Tattoo Consent Form

Updated: Nov 4, 2026

A tattoo consent form is a client's signed agreement to body art. It lists the procedure's risks and aftercare, and the client signs it before the needle touches skin. Tattoo artists and piercers need one for each client, especially a minor.

On this page you can build the form with our free template, see what each part should say, check the rules for minors in each jurisdiction FormsPal's verified data covers, and follow a field-by-field guide. A tattoo consent form is one kind of consent form, and the same form works for body piercing.

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Table of Contents

What Is a Tattoo Consent Form?
What to Include in a Tattoo Consent Form
Tattoo Consent Forms for Minors: Rules Across the U.S.
How Long a Studio Keeps Signed Consent Forms
How to Fill Out the Tattoo Consent Form
Frequently Asked Questions

A tattoo consent form is the document a client signs to confirm they understand the risks of a tattoo or piercing, have answered the health questions truthfully and agree to the procedure. The form gives the studio a written account of what the client was told. It also gives the client a copy of the aftercare terms they accepted.

Studios use the form for adults and minors, for tattoos and piercings, and often for permanent cosmetics. A minor's version adds a section for the parent or legal guardian.

A tattoo consent form is also known as a tattoo release form or waiver. Many studios use two documents. A booking form collects the design, placement and appointment details. The consent form records that the client understands the risks and agrees to the procedure.

Risks the Form Asks the Client to Accept

The tattoo consent form names the risks a client accepts, so a later complaint can be measured against what they read and signed. The usual list covers:

Accidental injury. The work uses needles on open skin, so cuts and bleeding can happen.
Infection. Blood-borne and skin infections can follow a tattoo or piercing, during the session or while it heals, especially when aftercare is skipped.
Allergic reaction. A client can react to an ink, a metal or an aftercare product without knowing about the allergy beforehand.
Results that differ from expectations. Colors look different on skin than on paper, fade over time and can blur; the artist cannot promise a result that never changes.
Permanence. A tattoo or piercing changes the body for good; removal leaves the skin changed and piercings can leave holes or scars.
Accidents on the premises. A slip on a wet floor or fainting in the chair can lead to injury unrelated to the work itself.

Tattoo Consent Form vs Tattoo Waiver

A tattoo waiver is a release clause in which the client agrees not to hold the artist and studio responsible for listed risks, while the consent part shows the client understood those risks and agreed. Most studios combine both in one tattoo consent form: a set of acknowledgments the client initials, then a release paragraph above the signature. A release covers the listed risks only; it is no shield for careless work. How far a release clause reaches where you work is a question for a local lawyer.

A complete tattoo consent form covers the client, the artist, the procedure, the client's health, the risks, aftercare and signatures. A practical checklist:

Client's full name, date of birth, address and phone number.
Artist or piercer's name and the studio's name and address.
Date of the procedure, the design and its placement on the body.
Health questions: allergies, skin conditions at the site, medications, bleeding problems.
The risks listed above, each with a box to initial.
A statement that the client received aftercare instructions in writing.
A statement that the client is sober and acting voluntarily.
An optional yes or no on photos and videos for the studio's portfolio.
The release paragraph.
Signatures and dates of the client, the artist and, for a minor, the parent or guardian.

Montana's rule, Mont. Admin. R. 37.112.144, is one of the most detailed and lists what a consent form must contain where the work is done in Montana:

The client's name and address, the date of the procedure, the tattoo design and its location on the body.
A description of possible complications and side effects, such as abscesses, allergies, infection, keloid formation, scarring and swelling.
Symptoms of infection, such as fever, swelling, redness or drainage.
An instruction to consult a licensed medical provider if symptoms of infection or other complications occur.
The permanent nature of the tattoo or piercing.
The client's statement that they received the aftercare instructions in writing and verbally, and that they consent to the procedure.

In Mississippi, the client signs a consent form stating that they consent to the tattoo, understand the risks and the aftercare, and received written aftercare instructions, under 15 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 19, Subpt. 60, R. 11.5.6 when the procedure is a tattoo. A photocopy of a government-issued ID showing the client's date of birth is attached to the consent form where Mississippi's rules apply (15 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 19, Subpt. 60, R. 11.5.10).

