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Tattoo Laws by State 2024
Legislation affecting tattoo laws in the US undergoes continual evolution, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes, health concerns, and legal priorities. The interplay of these factors shapes the regulatory landscape, with some states emphasizing stringent age restrictions and consent to protect minors, while others focus on prohibiting risky practices. This dynamic environment prompts policymakers to balance individual freedoms with public health imperatives, sculpting the legal framework governing the tattoo industry.
Conversely, states like Georgia underscore safety concerns by prohibiting tattoos near the eye socket, while Florida and Texas implement nuanced age-based regulations. These states impose stricter rules for minors and delineate acceptable tattoo content, exemplifying the varied approaches adopted across the nation. Such disparities highlight the complex interplay between state legislation and societal priorities within the realm of tattoo regulation.
- Nevada has no legally defined minimum age for those wishing to receive a tattoo.
- Tattoo laws could change at any time. Potential patrons are advised to confirm legality with local authorities.
State | Minimum Age to Receive Tattoo | Legal Restrictions | Requirements for Underaged Patrons | Class of Crime if Violated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 18 | Patron may not be intoxicated or otherwise impaired | Written consent from parent/guardian | Class c misdemeanor |
| Alaska | 18 | None | Prohibited | Class B misdemeanor |
| Arizona | 18 | None | Parent/guardian must attend tattooing session | Class 6 felony |
| Arkansas | 18 | Patron may not be intoxicated or otherwise impaired | Parent/guardian must attend tattooing session | Class A misdemeanor |
| California | 18 | None | Parent/guardian must attend tattooing session | Misdemeanor |
| Colorado | 18 | Patron may not be intoxicated or otherwise impaired | Parent/guardian must attend tattooing session | Petty offense |
| Connecticut | 18 | Tattooing may only be performed by physicians, or by registered nurses & technicians working under the supervision of a physician. | Written consent from parent/guardian | |
| Delaware | 18 | Patron may not be intoxicated or otherwise impaired | Notarized written consent from parent/guardian | Class B misdemeanor Class A misdemeanor (2nd offense onward) |
| Florida | 18 | None | Ages 16-17: Written consent from legal guardian, | Under 16: Prohibited | Misdemeanor of the second degree |
| Georgia | 18 | Unlawful to tattoo within an inch of the eye socket | Written consent from parent/guardian | Misdemeanor |
| Hawaii | 18 | None | Written consent from parent/guardian | Misdemeanor |
| Idaho | 18 | None | Ages 14-17: Consent from parent/guardian, | Under 14: Prohibited | Misdemeanor |
| Illinois | 18 | None | Parent/guardian must attend tattooing session | Class A misdemeanor |
| Indiana | 18 | None | Parent/guardian must attend tattooing session | Class A misdemeanor |
| Iowa | 18 | None | Prohibited | Serious misdemeanor |
| Kansas | 18 | None | Written and notarized consent, | Consenter must attend tattooing session | Class A misdemeanor |
| Kentucky | 18 | None | Ages 16-17: Written and notarized consent | |
| Louisiana | 18 | None | Written consent from legal guardian, | Consenter must attend tattooing session | A fine of $100-$500 and/or prison 30-365 days |
| Maine | 18 | None | Prohibited | Class E offense |
| Maryland | 18 | None | Prohibited | Misdemeanor |
| Massachusetts | 18 | None | Prohibited | A fine up to $300 and/or prison up to one year |
| Michigan | 18 | Patron may not be intoxicated or otherwise impaired | Written consent from parent/guardian | Misdemeanor |
| Minnesota | 18 | Patron may not be intoxicated or otherwise impaired | Prohibited | Gross misdemeanor |
| Mississippi | 18 | None | Prohibited | Misdemeanor |
| Missouri | 18 | Patron may not be intoxicated or otherwise impaired | Written consent from parent/guardian | Misdemeanor |
| Montana | 18 | Patron may not be intoxicated or otherwise impaired | Parent/guardian must consent and attend tattooing session | Unlawful transactions with children or misdemeanor |
| Nebraska | 18 | None | Written consent from parent/guardian | Misdemeanor |
| New Hampshire | 18 | None | Prohibited | Class A misdemeanor |
| New Jersey | 18 | None | Written consent from legal guardian, | Consenter must attend tattooing session | A fine of $50-$1,000 |
| New Mexico | 18 | None | Written and notarized consent, | Consenter must attend tattooing session | Misdemeanor |
| New York | 18 | None | Prohibited | Misdemeanor |
| North Carolina | 18 | None | Prohibited | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| North Dakota | 18 | Unlawful to tattoo within an inch of the eye socket | Written consent from legal guardian, | Consenter must attend tattooing session | Class B misdemeanor |
| Ohio | 18 | None | Parent/guardian must consent and attend tattooing session | Misdemeanor |
| Oklahoma | 18 | Unlawful to tattoo within an inch of the eye socket | Prohibited | Misdemeanor |
| Oregon | 18 | Unlawful to tattoo within an inch of the eye socket | Authorization of a physician | Class B misdemeanor |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | None | Written consent from legal guardian, | Consenter must attend tattooing session | 3rd-Degree misdemeanor (1st offense), | 2nd-Degree misdemeanor (2nd offense) |
| Rhode Island | 18 | None | Prohibited | Misdemeanor |
| South Carolina | 18 | Unlawful to tattoo head, face, neck, or within an inch of eye socket | Prohibited | Misdemeanor |
| South Dakota | 18 | Unlawful to tattoo within an inch of the eye socket | Written consent from parent/guardian | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| Tennessee | 18 | None | Minors over the age of sixteen may be tattooed to cover up an existing tattoo, with parent/guardian consent | A fine of $50–$250 (minor who misrespresents age), | Class A misdemeanor (tattooist) |
| Texas | 18 | Unlawful to tattoo within an inch of the eye socket | Consent of parent/guardian, | Must cover existing tattoo that has offensive, gang-related, or drug-related content | Class B misdemeanor (minor who misrespresents age), | Class A misdemeanor (tattooist) |
| Utah | 18 | None | Written consent from parent/guardian | Class B misdemeanor |
| Vermont | 18 | Patron may not be intoxicated or otherwise impaired | Written consent from legal guardian, | Consenter must attend tattooing session | A fine up to $5,000 or prison up to one year |
| Virginia | 18 | None | Parent/guardian must attend tattooing session | Class 1 misdemeanor |
| Washington | 18 | Unlawful to tattoo within an inch of the eye socket | Prohibited | Misdemeanor |
| West Virginia | 18 | Unlawful to tattoo within an inch of the eye socket | Ages 16-17: Consent from parent/guardian, | Under 14: Prohibited | Misdemeanor |
| Wisconsin | 18 | None | Authorization of a physician | A fine up to $200 |
| Wyoming | 18 | None | Parent/guardian must attend tattooing session | Misdemeanor criminal offense |
| Nevada | None | Regulated on local level |
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- State-By-State Definitive Guide to Tattoo Laws in the United States - Ink Different Tattoo School
- Legal status of tattooing in the United States - Wikipedia
- Tattoo Laws By State - Tattoo Laws By State
- 2023 Florida Statutes (including Special Session C) - Online Sunshine
- Tattoo Facilities - Baltimore City Health Department
- Section 7 — Patrons - Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)
- Tattooing and body piercing - Pennsylvania General Assembly
- Alaska Statutes Title 8. Business and Professions § 08.13.217. Tattooing and permanent cosmetic coloring or body piercing on a minor - FindLaw