Legal status of tattooing in the United States
In the United States, there is no federal law stating a required age to be tattooed. When a person reaches the age of 18 in the U.S., they are legally considered an adult. Many states require that the person being tattooed is an adult over 18, but some states do allow people under that age to be tattooed with parental consent.
Individual tattooists may choose to set age restrictions for their business as a precaution against lawsuits. Most such tattooists will allow a parent or guardian to give written or oral consent in person. The artist may also choose to place addition restrictions, such as refusing any clients under a specific age even with parental consent, or limiting the type and/or location of where they are willing to tattoo a minor (such as refusing any work around intimate parts of the body).
Alabama
Minors must have parental permission
Alaska
Must be 18
Arizona
If a minor, guardian has to be present.
Arkansas
Minor must have parental consent.
California
Must be 18.
Colorado
No minimum age. However, each tattoo artist may refuse service.
Connecticut
Minors must have parent consent.
Delaware
Minors must have parent consent.
Florida
Minors must have parent consent.
Georgia
Must be 18.
Hawaii
Minors must have parent consent.
Idaho
Minors must have parent consent.
Illinois
Minors must have parent consent.
Indiana
Minors must have parent consent & the parent must be present.
Iowa
Must be 18.
Kansas
Minors must have parent consent and the parent must attend.
Kentucky
Minors must have parent consent.
Louisiana
Minors must have parent consent.
Maine
Must be 18 with an ID.
Maryland
Minors must have parent consent.
New Hampshire
Must be 18.
New Jersey
Minors must have parent consent.
New York
Must be 18.
North Carolina
Must be 18.
North Dakota
Minors must have parent consent.
Ohio
Minors must have parent consent.
Oklahoma
Must be 18.
Pennsylvania
Minors must have parent consent.
Rhode Island
Must be 18.
Tennessee
Must be 18.
Texas
Must be 18.
Vermont
Minors must have parent consent.
Virginia
Minors must have parent present.
Washington
Must be 18.
Wisconsin
Must be 18.