Legal Age for Tattoos: UK, US and Around the World

How old do you have to be to get a tattoo? It is one of the most common questions from teenagers and parents, and the legal age for a tattoo depends on where you live. In some places, 18 is an absolute legal limit that parental consent cannot change. In others, younger teens can be tattooed with a parent's permission.

Here is a guide to the legal age for tattoos in the UK, the US and elsewhere, and why reputable studios often have stricter rules than the law.

United Kingdom: 18, no exceptions

In England, Wales and Scotland, the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 makes it an offence to tattoo anyone under 18.

• Parental consent does not make it legal. A parent cannot give permission for a tattoo on a child under 18.
• The only exception is a tattoo done for medical reasons by a qualified medical practitioner or someone working under their direction.
• A tattooist has a defence if they had reasonable cause to believe the person was 18 or over and genuinely believed it. That is why most studios ask for photo ID.

The 1969 Act does not extend to Northern Ireland. In practice, tattoo studios in Northern Ireland are regulated through local council registration and generally also require clients to be 18. Check with your local council for current rules.

United States: depends on the state

There is no single federal tattoo age law in the US. Each state sets its own rules, and they vary widely.

• 18 without consent is the norm. Adults can get tattooed across the US.
• Some states ban tattooing minors entirely. For example, California Penal Code section 653 makes it a misdemeanour to tattoo, or offer to tattoo, a person under 18, with an exception only for licensed healing arts practitioners in the course of their practice.
• Many states allow minors to be tattooed with parental consent, often requiring written or notarised consent, a parent to be present, or both. Minimum ages with consent vary.
• Local rules from cities and counties can add extra requirements.

Because laws change, always check the current law with your state health department before booking. Our guide to becoming a tattoo artist in the US also explains how states regulate studios.

South Korea: new rules coming

South Korea is going through a major change. Tattooing by non-medical professionals was long treated as illegal because a 1992 court ruling classed it as a medical procedure. In September 2025, the National Assembly passed the Tattooist Act, creating a licensing system for tattooists, and the law includes a ban on tattooing minors without parental consent. We explain the full story in our upcoming article on South Korea's tattoo law.

Other countries

Many countries set 18 as the minimum age, some allow 16 or 17 year olds with parental consent, and some have no specific national law at all. If you are travelling, never assume the rules are the same as at home, and remember that a tattoo abroad is best planned carefully. See getting a tattoo before a holiday.

Why most studios say 18 anyway

Even where the law allows younger clients with consent, many reputable studios refuse to tattoo anyone under 18. Reasons include:

• Taste and identity change quickly in the teenage years, and tattoos are permanent. Our guide to what people regret most about their tattoos shows how common regret is.
• Bodies are still growing, which can distort a design.
• Reputation and liability. Studios do not want disputes with families.

Why you should never go to an unlicensed tattooist

Young people who cannot get tattooed legally are sometimes tempted by "scratchers" working from home, or by do-it-yourself stick and poke kits. These carry real risks of infection, blowouts and poor-quality work that is expensive to fix or remove. Wait until you are old enough and choose a registered studio. See tattoo studio red flags.

Bring ID

Even if you are clearly an adult, bring valid photo ID to your appointment. Many studios ask for ID from anyone who looks young.

When the time comes, start with our first tattoo guide.

Sources: Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 (legislation.gov.uk), California Penal Code section 653, and The Korea Herald. This article is general information, not legal advice.