Legal status of Tattooing in the United states - wikipedia Legal status of Tattooing in the United states In the United States, there is no federal law regulating the practice of tattooing. However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have statutory laws requiring a person receiving a tattoo be 18 years or older. This is partially based on the legal principle that a minor can not enter into a legal contract or otherwise render informed consent for a procedure. Most states permit a person under the age of 18 to receive a tattoo with permission of a parent or guardian, but some states outright prohibit tattooing under a certain age regardless of permission, with the exception of medical necessity ( such as markings placed for radiation therapy ). In all jurisdictions, individual tattooists may also choose to place additional restrictions based on their own moral feelings, such as refusing any clients under a specific age even with parental consent despite it being legal, or limiting the type and / or location of where they are willing to tattoo ( such as refusing any work around intimate parts of the body ). They may additionally refuse to perform specific artwork, including if they merely find it inappropriate or offensive, or refuse to work on a client that they suspect may be intoxicated. Artists sometimes claim their personal business restrictions are a matter of law even when it is not true, so as to avoid arguments with clients. Legal Restrictions on Tattooing & Body Modification by State State Minimum Age ( with parent / guardian consent ) Form of Parent / Guardian Consent Notes & Exceptions Intoxicated / Impaired Individuals Area of Law / Type of Penalty Licensing & Regulation Relevant Statute ( s ) and Rules Alabama none specified informed written consent, signed in presence of the artist / service provider or their agent Ear piercing exempt from Alabama body art laws & rules. can not be tattooed, branded, or pierced Violations of Alabama Tattoo & Body Piercing laws are a class c misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $100 and / or up to 90 days imprisonment for each violation. Alabama 's Department of Public Health licenses Tattoo, body piercing, & body art facilities, and sets standards for their operation. Individual tattoo artists, piercers, etc. require a permit. Ala. Code § 22 - 1 - 17A State Board of Health rules on Body Art Practices and Facilities. Alaska 18 ( piercing excepted ) parent / guardian must both give written consent and be present during the procedure Minors may be pierced with parental consent no restriction Alaska Stat. § 08.13. 217 Arizona none specified parent / guardian must be physically present Minors can have their ears pierced with the written or verbal consent of a parent / guardian, can have procedures prescribed by a health care provider. no restriction Violations are a class 6 felony. There are no health regulations for tattoo shops in Arizona. Tattoos. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13 - 3721 Arkansas 16 parent / guardian must both give written consent and be physically present none specified can not be tattooed, branded, or pierced. Ark. Stat. Ann. § § 20 - 27 - 1501 et seq. California 18 ( piercing excepted ) parent / guardian must be present during procedure Minors may have their ears pierced with parental consent. They may be pierced elsewhere with parental consent, but not on their genitals or nipples. Permanent cosmetics are permitted on nipples, when done by a cosmetic technician and with parental consent. no restriction Body Art. Cal. Health & Safety Code § 119300 to 119328 Cal. Penal Code 653 Colorado 18 Express written consent of parent or guardian parent / guardian must be present during procedure Persons who are `` noticeably impaired '' can not have body art procedures Body Artists. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25 - 4 - 2101 to 2103 Connecticut none specified permission of parent or guardian Minors may have their ears pierced without parental consent Tattooing may only be performed by physicians, or by registered nurses & technicians working under the supervision of a physician. no restrictions Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a - 92a, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a - 92g District of Columbia 18 ( ear piercing excepted ) written consent ( for ear piercing ) minors may have their ears pierced with written parental consent no restrictions Body Artists. DC Code § 47 - 2853.76 d Delaware 18 notarized written consent to the specific procedure none specified can not be tattooed, branded, or body pierced Del. Code Ann. Title 11, Ch 5 § 1114 ( a ) Del. Code Ann. Title 16, Ch 2 § 122 ( 3 ) ( w ) Florida 16 Must be accompanied by parent or guardian who can show proof of guardianship, both parent and minor must present photo ID, and a consent form must be notarized. for medical or dental purposes by a licensed physician or dentist no restriction Fla. Stat. § 381.00787 Fla. Stat. § 381.0775 et seq. Fla. Stat. § 381.075 Georgia 18 ( body piercing excepted ) For body piercing : prior written consent of parent / guardian Minors may have their ears pierced without parental consent Minors may be body pierced with written parental consent Physicians and Osteopaths or technicians working under their direct supervision can give minors tattoos or produce scars for `` medical or cosmetic purposes. '' No one can be tattooed within an inch of their eye socket. no restrictions Ga. Code § 31 - 40 - 1 to 31 - 40 - 10 Ga. Code § 16 - 12 - 5 Ga. Code § 16 - 5 - 71.1 Hawaii none specified written consent of parent / guardian Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 321 - 13 Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 321 - 379 Idaho 18 Written informed consent of parent / guardian, executed in the presence of the person performing the procedure, or their agent / employee. Minors can have their ears pierced without parental consent. Piercing for medical procedures exempt. no restrictions Idaho Code § 18 - 1523 ( 2004 ) Illinois 18 ( body piercings excepted ) Written consent of parent / guardian ( for body piercings ) Minors can not be present in places where tattooing or body piercing is done except in the presence of a parent / guardian. Minors can have their ears pierced without parent / guardian consent. no restrictions Ill. Stat. 720 § 5 / 12 - 10.1 Ill. Stat. 410 § 54 / 1 t0 54 / 999 Indiana none specified Parent / guardian must both be present during the procedure and provide written permission. Minors may have their ears pierced without parental consent. no restrictions Ind. Code Ann. § 35 - 42 - 2 - 7 Ind. Code Ann. § 16 - 19 - 3 - 4.1 Iowa 18 n / a - minors can not be tattooed Body piercing is not regulated by state law in Iowa, however county or city laws may regulate it. no restrictions Iowa Code § 135.37 Iowa Code § 135.37 Kansas 16 Parent / guardian must give written consent, written consent must be notarized, and the parent / guardian must be present during the procedure. Minors may have their ears pierced no restrictions Kan. Stat. Ann. § 65 - 1953 Kan. Stat. Ann. § 65 - 1940 to 65 - 1954 Kentucky 16 Parent / guardian must give written, notarized consent. none ( ear piercing also requires written, notarized consent ). Ky. Rev. Stat. § 211.760 Ky. Rev. Stat. § 194A. 050 ; 211.760 Louisiana 16 Parent or guardian must consent, and their presence during the procedure is required for tattoos, but not for body piercings. no restrictions La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 14 : 93.2 La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 40 : 2831 et seq. Maine 18 ( piercings excepted ) For body piercings : prior legal consent of parent / guardian. Maine law does not require parent / guardian consent for ear piercing no restrictions Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 32 § 4201 - 4329 Maryland none specified written consent, which must be retained for 3 years. Piercing of the ear lobe is exempt no restriction Health Department Regulations A license is not required, but any person performing tattooing or piercing must comply with all the relevant health code regulations COMAR 10.06. 01.02 and 10.06. 01.06 Massachusetts 18 ( except body piercing other than genitalia ) Minors can not receive tattoo, branding, or scarification at all. For piercing of areas other than the genitalia, a parent may provide identification and sign the consent document. Physicians performing for treatment reasons and ear piercing are exempt from regulation. no restriction County Health Department regulates body art, but all follow a model regulation set by the state. Artists must have a permit, and establishments are subject to following specific health department regulations Model Regulations for Body Art Establishments Michigan none specified Written, informed consent of parent / guardian. Must be executed ( signed ) in the presences of the person performing the procedure, or their employee. can not be tattooed, branded, or body pierced. Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.13101 to 333.13112 Minnesota 18 ( piercings excepted ) For piercings : presence of parent / guardian and a consent form are both required. Minors can not be tattooed. They can be body pierced, but not in the nipples or genitals. Branding, scarification, suspension, subdermal implantation, microdermal, and tongue bifurcation are also prohibited for minors. can not have any body art procedures. Minnesota Statutes 146B. 07 Mississippi 18 n / a - minors can not be tattooed piercing also prohibited except for the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear. no restriction Miss. Code Ann. § 73 - 61 Missouri none specified For both piercings and tattoos, parent / guardian must sign written consent in