Health Screening Questions

Health screening questions on a tattoo consent form help the artist decide whether to go ahead and how to plan aftercare. South Dakota's rule says the consent form shall request information about medical problems that can cause the client difficulty afterwards, for example diabetes, allergic reactions to certain metals or medications, hemophilia, blood clotting problems, or anticoagulant medications that may cause bleeding, where South Dakota's rule applies (S.D. Admin. R. 44:12:02:13).

Studios often add questions on heart conditions, epilepsy, skin conditions near the placement and recent medication. Keep the answers with the signed form and ask again at each visit.

Tattooing a minor is either banned or allowed only with a parent's consent in every jurisdiction FormsPal's verified data covers. Across the table, the rule takes one of three forms: a ban with no parental route, a parent's written consent, or a parent's presence at the procedure, sometimes with signed consent as well.

The table gives the rule for a minor's tattoo in each jurisdiction where the data holds one, with the section it comes from. A minor here means a person under 18 unless the row says otherwise.

Jurisdiction	Tattooing a minor	Source
Alabama	Allowed only with the informed written consent of a parent or legal guardian, given in person to the operator.	Ala. Admin. Rule 420-3-23-.15
Alaska	Not allowed, even if a parent agrees: a person may not tattoo a minor.	Alaska Stat. § 08.13.217(a)
Arizona	Allowed under 18 only with the physical presence of a parent or legal guardian.	Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3721
California	Allowed only for a client at least 18 years of age, regardless of parental consent.	Cal. Health & Safety Code § 119302
Colorado	Allowed only if the body artist has received express consent from the minor's parent or guardian.	Colo. Rev. Stat. § 25-4-2103
Connecticut	For an unemancipated minor under 18, allowed only with the permission of a parent or guardian.	Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-266p
Delaware	Allowed only with the prior written consent of a parent over the age of 18 or a legal guardian; the consent form is notarized.	11 Del. C. § 1114
District of Columbia	Not under 18, except that a person 16 or older may be tattooed if a parent or legal guardian gives written consent.	D.C. Code § 47-2853.76e
Florida	Not under 16 unless done for medical or dental purposes by a licensed physician or dentist; otherwise a minor is tattooed only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who gives written notarized consent, and both show a government-issued photo ID.	Fla. Stat. § 381.00787
Georgia	Not under 18, except by a licensed physician or osteopath or a technician under their direct supervision.	O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71
Hawaii	Under 18, allowed only with the written consent of the parents or legal guardian.	Haw. Code R. § 11-17-7
Idaho	Not under 14; from 14 to 18, allowed only with the prior written informed consent of a parent or legal guardian, signed in the presence of the artist or an employee or agent.	Idaho Code § 18-1523
Illinois	Not under 18 unless the person is licensed to practice medicine in all its branches.	720 ILCS 5/12C-35
Indiana	Under 18, allowed only if a parent or legal guardian is present and gives written permission.	IC 35-45-21-4(e)
Iowa	Not allowed, even if a parent agrees: a minor shall not obtain a tattoo.	Iowa Code § 10A.531
Kansas	Under 18, allowed only with the prior written and notarized consent of a parent or court-appointed guardian, who is present during the procedure.	Kan. Stat. Ann. § 65-1953
Kentucky	Allowed only if the minor is at least 16 and has custodial parent or legal guardian consent, given as a written notarized statement.	902 KAR 45:065 § 7
Louisiana	Under 18, allowed only with the consent of an accompanying parent or tutor.	La. Rev. Stat. § 14:93.2
Maine	Not under 18, even if a parent agrees.	Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 32, § 4203
Maryland	The operator obtains the client's written consent or, in the case of a minor, the consent of the parent or guardian, and keeps it on file for 3 years.	COMAR 10.06.01.06
Michigan	Allowed only with the prior written informed consent of a parent or legal guardian and proof of that person's authority to give it.	Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.13102
Minnesota	Not under 18: tattooing a minor is a gross misdemeanor even if a parent or guardian consents.	Minn. Stat. § 146B.07
Mississippi	Not under 18, even if a parent agrees.	15 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 19, Subpt. 60, R. 11.1.3
Missouri	Allowed only with the prior written informed consent of a parent or legal guardian.	Mo. Rev. Stat. § 324.520
