Can you tell me how old I have to be to get a tattoo? (2024)

You must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. The only exception to this is when the tattoo is carried out for medical reasons by a qualified medical practitioner.

If you are over 18, make sure you use a tattoo artist who is registered with the Department of Health. You will be asked to sign a consent form and provide proof of age that you are over 18.

If your child has been tattooed and they are under 18 then you should contact the local police/environmental health department of your local council with the relevant details.

See the website in Related Information to find your local authority.

Related Questions

Can you tell me how old I have to be to get a tattoo? (2)

Answers in this FAQ section are provided by the 'Ask the Police' website. Produced by the Police National Legal Database (PNLD) team, 'Ask the Police' is an official police site approved by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC). All FAQ answers are © PNLD.

Can you tell me how old I have to be to get a tattoo? (2024)

FAQs

Can you tell me how old I have to be to get a tattoo? ›

You must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. The only exception to this is when the tattoo is carried out for medical reasons by a qualified medical practitioner.

How old do you have to be to get a tattoo? ›

However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have statutory laws requiring a person receiving a tattoo be at least 18 years old. This is partially based on the legal principle that a minor cannot enter into a legal contract or otherwise render informed consent for a procedure.

Can I get a tattoo at 14 in India? ›

1. The legal age for obtaining tattoos in India is 18 years old. 2. Individuals below the age of 18 are strictly prohibited from obtaining tattoos, unless accompanied by a legal guardian and with proper documentation.

Should a 16 year old get a tattoo? ›

Health risks: Tattoos can carry health risks, including allergic and other skin reactions. There may also be an increased risk of hepatitis or HIV if your teen does not go to a professional, reputable tattoo shop. Changing body: Teen bodies are still growing, so tattoos may change as they grow.

How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in BC? ›

There is no law in BC that says how old you have to be get tattoos or body piercings. The Ministry of Health recommends that studios get parents' consent before working on people under 19. Some studios have their own rules.

What age can you have a tattoo? ›

You must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. The only exception to this is when the tattoo is carried out for medical reasons by a qualified medical practitioner. If you are over 18, make sure you use a tattoo artist who is registered with the Department of Health.

Can I get a tattoo at 75 years old? ›

And rest assured, beauty has no age limit and your tattoo will look just as good on you now as it would have a decade or more ago.

Is tattoo legal in India? ›

In India there isn't any laws stating that. But in my opinion getting tattooed can infect your blood. Tattoo inks are still debatable on their effects on health. So it be wise for people to wait until the age of at the very least 16, to decide to get a tattoo.

Can you tattoo yourself under 18? ›

California. It is illegal to tattoo a minor.

Is tattoo allowed in school in India? ›

Tattoos are most likely not allowed and definitely not allowed in private school. Again you would probably have to ask the school or read the dress code.

Do tattoos hurt? ›

Tattooing tends to be a painful procedure because tattoo artists use needles to inject ink into the dermis layer of the skin. The injections cause localized swelling and damage to the skin. Once the tattoo procedure is over, the area may be sore for about a week before the swelling goes down.

What if a child gets a tattoo? ›

Tattoos last for life because the ink becomes a permanent part of the dermis layer of skin. Over time the cells containing the ink will end up deeper in the dermis and appear faded and blurred. Theoretically, if a child got a tattoo as the skin grows the ink would separate and lines would blur.

Can you get a tattoo while pregnant? ›

However, if you're expecting, can you get a tattoo while pregnant? The answer is yes, as long as you do it safely. Getting a tattoo during pregnancy doesn't come without risks—including potential infections or allergic reactions. There are no official guidelines on the best time to get a tattoo during pregnancy.

Can I get a tattoo at 55? ›

As you age, your skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making the healing process take longer. You can certainly still get a tattoo, but you'll need to consider the best spot for your tattoo. Typically, bony areas of the body where there's not a lot of fat are the most painful places to get a tattoo.

Can a 11 year old get a tattoo in Canada? ›

You must be 18 years of age with a valid, government-issued photo ID to get a tattoo. Some exceptions may be made for customers as young as 16 years of age with signed parental consent.

What countries can you get a tattoo at 16? ›

You can get tattooed at 16 in Austria, Croatia, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Romania and Spain – but you must have your parents` consent. Most tattoo artists do not tattoo anyone under the age of 15 or 16 for safety and responsibility reasons.

Can a 17 year old get a tattoo in Texas with parental consent? ›

An artist may not tattoo a person younger than 18 without meeting the requirements of 25 Texas Administrative Code, §229.406(c), whose parent or guardian determines it to be in the best interest of the minor child to cover an existing tattoo.

Can a 16 year old get a tattoo in Illinois with parental consent? ›

But no one under the age of 18 can get a tattoo in Illinois, even with a parent or guardian's permission. The other problem is a lot of tattoo shops might not follow the new law, especially if the teen has their parent's consent.

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