All Comparison Tables
Tattoo Minimum Age by State
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Minimum age to receive a tattoo without parental consent, the consent age allowed, and analogous rules for body piercings.
50 States2 data columnsLast updated: May 2026
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| Minimum Age | Consent Age | Piercing Rules |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | 16 w/ consent | 16 w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | 18+ for body |
| 18 | Not allowed | 18+ for genital |
| 18 | Not allowed | 16 w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Any age (ears) |
| 18 | Not allowed | 18 (body) |
| 18 | Not allowed | 16 w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | 18 (body) |
| 18 | 16 w/ consent | 16 w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | 18 (body) |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | 14 w/ consent | 14 w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | 18 (body) |
| 18 | Under 18 w/ consent | Under 18 w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | 18 (body) |
| 18 | 16 w/ consent | 16 w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | 16 w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | 18 (body) |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | 16 w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | 16 w/ consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | 18 (body) |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | 16 w/ consent | Parental consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | 16 w/ consent (cover-up) | 16 w/ consent |
| 18 | Cover-up only | Parental consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
| 18 | 16 w/ consent | 16 w/ consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | w/ consent | w/ consent |
| 18 | Not allowed | Parental consent |
Tattoos on minors without consent are generally prosecuted as battery or unlawful tattooing. State Departments of Health regulate sterilization, bloodborne pathogen controls, and shop licensing. Ear piercings are often exempt from minimum-age rules in most states.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.