Montana	If the client is under 18, a parent or legal guardian signs the consent form in person before the procedure.	Mont. Admin. R. 37.112.144
Nebraska	Under 18, allowed only with the prior written consent of a parent or court-appointed guardian, who is present during the procedure.	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-10,165
Nevada	An invasive body decoration procedure (the rule's term) on a client under 18 needs the express in-person consent of a custodial parent or legal guardian, who shows proof of custody or guardianship, except as subsection 3 of the rule provides.	Nev. Admin. Code § 444.00807
New Hampshire	Not under 18, even if a parent agrees.	N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 314-A:8
New Jersey	Allowed only with the written consent and proper identification of a parent or legal guardian, unless the minor provides a court order declaring them emancipated.	N.J.A.C. 8:27-2.6
New Mexico	If the client is a minor, the studio keeps written proof of a parent's or legal guardian's presence and consent.	16.36.5.11 NMAC
North Dakota	No body art procedure on a person under 18 without the presence, written consent and proper identification of a parent, legal custodial parent or legal guardian.	N.D. Admin. Code § 33-41-01-03
Ohio	Under 18, allowed only if a parent, guardian or custodian consents and appears in person at the business when the procedure is performed.	Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 3730.06
Oklahoma	Not under 18, even if a parent agrees.	Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 842.1
Oregon	Not under 18, regardless of parental or legal guardian consent, unless the requirements of subsection (5) of the rule are met.	Or. Admin. R. 331-915-0065(6)(c)
Pennsylvania	Under 18, allowed only if a parent or guardian consents and is present at the time of the tattooing.	18 Pa.C.S. § 6311
Rhode Island	Not under 18, except for medical purposes under subsection (b).	R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-9-15
South Carolina	Not under 18, even if a parent agrees.	S.C. Code Ann. § 44-34-100
South Dakota	Allowed only if the minor's parents have signed a consent form authorizing the tattoo.	S.D. Codified Laws § 26-10-19
Tennessee	Not under 18, except that a minor 16 or older may be tattooed to cover up an existing tattoo with a parent's or legal guardian's written consent; the parent shows proof of guardianship or custody and is present.	Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-38-211
Texas	Not under 18, except as provided by Subsection (a-1) of the section.	Tex. Health & Safety Code § 146.012
Utah	Allowed only with a parent's or legal guardian's consent, which means the parent is present, shows proof of identity and relationship, and signs written permission.	Utah Code § 76-10-2201
Vermont	Allowed only with the written consent of the minor's parent or guardian.	26 V.S.A. § 4102
Virginia	Under 18, allowed only in the presence of a parent or guardian, or when done by or under the supervision of a medical doctor.	Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-371.3
Washington	Not under 18, even if a parent agrees: applying a tattoo to a minor is a misdemeanor.	Wash. Rev. Code § 26.28.085
West Virginia	Allowed only with prior written consent from one parent or guardian.	W. Va. Code § 16-38-3
Wisconsin	Not under 18 unless done by a physician in the course of professional practice.	Wis. Admin. Code SPS § 221.10
Wyoming	Allowed only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian who is present when the procedure is performed.	Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 14-3-107

FormsPal's verified data holds no rule on tattooing minors for Arkansas, Massachusetts or North Carolina. For those, ask the health department or licensing board where the studio works.

Parent Presence and Notarized Consent

Many rows in the table ask a parent or legal guardian to be present for a minor's tattoo or piercing, and the next paragraph names the rules that add a notarized consent.

Kansas asks for both when the client is under 18: the parent or court-appointed guardian gives prior written and notarized consent and stays present during the procedure (Kan. Stat. Ann. § 65-1953). When the client is a minor, Delaware consent forms shall be notarized, and a photocopy of the identification is attached to the customer's information card (11 Del. C. § 1114). Kentucky takes a parent's consent to a minor's tattoo only as a written notarized statement with the notary's official seal or assigned identification (902 KAR 45:065 § 7). Florida asks the parent or legal guardian to give written notarized consent in the format the department prescribes when a minor is tattooed (Fla. Stat. § 381.00787).

