Nowadays it is popular among young people to have a tattoo. Somebody prefers something minimalistic while others want something extraordinary. People see a tattoo as a way of revealing themselves and their personalities. Yes, it can be so but you should understand all age and other requirements. In this article, we will describe all of them for each state.
Must Know Before Getting a Tattoo
1. First of all, there is no federal law in the United States regarding the minimal age of getting a tattoo, however, each state has its own regulating laws.
2. If you want to get a tattoo without parental presence, you should be at least 18 years old. In some states, minors also can get a tattoo but the presence of a parent or legal guardian or their written consent is required. Also, some states, for example, Florida and Idaho, have minimum age requirements even if you will come with your parents.
3. It is better if you understand who you want to work in the future. There are professions where people are forbidden to have tattoos on the visible part of their body. Such professions are:
– teacher,
– airline pilot,
– police officer,
– military personnel,
– healthcare professional,
– lawyer,
– receptionist,
– bank workers and other.
4. Tattoos are not a cheap pleasure. You will pay not only a master to get it but also for the aftercare products.
5. Some minors want to get a tattoo in honor of their first love. Please, think twice before doing it. It can hurt but not always a person that means for you everything at 16 will be with you forever. Yes, there are modern technologies that can remove a tattoo but even they do not guarantee a 100% result and it takes a lot of time and money.
Why Are These Age Requirements Needed for Tattoos?
We have an explanation for you why these age requirements are needed. We hope for your understanding.
– You are still growing. This means that if you make a tattoo at 16, it can stretch out by your 24.
– To prevent you from the spontaneous decision. You should think about the design, look for a reliable master and it would be nice to talk with your parents. Ask yourself whether your decision can wait at least one year to weigh all pros and cons.
– To be sure that you will follow all the advice and restrictions. You may not like some of them but you must follow them to prevent complications such as blood poisoning or getting an infection in the body.
– You have to be mentally prepared. Here fashion means nothing because once you get a tattoo, you will be with it for your whole life. We have written that there are technologies to remove a tattoo but, once more, even they do not guarantee a perfect result.
State Rules on Tattooing
Tattoo laws are determined at the state level, and in this guide you’ll see a comprehensive overview of minimum age restrictions, consent requirements, and exceptions, allowing people to make informed decisions about when and where they can legally get a tattoo.
This section is a valuable resource for those navigating the complexities of tattoo laws. The statistics below reflects their diversity: 40 states set a minimum age of 18, 4 states allow tattoos with parental or guardian consent, and 6 states require parental or guardian consent for minors without specifying a minimum age.
👪 Minimum age with permission from parents or legal guardian
✔️ 18 years old
🧸 Not specified but for minors, permission from parents or legal guardian is required
What Is the Risk if I Did a Tattoo Earlier?
Are you sure that your decision is not a spontaneous one? The statistics show that around 46% of adults regret tattoos that they got under 20 years old. That is because 3 out 4 of them spent not more than a few weeks to plan the getting of it. Interesting fact that spontaneous tattoos people begin to regret within days.
If you did a tattoo earlier, you would set up both yourself and your tattoo artist. For misrepresenting your age, you can get a fine or community service. The artist can get a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to a year.
If your decision is spontaneous, you can also harm yourself. With a lack of information, you can find a non-licensed tattoo artist, whose services can be cheaper. In this case, you cannot be sure whether he/she uses sanitized equipment. But getting inked can cause infections, hepatitis B and C, or HIV. Therefore a reliable artist, who sanitizes everything he/she uses is very important. It is better to save more money and pay it to a reliable master than to regret the whole life.
Summary
How old do you have to be to get tattoos? Each state has its age requirements for minors to get a tattoo. If you want to get a tattoo without witnesses, you should be at least 18 years old. Otherwise, some states require the presence of your parents or legal guardian. Sometimes they also need to give written consent. Stick to the law because by misrepresenting your age you will get a fine or community service.
FAQ
🔞 Can I Get a Tattoo at 16?
In some states like Florida or Kentucky, you can. But the physical presence of the parent or legal guardian or their written notarized consent in the format prescribed by the department is required.
🧓🏻 How Old Do You Have To Be To Get a Tattoo in Alabama?
In Alabama, the minimum age for a tattoo is not specified but informed consent of the parent or legal guardian of the minor is required. In our article, you can also read age requirements for other states.
😲 Is It Bad To Get a Tattoo at 14?
If you go to a licensed master, who uses only sanitized equipment, then no, it is not bad. But while you are not 18 years old, your parents must give consent.
🆔 Can I Get a Tattoo With a Fake ID?
This is punishable. If you get caught, you will at least get a fine or community service. Your tattoo artist will also get a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to a year.
👪 How Can I Get a Tattoo Without Parental Consent?
To get a tattoo without parental consent you should be at least 18 years old. Otherwise, you will need consent.
