As the popularity of body art increases, states are struggling to keep up with new art forms. From tattoos and piercings to subcutaneous implants and body painting, state lawmakers have had to change their body art laws to ensure the activity is performed safely, does not conflict with the activities of other certified professionals (such as dentists or ophthalmologists), and protects minors. Almost every state has laws that deal with some aspect of body art. (Nevada has no laws dealing with body art; Maryland has very limited laws). At least 45 states have laws prohibiting minors from getting tattoos. Thirty-eight states have laws that prohibit piercing and tattooing minors without parental permission. Some states do not allow a teenager to get a tattoo or piercing their tongue regardless of parental consent, while other states do not have rules. This means that your teen may be able to enter a salon and get tattooed or pierced without your knowledge. Getting a tattoo at the age of 13 is not common or easy.

The second reason for age restrictions is that tattooing is a medical procedure and therefore minimum standards must be met. Contact the property ahead of time to discuss what your teen needs to get a tattoo or piercing if you are not present. Depending on where you live, a minor – someone under the age of 18 – can get tattooed or pierced without your consent. Each state sets its own rules for body art, so you need to know the law in your area. No. Texas has specific laws that deal with the age at which someone can get a tattoo. Section 146.012 of the Texas Health and Safety Code begins with the general rule – a tattoo artist cannot tattoo “a person under the age of 18.” Doctors and osteopaths or technicians working under their direct supervision can give tattoos to minors or produce scars for “medical or cosmetic purposes”. [23] Technically, there is no limit to the youth a person can have to get tattooed. Anyone under the age of 18 is considered a minor and tattooing of minors is strictly regulated. For example, in Georgia, it is illegal to get tattooed within an inch of your eyes.

You also can`t get tattooed with offensive or hateful images, and most artists will refuse to do these types of designs. However, getting a tattoo as a minor depends on the condition you are in. Any person under the age of 18 is considered a minor. Tattoo, under 18, minors, teenagers, Texas Health and Safety Code Section 146.012 The material in this column is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for legal advice. For advice on your specific facts and circumstances, consult a licensed lawyer. You can contact the Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas, a nonprofit public service of the Austin Bar Association, at 512-472-8303 or www.austinlrs.com. Most stores do not tattoo on a minor`s hands, fingers, or neck. In the United States, there is no federal law regulating the practice of tattooing. However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have legal laws that require a person who receives a tattoo to be at least 18 years old.

This is partly due to the legal principle that a minor cannot enter into a legal contract or give informed consent to proceedings. Most states allow a person under the age of 18 to get tattooed with the permission of a parent or guardian, but some states prohibit tattooing before a certain age, regardless of permission, except for medical reasons (such as marks for radiation therapy). While there are strict safety and hygiene standards for tattooing, Nova Scotia does not have a minimum age. Instead, tattoo shops set the minimum. Individual tattoo artists, piercers, etc. need a permit. [2] These restrictions are intended to protect the minor, his/her parents, as well as the tattoo artist and the company from legal or medical consequences. Age restrictions and tattoo regulations are set for two main reasons: Before you start planning your tattoo, familiarize yourself with the regulations of the state where you want to get a tattoo. If you want to know the legal tattoo age legislation in your state, follow this guide: Thirty-eight states have laws that allow tattooing of minors with informed parental consent or for the presence of the parent. However, this does not mean that a baby can simply crawl and get tattooed. Trying to follow all the state and local regulations for tattooing minors can be difficult. We are going to go through all the rules and laws that govern the minimum age to get tattooed.

People suffering from sunburn or skin diseases or disorders cannot be tattooed or pierced. [76] No one can be tattooed within an inch of their eye socket. [25] If you give your written consent, you may need to document exactly what you are consenting to. For example, you may need to say which tattoo you agree with your teen and where you allow them to get it. Piercings may require you to document the type and location of the piercing. Note: The information on this page is provided for reference purposes for state legislators and legislative staff. If you have a question about tattooing or piercing, please contact your local or state environmental health department. The rules serve your safety and well-being as well as that of the tattoo artist and the shop. Minors may be tattooed with the consent of a parent or guardian to conceal an existing tattoo that has offensive, gang-related or drug-related content, or “other words, symbols or marks that, in the opinion of the person`s parent or guardian, would be in the best interests of the person.”[99] If you think your teen might be tempted to get body art or body modification, talk about it.

Instead of just banning it, learn why your teen is interested in a particular tattoo or piercing. Most tattoo artists do not tattoo anyone under the age of 15 or 16 for safety and responsibility reasons. Tattoos are applied using a small electrical device that works in the same way as a sewing machine. One to fourteen needles are grouped and attached to the end of a rod called a needle rod. The other end of the needle rod is attached to the tattoo machine. The needle rod moves up and down through a tube or barrel, which serves two purposes: to prevent the needle rod from moving from side to side and as a handle for the tattoo artist. The needles protrude only a few millimeters from the end of the tube, so they do not penetrate deep into the skin. The same section of code then contains an exception to this rule for children under the age of 18. The tattoo artist may tattoo a person under the age of 18 if the tattoo is intended to cover a pre-existing offensive tattoo and the child`s parents agree to cover the tattoo. Tattoos that Texas law expressly permits a minor to cover with another tattoo (with parental consent) include (1) a tattoo that contains obscene or offensive language or symbols; (2) gang-related names, symbols or markings; (3) names, symbols or images related to drugs; or (4) or any word, symbol or marker that the child`s parent believes is in the best interests of the individual. A tattoo as a minor is not recommended as it can lead to medical complications and regrets. Learn about the potential risks and talk to your teen about dangers such as infections as well as social consequences.

A facial piercing may interfere with their ability to find employment, or a tattoo may limit employment opportunities. Many parents – as well as teenagers – are curious about what age teens can get tattooed or pierced. In all cases, parental consent is required, the parent or guardian must be present during the tattoo, and in some cases, a doctor is required to perform the tattoo or be present. In many states, it is a crime to tattoo a minor, even with parental consent. As a country, Canada does not have a national minimum age to get tattooed. Instead, they left that decision to individual provinces. There aren`t many laws that explicitly restrict where a minor can be tattooed, but individual tattoo shops limit where they have minors tattooed. Violations of Texas` tattoo and piercing law are a Class A offense, with each day of violation being considered a separate offense. [104] An exception is that if a 14-year-old is married in the state of Iowa, they are legally allowed to get tattoos without parental consent. Some states have specific rules for the types of piercings.

While ear piercing may be legal for a minor, tongue piercing may require parental consent. I am 16 years old. I want to get a tattoo when I`m 16, and I`m sure I can get it as long as one of my parents agrees.