When the parent signs at the studio, have them sign in front of the artist and copy their ID onto the form. Where a notarized consent is asked for, the parent signs before a notary first and brings the notarized form to the appointment.

Body Piercing Consent for a Minor

Piercing rules for minors often differ from the tattoo rules of the same jurisdiction, so a body piercing consent form for a minor deserves its own check.

Alaska bans tattooing a minor but allows a minor's body piercing only with the prior written permission of a parent or legal guardian, who is present during the procedure (Alaska Stat. § 08.13.217(b)).
California allows a body piercing for a person under 18 only in the presence of a parent or guardian, and prohibits piercing a minor's nipples or genitals (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 119302).
Oklahoma lets a person under 18 receive a body piercing only if a parent or legal guardian gives written consent and is present during the procedure (Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 842.1).
In New Hampshire, a parent's consent to a minor's piercing counts only if the parent or legal guardian is physically present, shows evidence of that status and signs a declaration, and the consent names the location of the piercing (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 314-A:8).
Wisconsin bars body piercing under 16, and a 16- or 17-year-old is pierced only if a parent or legal guardian signs an informed consent form in the presence of the operator (Wis. Admin. Code SPS § 221.10).
Texas allows a piercing under 18 only with the consent of a parent, managing conservator or guardian, and the consent names the part of the body to be pierced (Tex. Health & Safety Code § 146.0125).
New York accepts a minor's piercing only with a parent's or legal guardian's written consent on a form the commissioner prescribes, signed in the presence of the studio owner or a piercing specialist (N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 460-a).

If you pierce minors, give the form a parent section and a line for the exact piercing site.

A studio keeps a signed tattoo consent form for as long as the local rule says, and the periods differ from one rule to the next:

When a minor is pierced in Alaska, the piercer keeps a copy of the written permission for at least three years (Alaska Stat. § 08.13.217(b)).
Maryland's rule has the operator disclose the risks, obtain written consent (a parent's or guardian's if the client is a minor) and keep it for 3 years, available to the health officer if requested (COMAR 10.06.01.06).
In Montana, client records and consent forms stay on the establishment premises for a minimum of three years (Mont. Admin. R. 37.112.141).
In New Mexico, the client's records are kept for a minimum of three years and given to the board upon request (16.36.5.11 NMAC).
In Kansas, the written permission for a minor, with a copy of the letters of guardianship when a guardian gives it, is kept for five years (Kan. Stat. Ann. § 65-1953).
When a parent consents for a minor in Nebraska, the person performing the body art keeps a copy of the consent for five years (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-10,165).
In West Virginia, all written consents are kept for five years by the registration holder of the studio where the tattoo was performed (W. Va. Code § 16-38-3).
When a minor is pierced in New York, the studio keeps the original written consent for twelve months, and may keep it off premises provided that an electronic image or facsimile is readily available (N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 460-a).
In Hawaii, all written consent is kept on file in the tattoo shop, with no period given in the rule (Haw. Code R. § 11-17-7).
In Mississippi, a studio's registrations are suspended if the Department finds in writing that the establishment is not maintaining the consent forms (15 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 19, Subpt. 60, R. 11.4.4).

Paper or digital, store each signed form so you can find it by client name and date. A scan or a signed digital form with the health answers and the ID copy is easier to produce on request than a box of paper.

Clients Under the Influence

A client who appears drunk or high cannot give reliable consent, and some rules bar the procedure outright. Alabama's rule bars body art on a person who, in the opinion of the operator, is inebriated or appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Ala. Admin. Rule 420-3-23-.15(1)(b)). Oregon prohibits tattooing a person who shows signs of being inebriated or appears to be incapacitated by alcohol or drugs (Or. Admin. R. 331-915-0065(6)(a)). A Texas tattooist may not tattoo a person if the tattooist suspects that person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Tex. Health & Safety Code § 146.012).

A sobriety statement on the form gives the artist a moment to stop and ask before starting.