the presence of the person performing the procedure, or their employee. can not be tattooed, branded or body pierced. violations are a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $500 ( more for repeat offenses ) The state director of the division of professional registration licenses all body artists, and sets rules & regulations for the operation of body art establishments. Mo. Rev. Stat. § 324.520 Montana none specified Parent or guardian must give `` explicit, in - person '' consent. Montana administrative rules also require that the parent / guardian be present throughout the procedure. can not be tattooed or body pierced. A person who tattoos or body pierces a minor without parent / guardian consent is guilty of Unlawful transactions with children, punishable by a fine of up to $500 or six months in county jail, or both. Other violations of Montana body art laws are a misdemeanor, with punishments ranging from a fine of $50 -- 100 for a first offense to $300 and / or 90 days in county jail for third and subsequent offense. Montana 's Department of Health and Safety licenses and regulates body art establishments. Local health boards may establish their own licensing and regulatory schemes in lieu of the state department 's. Mont. Code Ann. § 45 - 5 - 623 Mont. Code Ann. § 50 - 48 - 101 to 110 Mont. Code Ann. § 50 - 48 - 201 to 209 Nebraska none specified written consent, must be present during procedure Piercing does not include the external parts of the ear No restrictions Nebraska Revised Statute 38 - 1008, 38 - 1009, 38 - 1010, 38 - 1011, 38 - 1060, 38 - 10,165 Nevada n / a n / a Nevada state law does not regulate tattoos, piercings, or other body art. Regional health districts may regulate the practice. The southern Nevada Health District, for example, does not allow minors below the age of 14 to be tattooed, and requires a parent or guardian to provide written consent and be present during the procedure for 14 - to 18 - year - olds. The southern Nevada district also bans tattoos on those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. n / a n / a New Hampshire 18 ( piercings excepted ) For piercings : parent / guardian must both sign written consent and be present during the procedure. Minors can not be tattooed or branded. They may be pierced with parent / guardian consent. Minors may have their ears pierced without parent / guardian consent. no restrictions N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 314 New Jersey none specified written permission of parent / guardian is required for tattooing and body piercing. Parent / guardian must be present and sign written consent for ear piercings as well as for body piercing. Minors can not have genital piercings even with parent / guardian consent. no restrictions no restrictions no restrictions N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C : 40 - 21 N.J.A.C. 8 : 27 - 1 et seq. N.J. Stat. Ann. § 26 - 1A - 7 New Mexico none specified Written consent and presence during the procedure. Medical procedures by physicians and ear piercing are exempt no restrictions Administrative Regulations set by the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists All body artists are required to be licensed through the state, and are subject to regulations from the Board Body Art Safe Practices Act. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 61 - 17B et seq., N.M. Administrative Code 16.36 et seq. New York 18 ( piercings excepted ) Minors can not be tattooed with parent / guardian consent. For piercings : parent / guardian must give written consent, signed in presence of the body artist or body art establishment owner. Written parental consent is not required for ear piercings. no restrictions New York Public Health Law, Article 4 - A N.Y. Public Health Law § 460 - 466 N.Y. Penal Law § 260.21 North Carolina 18 ( piercings excepted ) Minors can not be tattooed, even with parent / guardian consent. `` Prior consent '' of parent / guardian is required for body piercings. Minors may have their ears pierced without parental consent. no restrictions N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A - 283 N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14 - 400 North Dakota none specified Parent / guardian must be present during the procedure and give written consent. can not get tattoos or other body art N.D. Code § 23 - 01 - 35 N.D. Code § 12.1 - 31 - 13 Ohio none specified Parent / guardian must both sign a consent form and `` appear in person at the business at the time the procedure is performed. '' none - parent / guardian consent and presence is also required for ear piercings. no restrictions Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3730.01 to 3730.99 Oklahoma 18 ( piercings excepted ) Minors can not be tattooed, even with parent / guardian consent. For piercings : parent / guardian must both give written consent and be present