Are you looking for your first tattoo simply unsure about minimum historic period restrictions in the U.s.a.? Read on for valuable data nearly tattoo historic period legislation and guidelines, and questions you may take almost getting inked for the offset fourth dimension .
US Federal Laws on Tattoo Age Requirements
There are no Federal laws regarding historic period limits on tattoos; this beingness the U.s. of A, the governing body leaves these decisions in the hands of individual states. Every state, equally well as the District of Columbia have laws regulat ing the minimum historic period of tattoo clients, even so these laws are less than direct forrard in many jurisdictions .
Country Laws & Exceptions for Tattoo A ge Regulation
Many states including Montana, New Hampshire and Nevada accept no specified minimum age requirement for tattoos, instead utilizing existing statutory laws that forestall persons under the age of 18 to enter legal contract s or render informed consent. I suppose this was easier than putting new laws specific to tattooing while notwithstanding affecting the same outcome.
So, what about minors with parental consent? Again this is not as directly forward equally it may seem. Many states have minimum historic period restrictions even with written approval from a parent or guardian, some surprisingly low. In Idaho , for instance, a xiv year old tin get tattooed, branded , or pierced with a letter of the alphabet of parental consent signed in the presence of the artist applying the tattoo , or an agent that represents them. In Louisiana , 16 yr olds can receive tattoos with the written consent of a parent or guardian, who must also accompany them and be present throughout the procedure.
The following infographic provides a handy snapshot of base regulations and parental approving requirements in each of the l states of the Usa.
L ike then many different laws and guidelines in the USA, regulation and enforcement of tattoo shops and artists is left up to the state. Texas is another interesting example of the different priorities that state entities place when it comes to trunk art. Even with written consent from a parent or guardian, information technology is illegal for anyone nether the age of 18 to get tattooed, save some very specific circ*mstances.
According to Texas law minors (with parental consent) may receive tattoos intended to cover offensive, gang or drug related tattoos or "other words, symbols, or markings that the person'due south parent or guardian considers would exist in the all-time interest of the person to comprehend" . This legislation is also in place in Tennessee.
In California, 18 is the minimum age requirement for anyone wanting to get a tattoo, and anyone who provides a tattoo or solicits to provide a tattoo to a small is facing misdemeanor charges from the land.
Information technology also of import to annotation: the final decision on whether a modest tin can be tattooed lies in the hands of the indi v idual artist. Tattooists have the moral correct to refuse service to those nether the age of eighteen – or restrict where they're willing to put the tattoo design – whether the subject has appropriate parental/guardian approval.
Many practitioners refuse to tattoo intoxicated persons despite the fact in that location is no legal requirement they do and so, just because you lot take your fourteen year former son to get a tattoo in Boise, Idaho doesn't mean you won't get refused by a scrupulous artist.
Outside of us, Canada and Mexico both have federal regulations placing the minimum historic period requirement for tattoos without parental consent at xviii.
The different laws and regulations regarding tattoos are varied and nuanced, merely the consensus is that anyone nether 18 is considered a minor, and barring parental approval in a few states, no minors can legally be tattooed.
At present that y'all know whether you meet a ge requirements to become a tattoo in your state, below yous'll find some other insights into the circuitous history, business organisation, and decision – making pr ocess of tattooing . This useful data may help should you lot need to sway a skeptical parent or guardian.
Minimum Age Requirements U.s.a. State Legislation
- Alabama – 18
- Alaska – xviii
- Arizona – xviii
- Arkansas – 18
- California – 18
- Colorado – 18
- Connecticut – eighteen
- District of Columbia – xviii
- Delaware – 18
- Florida – xvi* 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
- Georgia – 18
- Hawaii – 18
- Idaho – 14 * Written informed consent of parent/guardian, executed in the presence of the person performing the procedure, or their agent/employee
- Illinois – 18
- Indiana – 18
- Iowa – 18
- Kansas – sixteen* Parent/guardian must requite written consent, written consent must exist notarized, and the parent/guardian must exist nowadays during the procedure.
