The Surprising Age Restrictions for Getting a Tattoo in Texas

(Longview, Texas) - Personally, I do not have any tattoos. That doesn't mean that I haven't thought about. I would like to get one at some point but it is not an absolute want at this time. My step-daughter, who's 19, just got her first one the other day.

While she is of age to make decisions on her own, it got me to thinking, what is the youngest someone can be to legally get a tattoo in Texas? Texas has a whole code that every parlor must abide by to continue to operate. Let's go over what it says below.

Legal Age to Get a Tattoo in Texas

To find the answer of how young is too young to get a tattoo in Texas, you have to go to Texas Admin Code 229.406. In this code, it says that anyone 18 years of age or older with a valid picture ID (i.e. driver's license, passport, military identification) can get a tattoo in Texas from a licensed tattoo parlor. It's when you go further into that code that the answer of how young is too young becomes a little blurry.

When you get to section c of Texas Admin Code 229.406, it says that someone under the age of 18 can get a tattoo with a parent's or guardian's consent. The wording can get a little tricky in but does say that a minor can get a tattoo to "cover an existing tattoo." How the minor got the tattoo isn't questioned but does up the possibilities of obscene language, gang symbols or drug related themes.

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Getting a Tattoo in Texas

When you get to the bottom of the code, there is a punishment that can be doled out for getting a tattoo. If you are under the age of 18 and present a false ID, you can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor.