Can You Tattoo Someone Under 18 in the UK? The Law Explained
No. Under the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 it is a criminal offence to tattoo anyone under 18 in the UK - even with parental consent - unless it is done by a medical practitioner for medical reasons. The penalty is a fine (up to £1,000). Here is what that means for your studio and how to verify age.
Does parental consent make it legal?
No. Unlike body piercing (where rules differ by area), there is no parental-consent exception for tattooing under-18s. The only exception is a tattoo performed by a registered medical practitioner for medical reasons.
How to verify a client is 18+
Always check valid photo ID (passport or driving licence), record the date of birth and the ID type on the consent form, and refuse if there is any doubt. "They told me they were 18" is not a defence if you did not check.
What is the penalty?
Tattooing a minor is a summary offence carrying a fine (up to £1,000 in many areas). It also risks your registration and reputation. Recording age verification on every consent form is your protection - InkReady blocks a consent record from being saved unless age is verified and the client is 18+.
Stop juggling paper forms
InkReady stores every record securely, searchable in seconds, and builds your Inspection-Ready Pack automatically. Free for up to 20 consent records.
Start free - no card neededFrequently asked questions
- Can a 16 or 17 year old get a tattoo with parental consent in the UK?
- No. It is illegal to tattoo anyone under 18 in the UK, and parental consent does not change that (Tattooing of Minors Act 1969).
- What ID should a tattoo studio check?
- Valid photo ID such as a passport or driving licence. Record the date of birth and ID type on the consent form, and decline if you are unsure.
This guide is general information for UK tattoo studios, not legal advice. Council byelaws and Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme criteria vary - always confirm the exact requirements with your local authority's Environmental Health team.