- Kentucky – 18
- Louisiana – xvi* Parent or guardian must consent, and their presence during the procedure is required
- Maine – 18
- Maryland – eighteen
- Massachusetts – 18
- Michigan – 18
- Minnesota – 18
- Mississippi – eighteen
- Missouri – xviii
- Montana – eighteen
- Nebraska – 18
- Nevada – N/A
- New Hampshire – xviii
- New Jersey – 16* Written permission of parent/guardian is required for tattooing
- New United mexican states – xviii
- New York – xviii
- North Carolina – eighteen
- North Dakota – eighteen
- Ohio – 18
- Oklahoma – 18
- Oregon – xviii
- Pennsylvania – 18
- Rhode Island – eighteen
- S Carolina – 18
- South Dakota – eighteen
- Tennessee – xviii
- Texas – xviii
- Utah- 18
- Vermont – 18
- Virginia – 18
- Washington – 18
- West Virginia – 18
- Wisconsin – 18
- Wyoming – 18
Tattoos: A historical snapshot
People have been getting tattoos for centuries, and about ofttimes the process of permanently marking your bod y with ink served equally role of a rite of passage. Warriors used tattoos to commemorate feats and achievements, proudly displaying their accomplishments for the world to see. Traditional tattooing in Maori and other Polynesian cultures was the Western globe's first contact with the practice , and it rapidly became popular among sailors.
This original tattoo civilization was as rough around the edges as the sailors and seamen who chose to decorate their bodies with this new and fascinating decoration. Drawing inspiration from the nautical elements that shaped everyday beingness for these salty ch aracters t hese early tattoos featured ships, anchors and cannons, as well as strict rules regarding the symbol ic meaning of different designs.
Tattoos have come a long fashion since parlors in the back of puddle halls and $ five ink . As was the case for booze consumption in this time menstruum, if y'all were alpine enough to run across over the bar, or serve on a ship, then y'all were erstwhile enough to get a tattoo. This laissez- off-white due east attitude helped spread the popularity of tattoos, but too probably led to some hungover and regretful mornings for many immature men.
The Modern Tattoo Business
According to researcher and author of U.South. Tattoo Parlors, Tattoo Removal & Body Piercing Services: An Manufacture Analysis , John LaRosa , " Tattoos and body fine art in the U.S. have soared in popularity lately…fueling an manufacture comprised of 20,000 tattoo parlors or studios. The industry, which also includes body piercing and tattoo removal, is estimated to exist worth $3 billion, and is growing strongly."
In modern times t he tattoo manufacture is stringently regulated . Private tattooists and the studios utilize ing them are subject to strict health and safety regulations and codes of carry , with hefty fines and imprisonment the penalization for non adhering to these rules.
Each state has its own listing of requirements for prospective tattoo artists, mostly focused on health and sanitation too every bit licensing and a test most ethical business practices.
The tattoo industry is a thriving market with an estimated 2 0 ,000 shops in the United States alone . Nowadays shops are professional settings that are undoubtedly more than relaxed than other ventures . B ut brand no mistake: tattoo ists take their business , art and livelihood seriously , then a healthy dose of respect is always warranted .
Getting Inked for the Offset Time
We are at present much better informed nearly the different laws regarding age requirements , with some existence a chip surpr ising ( l ooking at you Idaho!). With age xviii the de-facto minimum for most Americans seeking a tattoo , what's the procedure of getting l inked l ike?
With annihilation as permanent as a tattoo, deep consideration should exist given to the blueprint, and more importantly , the placement . In the past many people chose a bicep or chest slice for their first tattoo, making sure that the pattern could be hidden past wear should the need arise . However, present, in the world of Post Malone , Mike Tyson'south tribal face tattoo, and increased cultural sensation and acceptance, tattoos take on a more visible profile .
The first stride is do some research . F ind a style that appeals to your sensibilities and a design that y'all would exist happy flaunting (or keeping to yourself) for the residuum of your days. From there, observe a shop and creative person that suits your choice of awarding, is within your cost range , well and virtually your location or one you wouldn't mind travelling to .
Always brand sure to review an creative person's work before committing to a piece, and clearly understand the pricing parameters before you sit in the chair. Other important consider ations when choosing your first tattoo in clude studio reputation, artist availabi lity , date due south c heduling and deposits , and reviews from previous clients.
Once, a studio, artist and design are chosen, arrangements are made and you're in the chair, it's time to sit back, relax and let the buzzing of the tattoo gun lull you to sleep… or at least that's the idea .
Stewart Post has been writing for Next Luxury's tattoo section since the beginning of 2020, providing informed and passionate content about the fascinating world of permanent torso art. Gaining experience in the industry in the tattoo studios of Phnom Penh, Kingdom of cambodia, his love of ink is a central theme in his work with Next Luxury.
Stewart Postal service has been writing for Next Luxury's tattoo section since the beginning of 2020, providing informed and passionate content about the fascinating globe of permanent body art. Gaining experience in the industry in the tattoo studios of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, his love of ink is a fundamental theme in his work with Next Luxury.
FAQs
Illinois is one of two states in the nation that sets the legal age to be tattooed at 21. Most states allow anyone 18 or older to have permanent tattoos.
Can you get a tattoo at 16 in Illinois? ›
Illinois. Minors may not be at a tattoo shop without a parent or legal guardian. Minors may not receive a tattoo.
Can I tattoo my 15 year old? ›
Can I Take My 15 Year Old To Get A Tattoo? A tattoo can be gotten by anyone at any age, technically speaking. A total of 38 states allow minors to have their tattoos done with informed consent or with the presence of their parents.
Can 14 year olds have tattoos? ›
Nationally, the minimum age requirement in the United States is 18. That means anyone who is 18 or older can be tattooed without parental consent. Getting tattooed as a minor, however, depends on the state you're in. Anyone under the age of 18 is considered a minor.
Where can you get tattoos at 16? ›
In Austria, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Romania and Spain you can get a tattoo at 16 but you must have parental consent. Other places in Europe such as Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden have no legislative age restrictions on tattooing.
What does the tattoo 13 mean? ›
MS 13 (Photo Wikimedia) The MS 13, also sometimes seen just as MS or 13, is a symbol of the Mara Salvatrucha gang from El Salvador. Typically these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body, but are most often found in highly visible places like the face, hands or neck.
Can teenager get tattoo? ›
California law requires that a person be at least 18 years of age in order legally to get a tattoo. In fact, according to Penal Code 653 PC, it is a crime to “ink” or administer a tattoo to a minor under the age of 18. A violation of this code section is charged as a misdemeanor.
Do tattoos hurt? ›
Tattooing involves repeatedly piercing your skin's top layer with a sharp needle covered with pigment. So getting a tattoo is generally always painful, though people may experience different levels of pain.
Why do teenage girls get tattoos? ›
Some of the reasons that most teens get tattoos include the desire for social bonding with others, to show the respect to their loved one, or to honor someone they love.
What happens if a kid gets a tattoo? ›
In most states, the charges for child abuse and endangerment range from misdemeanor to felony. This means that tattooing a child or allowing your child to be tattooed could lead to anywhere from a year in jail to many years in a federal prison.
Tattooing and Body Piercing of a Minor - Requires a minor's parent or legal guardian to be present in order to either tattoo or perform a body piercing on a minor under age 18. Requires the parent or guardian to also provide written permission for the minor to receive the tattoo or piercing.
What are the tattoo laws in Illinois? ›
(b) A person who is an owner or employee of a business that performs tattooing, other than a person licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, may not permit a person under 18 years of age to enter or remain on the premises where tattooing is being performed unless the person under 18 years of age is ...
Can you get a tattoo at 17 in Chicago? ›
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago City Council passed an ordinance lowering the age to legally get a tattoo in the city to 18 years from 21 years. Illinois' minimum age for tattooing is 18 years, so the newly passed ordinance brings Chicago into step with the rest of the state.
Where are tattoos illegal? ›
Countries Where Tattoos Are Still Taboo
- Japan. Japan has long been an inspiration for tattoos. ...
- Iran. In 2015, tattoos were outright banned in Iran along with artificial tans and spiked hair. ...
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) In the UAE, tattoos are considered a form of harming one's body or temple. ...
- Turkey. ...
- China. ...
- Vietnam. ...
- Sri Lanka.
On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo. The sky is the limit though when it comes to very large pieces. It can be very expensive to get elaborate and large tattoos.
Can you get a tattoo at 14 in Canada? ›
In Ontario, you must be 18 years of age with valid, government-issued photo ID to get tattooed. Some exceptions may be made for customers as young as 16 years of age with signed parental consent.
What does a tattoo 1% mean? ›
Some outlaw motorcycle clubs can be distinguished by a 1% patch worn on the colors. This is claimed to be a reference to a comment made by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in which they stated that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, implying that the last one percent were outlaws.
