top of page

Tattooing of minors is against the law

It is violation of Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law to tattoo minors under the age of 18, regardless of parental consent. Contact local law enforcement for more information.

If you get a tattoo, make sure that the tattooist

  • Washes their hands before tattooing and uses clean gloves

  • Cleans the skin to be tattooed

  • Uses a single-use, disposable razor to shave the skin to be tattooed, if needed

  • Uses single-use sterile needles and tubes and single-use inks

  • Covers the tattooed skin with a bandage and provides aftercare instructions

Body Piercing of minors without written consent of a parent or legal guardian is against the law

Effective October 28, 2012, New York State Public Health Law Article 4A. prohibits body piercing on a person under eighteen (18) years of age unless the person provides the body piercing establishment with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must sign a New York State Department of Health consent form (DOH 5072) in the presence of the owner of the body art establishment or in the presence of the body artist. Written parental consent is not required for piercing of the ear.

If you get a body piercing, make sure that the piercer

  • Washes their hands before piercing and uses clean gloves

  • Cleans the area to be pierced

  • Uses a single-use, disposable razor to shave the skin to be pierced, if needed

  • Uses sterile needles, clamps, receiving tubes and body jewelry

  • Provides aftercare instructions

bottom of page