Hello and thank you for visiting www.tattoolawsbystate.com. You found the definitive state-by-state guide to getting a tattoo, even if you are a minor or child. Please choose your specific state from the menu above or read more below to find out about how to get a tattoo in your state.

How to get a tattoo in your state!  Photo credit Tony Alter

A Short History of Tattoo Laws And Why Tattoo Laws are Dependent on Your State

Once reserved for certain men who were in the military or some other “rugged” professions, tattoos have become a fashion statement for some, a political commentary for others and for some it “was just something to do.”

The official definition for a tattoo is based on the online definition in the Mariam Webster Dictionary, which defines a tattoo as “indelible mark or figure fixed upon the body by insertion of pigment under the skin by production of scars.”

In simpler terms, it is an imaged made on the skin using a needled to create the path which is filled with ink that is not supposed to wash off.

Tattoos have gained tremendous popularity over the past few years. They have become a fashion trend for some, a person’s statement, a reminder of an old friend or pet and many other reasons. While a tattoo is considered to be permanent, they can be removed through laser techniques and while frequently successful, there are cases where complete removal is impossible and the process can take up to seven weeks. Removing the tattoo is more expensive that eliminating the tattoo.

Furthermore, it is not known how the tattoo will look as a person gains weight and later loses it. At one point, the picture may be stretched out and not convey the intended message. As people get older and the skin is not as tight as it was in their youth, the image may not be easily discernable. There have been cases in the World War II era where men would have the name of their sweetheart tattooed on their chest, only to come home to find the chemistry between the soldier and former sweetheart had vanished.

The eventual wife would have to look at the name of the husband’s former sweetheart’s name for the rest of her life or the length of the marriage.

Therefore, people getting tattoos may want to give some thought as to the message they may want to deliver in the next 10 to 20 years before making a final decision.

The Legality of Tattoos and Tattooing Minors and Children

Tattoos are allowed in all states. Nevada has no laws addressing tattoos, so apparently anyone can get one from anybody claiming to be a tattoo artist. Maryland has a limited law. Many states prohibit minors, persons under the age of 18 from being tattooed. Some states will allow it if parental consent is provided.

In some states, the law will require the parent to be present when the tattoo is being created.

Often tattoo laws are grouped with body piercing, sub-dermal implants and body painting. As the popularity of tattoos has increased, most states have amended existing laws or enacted new measures to provide for the safety of the individual. Below is a list of the states and the laws dealing with tattoos.

Most states require tattoo artists to be licensed, and for the licensed to be displayed. If no such license is visible, it is advisable to ask to see the license and to make sure that it is still valid. Finally, it is wise to shop around and find a tattoo artist who knows what he or she is doing, will explain the process and possible side effects and have his or her license clearly displayed.

The following link: National Conference of State Legislatures will take you to an article published in the National Conference of State Legislatures, magazine.

Each state has their own laws regarding tattoos. The highlights of those state laws are presented below. It should be remembered that laws are constantly changed because of new information regarding safety and public attitude. Therefore, if a tattoo is in your future, be sure to check the laws in your state and make certain that all provisions are being followed.

The online publication Health Line, More Information on Tattoos, provides considerable information about tattoos.