What do dots on fingers mean? ›
One of the simplest and most popular finger tattoo designs is dots. While they are understated, dot tattoos also carry a lot of meaning and significance. A single dot often represents a 'full stop' – the end of one phase and the start of another. A row of three dots is another popular version of this tattoo.
What does tattoo 187 mean? ›
The number 187 (pronounced "one-eight-seven" or "one eighty-seven") is used as a synonym for the word "Murder." It refers to Section 187 of the California Penal Code, which defines the crime of murder.
What is a good first tattoo? ›
While upper arms, forearms, thighs, and calves are all great locations, Brodsky says elbow and knee tattooing can be “kind of spicy, but it's still doable.” Tattoos on the torso hurt worse, she explains, because the skin is softer and lighter.
The legal age to get a tattoo would be 18. There are some areas that allow this to be done at a younger age with parental consent. However, we don't recommend anyone getting a tattoo younger than 18. As long as you're over the minimum required age, there's no right or wrong age to get a tattoo.
Should I let my daughter get a tattoo? ›
Even if you're one of those parents, you're under no obligation to agree. Bottom line: It's not going to ruin a teenager's life to wait until he or she is 18 to get a tattoo. Have respectful dialogue: Even when you disagree or say no, a loving approach is important.
Do tattoos bleed? ›
Yes, it is completely normal. The very experienced tattoo artists will always ensure that as much ink is packed to ensure most of it remains. Even if excess ink is packed in your skin, and some comes out with the bleeding, it is perfectly normal and there is no need for you to worry.
Do tattoos fade? ›
Like memories and printed photographs, even permanent tattoos fade over time. Tattoo needles deposit ink beneath the epidermis. This is deep enough that the ink won't be immediately shed with the skin cells of the upper layers, but macrophage cells from your immune system will gradually absorb the ink and disperse it.
Can you remove a tattoo? ›
Common techniques used for tattoo removal include laser surgery, surgical removal and dermabrasion. Tattoo ink is placed beneath the top layer of the skin. That makes tattoo removal more complicated — and expensive — than the original tattoo application.
Can kids get tattoos? ›
It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to get a tattoo. This legislation was brought in under the Tattooing Of Minors Act 1969. This is the case even if the minor is accompanied by their parents. However, teens can get inked in several European countries from the age of 16 - as long as they have parental consent.
Why you should not get a tattoo? ›
Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including: Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.
Can you put a tattoo on a baby? ›
It is suggested that mothers wait at least until 9-12 months after birth, when the child is no longer dependent solely on breastmilk before getting a tattoo. Reputable tattoo artists will have a waiver for the client to sign that asks about pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Why do kids get tattoo? ›
Identifying why your child wants it
According to the Harris Poll, people typically get tattoos because it makes them feel: sexy (33 percent), attractive (32 percent), rebellious (27 percent), spiritual (20 percent), intelligent (13 percent), employable (10 percent), and healthy (9 percent).
Can a 12 year old get a tattoo in Texas? ›
A tattoo must be done by an adult who is at least 18 years old. In Section 146, there is a provision for recounts. Under Texas Health and Safety Code 012, tattoo artists are prohibited from tattooing anyone under 18 years of age, or anyone suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Minors – Piercing
If you are under 18 the parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor for the entire procedure. A state-issued photo ID will be needed from both the minor and the parent or legal guardian. This can be a state-issued ID card, learner's permit, driver's license, passport, or military ID.
Can you get a tattoo at 15 in Texas? ›
No. Texas has specific laws that address at what age someone can get a tattoo. Section 146.012 of the Texas Health and Safety Code starts by outlining the general rule – a tattooist may not tattoo "a person younger than 18 years of age."
What piercings can you get at 16? ›
Piercings for Minors
| Age | Services Offered |
|---|
| 16 or 17 years old | Earlobes and All Ear Cartilage Piercings Nostril and Septum Piercings Eyebrow Piercings Tongue and Lip Piercings, including Labret, Beauty Mark, & Philtrum Piercings Navel Piercings |
2 more rowsHome tattooing is not safe and can put you at risk of serious infections. Performing home tattoos on yourself or your friends may be illegal in some cases. Getting a tattoo overseas (even in a professional tattoo shop) may not be safe.