during the procedure. Ear piercing is not governed / restricted by Oklahoma law. Scleral tattooing is illegal. can not be tattooed. Okla. Stat. Title 21 § 842.1, 842.2, 842.3 Oregon 18 ( piercings excepted ) For piercings : parent / guardian must give written consent and present proof of identity. Minors can only be tattooed with the authorization of a physician. Scarification and dermal implants are prohibited Persons with sunburns or skin diseases or disorders can not be tattooed or pierced. Minors can not be pierced on the genitals or nipples, even with parent / guardian consent. Piercing on testes, deep shaft ( corpus cavernosa ), uvula, eyelids and sub-clavicle are all prohibited. can not be tattooed or pierced. Violations of Oregon body art laws are a misdemeanor. Violations of Health Licensing Office rules are fined ( various amounts ). Both body artists and body art establishments are licensed by the Oregon Health Licensing Office. With the assistance of a Board of Body Art practitioners, the Health Licensing Office also sets detailed rules and regulations for body art. Or. Rev. Stat. § 690.350 et seq Or. Rev. Stat. § 690.401 to 410 Or. Rev. Stat. § 679.500 Health Licensing Office Rules, especially Divisions 900, 905, 915 & 920 Pennsylvania none specified parent / guardian must both give consent and be present during the procedure. no restrictions Pa. Cons. Stat. Title 18 § 6311 Rhode Island 18 ( piercings excepted ) Minors can not be tattooed. For piercings : parent / guardian must both give consent and be present for the procedure. no restrictions Tattooing a minor is a criminal offense ( misdemeanor ), maximum fine $300 Tattooing and body art are regulated by the department of health, artists must be registered. RI Gen L § 23 - 1 - 39 RI Gen L § 11 - 9 - 15 South Carolina 18 ( piercings excepted ) Minors can not be tattooed. For piercings : parent / guardian must either give written, notarized consent or be present during the procedure. Head, face, and neck tattoos are illegal. can not be tattooed or body pierced Under the Health Code, persons violating restrictions on tattooing and body piercing are guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, they may be fined up to $2500 or imprisoned for a year, or both. Tattoo and body piercing facilities are regulated by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. Tattoo facilities are licensed, body piercing facilities require a permit, and artists must be registered S.C. Code § 44 - 32 - 10 to 44 - 32 - 120 S.C. Code § 44 - 34 - 10 to 44 - 34 - 110 South Dakota none specified Parent / guardian must sign a consent form. can not be tattooed or pierced Tattooing a minor is a class 2 misdemeanor. Tattooing and Body Piercing are governed by Department of Health rules. Municipalities may set stricter regulations, and have the authority to license body artists. S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 26 - 10 - 19 S.D. Laws § 9 - 34 - 17 Tennessee 18 ( piercings excepted ) For tattoos that cover an existing tattoo ( see Notes & Exceptions ) : Parent / Guardian must be present during the procedure. For piercings : Parent / Guardian must give written consent, be present during the procedure. Minors over the age of sixteen may be tattooed to cover up an existing tattoo, with parent / guardian consent. Minors who lie about their age to be tattooed are guilty of a `` delinquent act, '' are required to pay a fine of $50 -- $250 and serve at least 20 hours of community service. Tattooing a minor is a class a misdemeanor, breach of body piercing law is a class b misdemeanor. Tattoo artists and body piercers are licensed by the state department of health, tattoo shops require a certificate from the local health department. Tenn. Code § § 62 - 38 - 201 - 310 Texas 18 ( piercings excepted ) For body piercings and for covering existing tattoos ( see Notes & Exceptions ) : Parent / guardian must be present during procedure, sign an affidavit Ear piercing is exempt from body piercing statutes Minors may, with parent / guardian consent, be tattooed to cover up an existing tattoo that has offensive, gang - related, or drug - related content, or `` other words, symbols, or markings that the person 's parent or guardian considers would be in the best interest of the person to cover '' Tongue splitting prohibited. Cannot be tattooed or pierced. Misrepresenting one 's age to get a tattoo, or to get a piercing without parental consent, is a class B misdemeanor Violations of Texas tattooing & body piercing statute are a Class A misdemeanor, with each day of violation counting as a separate offense. Health Commissioner can impose a fine of up to $5000 on artists & shops for each violation Tattoo artists and body piercers must be registered with the Texas Department of Health Tattoo and body piercing shops must be licensed Texas Health and Safety Code Ann. § 146 Utah none specified