. Europe

Many European countries such as Cyprus, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Ireland, France, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, and even the Netherlands allow young adults over the age of 16 to get a body piercing or tattoo.

However, they have to give written parental consent and even have the parents present during the entire procedure in a majority of cases.

In many other countries across this continent, the minimum age limit is 18 years. In a few cases, they might still need parental permission, and they prohibit tattoos on the neck, head, and hands, like in Denmark.

In Spain, young adults aged 14 to 17 can get inked, but the age limit can vary as per the region.

4. Australia

A majority of Australia as well as Tasmania has set a legal age limit for tattoo set at 18 years.

Many shops tend to ask for a valid ID to verify age. When it comes to a minor, it is illegal for them to get a tattoo, even with parental consent.

In the case of Western Australia, if someone is over 16 years and has parental consent, they can legally get a tattoo. The bottom line is that Australia doesn’t allow a minor who is under 16 to get tattooed, even if they have a guardian’s consent.

5. United Kingdom

The UK doesn’t allow anyone who is a minor and less than 18 years of age to get a tattoo. Unlike other EU countries, the UK is the only one that prohibits teenagers under 18 from getting tattooed, even if they have parental consent.

Moreover, they can fine and prosecute anyone who inks a minor. Due to this, a majority of tattoo shops ask for proof to verify age before starting a tattoo.

Tattooing anyone under the age of 18 at home is also legally punishable.

6. In Other Places

In places like Costa Rica, a child as old as 12 can get a tattoo. Several countries, such as El Salvador and Cuba, don’t have established tattoo laws; however, Peru has set the legal age to get tattooed at 16 years.

In countries that practice Islam (Sharia), getting a tattoo is strictly forbidden. Despite that, an increasing number of people from such places are now opting for tattoos either to keep up with the trends or to rebel against the norms.

When it comes to Asia, tattoos have deep-rooted cultural significance, especially in certain parts like Thailand and the Southeastern parts of the continent.

Even though several Asian countries have considered body art or tattooing to be sacred and a part of their culture, many of them still consider it taboo. Hence there is no set age limit, but you can wait until you turn 18 to get a tattoo here.

Why is There an Age Restriction on Tattoos?

It is natural to wonder why countries set up strict rules and regulations on the minimum age for tattoos. Here are some reasons why countries impose these age requirements:

1. Life Long Implications

Life Long Implications
Image Source: pinterest.de

Many countries impose age restrictions for tattoos as they believe young adults are still physically and mentally growing. If someone gets a tattoo at 15 years, they might not understand the long-term implications of it. Moreover, objectionable tattoos and placements might also hamper their chances of getting a job in the future.

2. Tattoo Might Change With Age

As humans age, their skin tends to stretch and even dry up. A tattoo done at a young age might not remain the same and lose its aesthetic value as the teen ages.

3. Requires a Lot of Preparation

Requires A Lot Of Preparation

Moreover, a tattoo requires one to be mentally prepared for the procedure, the design, and the placement of the tattoo they pick to ensure everything turns out right. A young adult might not be able to handle all of it at the tender age.

Conclusion

Getting a tattoo can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with serious responsibility. It is an important decision that will continue to impact your life for a longer time, and hence there are age limits imposed by many countries.

Make sure you adhere to the minimum age limits set by the country as well as the state you are living in before you decide to get inked!

About Author

Jonathan Corby "Jonny" is a guy who is passionate about Tattooing and successfully running a Tattoo Studio in NY. Through my journey as a Tattoo Artist I have made unforgettable memories. This irrational poetry and sense of freedom of art on skin has given a blissfull experience to my life. Each Tattoo has a story behind it; Lets share one!