Can you get a tattoo at 15 in Michigan? ›
Yes, we know that in Michigan you can get tattooed with a parent's consent at any age. But the law doesn't require us to tattoo minors with a parent's consent.
Can you get a tattoo at 15 with parental consent in Indiana? ›
The law lists criminal penalties for tattoo artists that provide tattoos to persons less than 18 years, unless a parent or legal guardian is present at the time the tattoo is provided and provides written permission for the person to receive the tattoo.
Can I get a tattoo at 16 in Wisconsin? ›
No person under 18 years of age may be tattooed except by a physician in the course of the physician's professional practice, as permitted under s. 948.70 (3), Stats. SPS 221.10(1)(b)4.
How old do you have to be to get piercings in Illinois? ›
(2) A person who is an owner or employed by a business that performs body piercing may not permit a person under 18 years of age to enter or remain on the premises where body piercing is being performed unless the person under 18 years of age is accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian.
Can you get a tattoo at 17 in Iowa? ›
Can a minor get a tattoo if they have parental consent? No. Individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from getting a tattoo, regardless of parental consent.
Can I get a tattoo at 16 with parental consent? ›
Tattooing and Body Piercing of a Minor - Requires a minor's parent or legal guardian to be present in order to either tattoo or perform a body piercing on a minor under age 18. Requires the parent or guardian to also provide written permission for the minor to receive the tattoo or piercing.
Tattoos: legal issues
In Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, it's a criminal offence for a tattooist to do tattoos for someone under 18 years. In the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, teenagers under 18 years need to get their parents' permission for tattoos.
What are the tattoo laws in Illinois? ›
(b) A person who is an owner or employee of a business that performs tattooing, other than a person licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, may not permit a person under 18 years of age to enter or remain on the premises where tattooing is being performed unless the person under 18 years of age is ...
Can you get a tattoo at 17 in Chicago? ›
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago City Council passed an ordinance lowering the age to legally get a tattoo in the city to 18 years from 21 years. Illinois' minimum age for tattooing is 18 years, so the newly passed ordinance brings Chicago into step with the rest of the state.
Do tattoos hurt? ›
Tattooing involves repeatedly piercing your skin's top layer with a sharp needle covered with pigment. So getting a tattoo is generally always painful, though people may experience different levels of pain.
Can you get a nose piercing at 14? ›
Minors – Piercing
If you are under 18 the parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor for the entire procedure. A state-issued photo ID will be needed from both the minor and the parent or legal guardian. This can be a state-issued ID card, learner's permit, driver's license, passport, or military ID.
Can you get a tattoo at 15 in Texas? ›
No. Texas has specific laws that address at what age someone can get a tattoo. Section 146.012 of the Texas Health and Safety Code starts by outlining the general rule – a tattooist may not tattoo "a person younger than 18 years of age."
Can kids get tattoos? ›
It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to get a tattoo. This legislation was brought in under the Tattooing Of Minors Act 1969. This is the case even if the minor is accompanied by their parents. However, teens can get inked in several European countries from the age of 16 - as long as they have parental consent.
Can a 15 year old get a tattoo in South Africa? ›
Legally, in South Africa there is no age restriction barring children from obtaining tattoo and body piercings. South Africa is one of the few countries with no age limit governing tattoos. We do not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 years. Parental consent is not accepted.
How much is a tattoo? ›
On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo. The sky is the limit though when it comes to very large pieces. It can be very expensive to get elaborate and large tattoos.
Where are tattoos illegal? ›
Countries Where Tattoos Are Still Taboo
- Japan. Japan has long been an inspiration for tattoos. ...
- Iran. In 2015, tattoos were outright banned in Iran along with artificial tans and spiked hair. ...
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) In the UAE, tattoos are considered a form of harming one's body or temple. ...
- Turkey. ...
- China. ...
- Vietnam. ...
- Sri Lanka.
Piercings for Minors
| Age | Services Offered |
|---|
| 16 or 17 years old | Earlobes and All Ear Cartilage Piercings Nostril and Septum Piercings Eyebrow Piercings Tongue and Lip Piercings, including Labret, Beauty Mark, & Philtrum Piercings Navel Piercings |
2 more rowsCalifornia law requires that a person be at least 18 years of age in order legally to get a tattoo.