Parent / guardian must be present during the procedure, give written permission, and provide proof of identity. Parental consent not required by law for ear piercing Tattooing or body piercing a minor is a class b misdemeanor, shops can be fined up to $1000 for each violation. Utah Code Ann. § 76 - 10 - 2201 Vermont none specified Tattooists and body piercers must be registered. Vt. Stat. Ann. Title 26 § 4101 to 4109 Virginia none specified Parent / Guardian must be present during the procedure. Virginia law does not limit minors ' ability to have their ears pierced. Tattooing or body piercing a minor is a class 1 misdemeanor Tattoo artists and body piercers, as well as the operators of tattoo and body piercing establishments, are licensed by the state. Civic / local governments are empowered to regulate tattoo and body piercing establishments. Va. Code § 54.1 - 700 et seq. Va. Code § 15.2 - 912 Va. Code § 18.2 - 371.3. Washington 18 ( piercings excepted ) can not have tattoos, body piercings, or other body art. Wash. Code § 26.28. 085 Wash. Code § 18.300 Wash. Code § 246 - 145 - 001 to 060 Wash. Code § 70.54 West Virginia none specified parent / guardian must give written consent All persons receiving a tattoo must attest they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Tattoo shop owners and body piercing studios must register with local board of health, and must be registered as a business with the state W. Va. Code § 16 - 37 W. Va. Code § 16 - 38 Wisconsin 18 n / a ( tattooing not permitted under 18 ) Physicians in the course of professional practice are exempt no restriction Tattooing a minor or even offering to do so is subject to a fine of up to $200 Artists must be satisfy training requirements and obtain a license from the health department. Establishments are subject to inspection and licensing Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations 948.70 and 252.235 Wyoming none specified Verbal consent, presence during procedure. Procedures performed under the supervision of a licensed physician, and piercing of the ear, do not count as body art for this law. no restriction Misdemeanor criminal offense, punishable by fine and prison time Wyoming Statute § 14 - 3 - 107 References ^ Jump up to : `` Alabama Code - Section 22 - 17A - 2 ''. findlaw. Retrieved 5 July 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` RULES OF STATE BOARD OF HEALTH BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION OF FOOD, MILK, AND LODGING Chapter 420 - 3 - 23 BODY ART PRACTICE AND FACILITIES '' ( PDF ). http://www.adph.org/. Retrieved 5 July 2015. External link in website = ( help ) ^ Jump up to : `` Alabama Code - Chapter 17A : REGULATION OF TATTOOING, BRANDING, AND BODY PIERCING ''. findlaw. Retrieved 5 July 2015. Jump up ^ `` Alabama Code - Section 22 - 17A - 8 : PENALTIES ''. findlaw. Retrieved 5 July 2015. Jump up ^ `` Alabama Code - Section 22 - 17A - 7 : POWERS AND DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT ''. findlaw.com. Retrieved 5 July 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` TATOOING AND BODY PIERCING : STATE LAWS, STATUTES AND REGULATIONS ''. http://www.ncsl.org/. National Council of State Legislatures. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2015. External link in website = ( help ) ^ Jump up to : `` Alaska Stat. § 08.13. 217. : Alaska Statutes - Section 08.13. 217. : Tattooing and permanent cosmetic coloring or body piercing on a minor ''. Findlaw. Jump up ^ `` Alaska Statutes - Chapter 08.13. : BARBERS AND HAIRDRESSERS ''. Findlaw. ^ Jump up to : Arizona Revised Statutes § 13 - 3721. Tattoos, brands, scarifications and piercings ; minors ; anesthesia ; exception ; defense ; violation ; classification ; definitions. Jump up ^ Health regulations sought for Arizona tattoo shops, Tucson Citizen, Jul 05, 2007. Jump up ^ `` LexisNexis ® Custom Solution : Arkansas Code Research Tool ''. lexisnexis.com. ^ Jump up to : `` § 20 - 27 - 1502 - Unlawful to perform body art on a person under eighteen years of age. : : 2010 Arkansas Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` CAL. PEN. CODE § 653 : California Code - Section 653 ''. Findlaw. ^ Jump up to : `` CAL. HSC. CODE § 119302 : California Code - Section 119302 ''. Findlaw. ^ Jump up to : `` California Law - HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE ( HSC Sections 119300. - 119328. ) ''. regstoday.com. ^ Jump up to : http://www.nchd.org/Downloads/Body%20Art/Body%20Art%20Regulations%20final%203-26(2)-10.pdf ^ Jump up to : `` Section 19a - 92g - Body piercing. : : 2012 Connecticut General Statutes : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` Archived copy '' ( PDF ). Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 2013 - 10 - 12. Retrieved 2015 - 07 - 06. ^ Jump up to : `` & § 47 -- 2853.76 e Prohibitions and penalties. : : 2014 District of Columbia Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` Title 11 ''. delaware.