What is how old do you have to be to get a tattoo?

The age you need to be to get a tattoo depends heavily on the location. Here's a breakdown:

  • United States: There's no federal law regarding tattooing age. Laws vary significantly by state.
    • Some states require you to be at least 18 years old with no exceptions.
    • Other states allow individuals younger than 18 to get a tattoo with parental consent. The specific age and requirements for parental consent (e.g., presence of parent, notarized form) vary.
    • Some states have no specific laws at all, leaving the decision up to individual tattoo artists and studios.
  • United Kingdom: It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18, regardless of parental consent.
  • Canada: Laws vary by province and territory. Generally, it's illegal to tattoo someone under 18, but some regions may allow it with parental consent.
  • Other Countries: Tattoo age regulations vary greatly worldwide. It's essential to research the laws specific to the country and region you are in.

It's important to note that even if a location allows tattooing minors with parental consent, many reputable tattoo artists may still refuse to tattoo someone under 18 due to ethical considerations related to consent, body autonomy, and the permanent nature of tattoos. Also, it's important to check the tattoo laws in your specific city and county because some local governments may have even stricter rules than the state.