Where are tattoos illegal in the US?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 21, 2026
In the United States there is no federal law regulating the practice of tattooing. However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have statutory laws requiring a person receiving a tattoo be at least 18 years old.
Where are tattoos not allowed?
Following are several countries where having a tattoo is still considered taboo.
- Japan. Japan has long been an inspiration for tattoos. ...
- Iran. In 2015, tattoos were outright banned in Iran along with artificial tans and spiked hair. ...
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) ...
- Turkey. ...
- China. ...
- Vietnam. ...
- Sri Lanka.
Why are tattoos illegal in NY?
Tattooing was banned in the five boroughs in 1961, after a Hepatitis B outbreak. It wasn't legal again until 1997. But for 21 years before it was legal again, Mike Bakaty, Mehai's dad, was tattooing New Yorkers from a loft in their apartment. It was a word of mouth operation.
Are tattoos illegal in NYC?
In 1961, it officially became illegal to give someone a tattoo in New York City. But Thom deVita didn't let this new restriction deter him from inking people.
Why are American tattoos illegal?
For nearly four decades, tattooing was illegal because of health concerns. Now, one in three adults in America have a tattoo, according to a Harris poll. Mehai Bakaty told CBSN New York's John Dias he was raised with the sound of tattoo guns blaring in the background and he wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
18 related questions foundIs it illegal to tattoo in Japan?
Laws against tattoos were enforced in 1936 after the war between Japan and China broke out, banning tattoos entirely. The Japanese government thought people with tattoos were problematic. It wasn't until 1946 that tattooing became legal again.
When did US ban tattoos?
In 1962, Massachusetts became one of the few states in the country to consider tattooing a "crime against the person," and ban the practice except for medical purposes. The law took effect on March 12, 1962, five months after New York City imposed a similar prohibition.
Are tattoos illegal in the UK?
The UK prohibits anyone under the age of 18 to have a tattoo, and any artist found to do so will be prosecuted and fined, so, it's imperative you always ask for proof of age and to include a copy in a consent form.
Are tattoos illegal in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is one of only five states which prohibit tattooing unless done by a health care professional. "Tattooing is an ancient art form which has been practiced in virtually every culture for thousands of years," Judge Barbara Rouse said in her ruling.
Is mobile tattooing legal Texas?
You may use a mobile trailer to perform tattoos and body piercings, but you must have a separate license for each studio. You must apply for a Tattoo Studio License to perform tattoos for each of your studios. You must also obtain a separate Body Piercing Studio License to conduct body piercings.
Why are Boston tattoos illegal?
In the 1950s, hepatitis outbreaks and concern about unsanitary tattoo operations led to widespread bans. Massachusetts prohibited the tattooing of anyone younger than 18 before halting the practice outright in 1962, with a penalty of up to a year in jail or a $300 fine.
Are tattoos illegal in Oklahoma?
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — Oklahoma became the last state to make tattoos legal when the governor signed legislation on Wednesday to license and regulate tattoo artists and parlors. The measure ends a ban on tattooing that had been in effect since 1963.
When did tattoos become popular in America?
And then there were the tattoos that were truly mainstream: In the 1930s, when Social Security numbers were introduced, people flocked to tattoo parlors to get their numbers inscribed on their arms, chests or backs as a memory aide.
Does Canada allow tattoos?
Yes you can have a tattoo any time. The only thing to take care is that you must have valid medicals at the time you reach Canada.
Why are tattoos offensive in Japan?
Body ink has long been stigmatised in Japan due to its links with the criminal underworld. In recent years tattoos have been associated with country's largest organised crime syndicate, the Yakuza, but their murky history dates much further back.
What cultures hate tattoos?
Countries That Hate Tattoos!!!!
- Japan. Though tattoos are not illegal in Japan and they are widely recognized as being one of the birthplaces of the art, being tattooed still carries a negative stigma in some circles. ...
- Vietnam. Tattoos are looked at in a negative light in Vietnam. ...
- South Korea. ...
- North Korea. ...
- United States.
Can you get a tattoo at 17 in Maine?
Maine law states that the tattooing of a per- son under 18 years of age is illegal. The act of unlicensed tattooing is a separate criminal offense under law.
Can a 17 year old get a tattoo in Mass?
In Massachusetts, tattoo restrictions are set by local health boards. Auburn's regulation says, “No form of body art shall be performed on a child under the age of 6 years old.” Webster Health Agent Cathleen M.
Can you get a tattoo at 16 in Connecticut?
Connecticut Laws for Tattooing & Body Piercing minors. *No person under the age of 16 may be tattooed. *Minors can be tattooed or pierced with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. *Both the minor and legal guardian must present a State issued ID (ex: Driver's license, or State issued identification.
Are face tattoos illegal in US?
Head, face, and neck tattoos are illegal. Under the Health Code, persons violating restrictions on tattooing and body piercing are guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, they may be fined up to $2500 or imprisoned for a year, or both. Parent/guardian must sign a consent form.
Are tattoos banned in China?
China places outright ban on tattoos, issuing fresh calls for footballers to have existing ink removed completely.
What countries can you get a tattoo at 14?
Austria, Germany, and Denmark also have an age minimum of 18, but with some exceptions. Spain allows minors as young as 14 to be tattooed with parent consent.
Why are Massachusetts tattoos illegal?
"If you're a true professional, you can wait a few more months." Massachusetts banned tattooing, except by physicians, in 1962, after a hepatitis outbreak in New York was linked to tattooists on Coney Island.
Can a 16 year old get a tattoo?
Several states allow minors to have tattoos if they have informed written parental consent or if their parents are present. However, some states prohibit minors from getting tattoos even with parental consent, and many tattoo artists won't tattoo anyone under the age of 15 or 16 even with the consent of their parents.
Should a 16 year old get a tattoo?
California law requires that a person be at least 18 years of age in order legally to get a tattoo.