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` Statutes & Constitution ''. state.fl.us. ^ Jump up to : `` § 16 - 5 - 71 - Tattooing : : 2010 Georgia Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` § 16 - 5 - 71.1 - Piercing of the body : : 2010 Georgia Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` § 16 - 12 - 5 - Tattooing : : 2010 Georgia Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` HI Rev Stat § 321 - 379 : : Enforcement ; penalties. : : 2011 Hawaii Revised Statutes : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` Statutes ''. idaho.gov. ^ Jump up to : http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=32700000&SeqEnd=33400000 ^ Jump up to : `` Ind. Code § 35 - 42 - 2 - 7 : Indiana Code - Section 35 - 42 - 2 - 7 : Tattooing or body piercing a minor ''. Findlaw. Jump up ^ `` ISDH : Tattoo Information ''. in.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` Iowa Code 135.37 ''. iowa.gov. Jump up ^ `` Archived copy ''. Archived from the original on 2015 - 07 - 06. Retrieved 2015 - 07 - 06. ^ Jump up to : `` Statute - Kansas State Legislature ''. kslegislature.org. Jump up ^ `` Statute - Kansas State Legislature ''. kslegislature.org. Jump up ^ `` 211.760 Tattooing and body piercing of humans by nonmedical personnel for remuneration -- Registration -- Administrative regulations -- Compliance checks -- Hearings. : : 2014 Kentucky Revised Statutes : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` 902 KAR 45 : 070. Body piercing and ear piercing ''. state.ky.us. Jump up ^ `` LA Rev Stat § 14 : 93.2 : : RS 14 : 93.2 -- Tattooing and body piercing of minors ; prohibition : : 2011 Louisiana Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` Title 32, § 4203 : Minors ''. mainelegislature.org. Jump up ^ `` Title 32, § 4323 : Body piercing of minors ''. mainelegislature.org. Jump up ^ `` Title 32, § 4321 : Definitions ''. mainelegislature.org. ^ Jump up to : `` COMAR 10.06. 01.06 ''. dsd.state.md.us. Retrieved 2015 - 06 - 29. Disclose the risks of the procedure, obtain the client 's written consent for the performance of the procedure or, in the case of a minor, the consent of the parent or guardian, and retain the consent on file for a period of 3 years and make it available to the health officer, if requested ; Jump up ^ `` COMAR 10.06. 01.02 Definitions ''. dsd.state.md.us. Retrieved 2015 - 06 - 29. ( 29 ) Skin - Penetrating Body Adornment Procedure ^ Jump up to : dph / environment. `` Body Art ( Body Piercing, Tattooing and Branding / Scarification ) '' ( PDF ). Health and Human Services. Retrieved 2015 - 06 - 30. ^ Jump up to : `` Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.13102 : : 368 - 1978 - 12 - 131 : : 368 - 1978 - 12 : : Act 368 of 1978 : : Chapter 333 -- HEALTH : : 2006 Michigan Compiled Laws : : Michigan Compiled Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/tattooing-and-body-piercing.aspx ^ Jump up to : `` 146B. 07 - 2014 Minnesota Statutes ''. mn.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` Section 324.520 Definitions -- tattooing, branding, body piercing, prohibited, when, penalty. : : 2014 Missouri Revised Statutes : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` Section 324.522 Licensing required, when -- rulemaking authority. : : 2014 Missouri Revised Statutes : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` 45 - 5 - 623. Unlawful transactions with children ''. mt.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` 37.112. 158 : RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS - Administrative Rules of the State of Montana ''. mtrules.org. Jump up ^ `` 50 - 48 - 108. Penalties -- misdemeanor ''. mt.gov. Jump up ^ `` 50 - 48 - 103. Rulemaking authority ''. mt.gov. Jump up ^ `` 50 - 48 - 203. Licensure and regulation by local boards of health ''. mt.gov. Jump up ^ `` Table of Contents, Title 50, Chapter 48, MCA ''. mt.gov. Jump up ^ `` Table of Contents, Title 50, Chapter 48, MCA ''. mt.gov. Jump up ^ `` Nebraska Revised Statute 38 - 10,165 ''. nebraskalegislature.gov. Retrieved 2015 - 06 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Nebraska Revised Statute 38 - 1010 ''. nebraskalegislature.gov. Retrieved 2015 - 06 - 18. Jump up ^ `` Southern Nevada Health District Regulations Governing the Sanitation of Tattoo and Permanent Makeup Establishments ''. southernnevadahealthdistrict.org. ^ Jump up to : http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXX/314-A/314-A-8.htm Jump up ^ http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXX/314-A/314-A-4.htm ^ Jump up to : `` Section 2C : 40 - 21 - Tattooing of a minor ; parental permission, required : : 2013 New Jersey Revised Statutes : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` Archived copy '' ( PDF ). Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 2012 - 06 - 10. Retrieved 2012 - 06 - 10. ^ Jump up to : `` New Mexico Administrative Code 16.36. 