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To fill out the tattoo consent form, go through it section by section with the client, have them initial each statement, and finish with the signatures and the date. Our template follows the order below; each step shows the matching part of the form.

Enter the date the form is completed and the client's printed name.
Name the practitioner: the printed name of the tattoo artist or piercer who will do the work, and the name of their studio.
The client confirms they received instructions about the procedure and answers to their questions.
The client confirms they received written aftercare instructions from the practitioner.
The client acknowledges the possible medical complications and agrees to go ahead.
The client acknowledges that the procedure changes the body permanently: holes and scars can remain after jewelry is removed or a tattoo is lasered off.
Check the box that confirms the client's age and look at their photo ID. If the client is a minor, complete the parent or guardian part and check the rules table above for the jurisdiction.
The client checks the box confirming they act voluntarily and are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The client checks the box showing they know about the risk of infection and allergic reaction.
The client acknowledges that the color and design can look slightly different on the skin, and that touchups needed because aftercare was not followed are at the client's cost.
The client acknowledges that the tattoo or piercing is permanent and that they will not later demand its removal from the studio.
The client agrees to follow the aftercare instructions.
The client acknowledges they may feel lightheaded during the procedure and agrees to tell the artist at once if they feel worse.
The client writes their name to confirm they agree to the procedure and release the practitioner from liability for the listed risks.
Enter the client's full name, signature and date.
Sign the form. If the client is a minor, their parent or legal guardian signs too; attach the parental consent form and a copy of the parent's ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Young Child Get a Tattoo With Parental Consent?

A parent's consent does not lower every age floor: Idaho bars tattooing any minor under the age of 14, even if a parent agrees (Idaho Code § 18-1523). Florida bars tattooing a child under 16 unless it is done for medical or dental purposes by a licensed physician or dentist (Fla. Stat. § 381.00787). The District of Columbia allows a tattoo only from age 16, and only if a parent or legal guardian gives written consent (D.C. Code § 47-2853.76e). Kentucky allows a minor's tattoo only if the minor is at least 16 and has a custodial parent's or legal guardian's consent (902 KAR 45:065 § 7). In California a client is tattooed only if at least 18, regardless of parental consent (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 119302). The table above gives the rule for each jurisdiction in the data.

Can an 18-Year-Old Sibling Sign a Minor's Consent Form?

The rules in FormsPal's verified data name a parent or legal guardian as the person who consents (a few also name a custodian, tutor or managing conservator), so an adult sibling signs only if they hold one of those roles. Michigan accepts a parent's or guardian's consent only with the minor's birth certificate or legal proof of guardianship (Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.13102). Delaware takes the consent only from a parent over the age of 18 or a legal guardian (11 Del. C. § 1114).

Does a Tattoo Consent Form Need to Be Notarized?

In FormsPal's verified data, the rules that call for a notarized consent all concern a parent's consent when the client is a minor: Kansas (Kan. Stat. Ann. § 65-1953), Delaware (11 Del. C. § 1114), Kentucky (902 KAR 45:065 § 7) and Florida (Fla. Stat. § 381.00787). An adult client's form has no notary step in that data.

Does a Client Sign a New Form for Every Tattoo?

In Montana, yes: the client must sign a consent form before each tattooing or body piercing procedure, even when they are a returning client (Mont. Admin. R. 37.112.144). Elsewhere, a fresh form for each session keeps the health answers, the design and the placement current.

How Is a Minor's Tattoo Consent Form Different From an Adult's?

A minor's tattoo consent form adds a parent or guardian part: the parent's name, signature and ID and, where a rule asks for it, proof of guardianship. In New Jersey, the parent or legal guardian gives written consent and proper identification, unless the minor provides a court order declaring them emancipated (N.J.A.C. 8:27-2.6). When a minor is tattooed in Tennessee, the parent or legal guardian presents proof of guardianship or custody, acknowledges receipt of a report and is present during the procedure (Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-38-211).

General information, not legal or tax advice.

Mara Erlach

Writer & Attorney

Mara has been practicing estate planning and trust law in California since 2003, taking pride in helping clients of all backgrounds and asset profiles form a complete and customized estate plan. Her specialties are: estate planning, wills and trusts, trust and probate administration.