5 ''. New Mexico Administrative Code. Retrieved 2015 - 06 - 29. the signature of the client and, if the client is a minor, written proof of parental or legal guardian presence and consent ; ^ Jump up to : `` ARTICLE 17B Body Art Safe Practices Act ''. public.nmcompcomm.us. Retrieved 2015 - 06 - 29. Jump up ^ `` Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law - Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the Second Degree ''. ny.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` Article 4 - A Regulation of Body Piercing and Tattooing ''. ny.gov. Jump up ^ `` Body Art - Tattooing and Body Piercing ''. ny.gov. ^ Jump up to : http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_14/Article_52.pdf Jump up ^ `` GS_130A - 283 ''. state.nc.us. Jump up ^ http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_14/GS_14-400.pdf ^ Jump up to : http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t12-1c31.pdf?20150627113430 Jump up ^ http://www.legis.nd.gov/information/acdata/pdf/33-41-01.pdf?20150627114138 Jump up ^ http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t23c01.pdf?20150627113445 ^ Jump up to : `` Lawriter - ORC ''. ohio.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` § 21 - 842.1. Performing or offering to perform body piercing or tattooing on child under 18 years -- Definitions. : : 2014 Oklahoma Statutes : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` Oregon Secretary of State Archives Division ''. state.or.us. ^ Jump up to : `` Oregon Secretary of State Archives Division ''. state.or.us. ^ Jump up to : `` Oregon Secretary of State Archives Division ''. state.or.us. Jump up ^ `` Oregon Secretary of State Archives Division ''. state.or.us. Jump up ^ `` Section 690.992 - Criminal penalties. : : 2013 Oregon Revised Statutes : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` Oregon Secretary of State Archives Division ''. state.or.us. Jump up ^ `` Section 690.360 - Prohibited acts ; exceptions. : : 2013 Oregon Revised Statutes : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` Oregon Secretary of State Archives Division ''. state.or.us. ^ Jump up to : `` 6311 - Tattooing and body piercing. : : 2010 Pennsylvania Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` § 11 - 9 - 15 Tattooing of minors. : : CHAPTER 11 - 9 Children : : Title 11 Criminal Offenses : : 2010 Rhode Island General Laws : : Rhode Island General Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` Section 23 - 1 - 39 - Tattooing and / or body piercing. : : 2014 Rhode Island General Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` Section 44 - 34 - 100 - Unlawful acts ; penalties. : : 2012 South Carolina Code of Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` SECTION 44 - 32 - 120. Minors or persons impaired by drugs, alcohol, or otherwise incapable of consenting ; unhealthy skin surfaces ; penalty. : : 2014 South Carolina Code of Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` CHAPTER 32 - BODY PIERCING : : 2014 South Carolina Code of Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` Section 44 - 34 - 20 - Establishment of sterilization, sanitation, and safety standards ; licensing ; engaging in other retail business. : : 2012 South Carolina Code of Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` SECTION 44 - 32 - 20. Sterilization, sanitation and safety standards ; certificate of completion of blood - borne pathogens and body piercing infection control course ; permits. : : 2014 South Carolina Code of Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` Chapter 34 - TATTOOING : : 2012 South Carolina Code of Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` § 26 - 10 - 19 Tattooing minor without parental consent as misdemeanor. : : 2014 South Dakota Codified Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` Rules Display ''. sd.gov. Jump up ^ `` Rules Display ''. sd.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` § 9 - 34 - 17 Tattooing and body piercing. : : 2014 South Dakota Codified Laws : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` Rules Display ''. sd.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` § 62 - 38 - 211 - Tattoos for persons under 18 years of age -- Reporting tattooing of minors -- Tattoos to cover up existing tattoos for minors 16 years of age or older -- False statements of age or exhibiting false identification by minors for purpose of obtaining tattoos. : : 2014 Tennessee Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` § 62 - 38 - 305 - Minimum age for procedure -- Exception authorized with consent -- Recordkeeping. : : 2014 Tennessee Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` § 62 - 38 - 310 - Penalty. : : 2014 Tennessee Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ http://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2014/title-62/chapter-38/part-2/section-62-38-204/ Jump up ^ `` § 62 - 38 - 302 - License required -- Sanitation and sterilization compliance required. : : 2014 Tennessee Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` Chapter 38 - Tattoos and Body Piercing : : 2010 Tennessee Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. ^ Jump up to : `` TEX HS. CODE ANN. § 146.012 : Texas Statutes - Section 146.012 : TATTOOS PROHIBITED FOR CERTAIN PERSONS ''. Findlaw. ^ Jump up to : `` TEX HS. CODE ANN. § 146.0125 : Texas Statutes - Section 146.0125 : BODY PIERCING PROHIBITED WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT ; EXCEPTION ''. Findlaw. Jump up ^ `` TEX HS. CODE ANN. § 146.0025 : Texas Statutes - Section 146.0025 : EXEMPTIONS FROM LICENSING REQUIREMENTS ; EAR PIERCING ESTABLISHMENTS EXEMPT ''. Findlaw. Jump up ^ `` TEX HS. CODE ANN. § 146.0126 : Texas Statutes - Section 146.0126 : TONGUE SPLITTING PROHIBITED ''. Findlaw. Jump up ^ `` TEX HS. CODE ANN. § 146.0124 : Texas Statutes - Section 146.0124 : BODY PIERCING PROHIBITED FOR CERTAIN PERSONS ''. Findlaw. Jump up ^ `` TEX HS. CODE ANN. § 146.018 : Texas Statutes - Section 146.018 : OFFENSE ; CRIMINAL PENALTY ''. Findlaw. Jump up ^ `` TEX HS. CODE ANN. § 146.019 : Texas Statutes - Section 146.019 : ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY ''. Findlaw. Jump up ^ `` TEX HS. CODE ANN. § 146.0021 : Texas Statutes - Section 146.0021 : EMPLOYMENT OF TATTOOISTS AND BODY PIERCERS ; REGISTRATION REQUIRED ''. Findlaw. Jump up ^ `` TEX HS. CODE ANN. § 146.002 : Texas Statutes - Section 146.002 : LICENSE REQUIRED ''. Findlaw. Jump up ^ `` Texas Statutes - Chapter 146 : TATTOO AND CERTAIN BODY PIERCING STUDIOS ''. Findlaw. ^ Jump up to : `` Utah State Legislature ''. utah.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` Vermont Laws ''. vermont.gov. Jump up ^ `` Professions and Occupations ''. vermont.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` § 18.2 - 371.3. Tattooing or body piercing of minors ''. virginia.gov. Jump up ^ `` § 54.1 - 703. License required ''. virginia.gov. Jump up ^ `` § 54.1 - 704.1. License required for barbershop, cosmetology salon, nail care salon, waxing salon, tattoo parlor, body - piercing salon, and esthetics spa ''. virginia.gov. Jump up ^ `` § 15.2 - 912. Regulation of tattoo parlors and body - piercing salons ; definition ; exception ''. virginia.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` RCW 26.28. 085 : Applying tattoo to a minor -- Penalty ''. wa.gov. Jump up ^ `` WAC 246 - 145 - 015 : Restrictions ''. wa.gov. Jump up ^ `` Chapter 18.300 RCW : BODY ART, BODY PIERCING, AND TATTOOING ''. wa.gov. Jump up ^ `` Chapter 246 - 145 WAC : BODY ART, BODY PIERCING, ELECTROLOGY AND TATTOOING STANDARDS FOR STERILIZATION PROCEDURES AND INFECTION CONTROL ''. wa.gov. Jump up ^ `` Chapter 70.54 RCW : MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY PROVISIONS ''. wa.gov. ^ Jump up to : `` § 16 - 38 - 3. Operation standards. : : 2014 West Virginia Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` § 16 - 38 - 7. Violations and penalties. : : 2014 West Virginia Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` § 16 - 38 - 6. Registration requirements ; inspections by local or regional boards of health ; permit fees. : : 2014 West Virginia Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` § 16 - 37 - 3. Registration requirements ; inspections by local boards of health ; posting of permit ; power of local board of health to order studio to close. : : 2014 West Virginia Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` ARTICLE 38. TATTOO STUDIO BUSINESS. : : 2014 West Virginia Code : : US Codes and Statutes : : US Law : : Justia ''. Justia Law. Jump up ^ `` Wisconsin Legislature : 948.70 ''. Wisconsin Legislative Documents. 2015 - 06 - 27. Retrieved 2015 - 06 - 29. Jump up ^ `` Wisconsin Legislature : 252.23 ''. Wisconsin Legislative Documents. 2015 - 06 - 27. Retrieved 2015 - 06 - 29. ^ Jump up to : `` TITLE 14 - CHILDREN, CHAPTER 3 - PROTECTION, ARTICLE 1 - PROHIBITED ACTS ''. legisweb.state.wy.us. Retrieved 2015 - 06 - 29. Tattoos and Tattooing Topics History Medical issues Religious perspectives Removal Categories Medical Permanent makeup Temporary Process Artist Ink Machine Art style Black - and - gray Burmese Flash Japanese ( Irezumi ) Maori ( Tā moko ) Marquesan Old school Samoan ( Malu / Pe'a ) Cambodian / Lao / Vietnamese ( Yantra ) Location on body Body suit Cornea Genital Lower - back Scalp Sclera Sleeve Legal status in... the European Union the United States Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Legal_status_of_tattooing_in_the_United_States&oldid=837920839 '' Categories : Tattooing and law United States law Hidden categories : CS1 errors : external links Talk About Wikipedia Add links This page was last edited on 23 April 2018, at 20 : 48. About Wikipedia

Question: how old do you have to be for a tatoo
Answer: 18 years or older