Tattoos and Piercings Under Eighteen
A.R.S. 13-3721 — a parent physically there, or a class 6 felony
It is unlawful to intentionally tattoo, pierce, brand, scarify, implant or mutilate the body of anyone under eighteen years of age without a parent or legal guardian physically present. Ear piercing with a parent's written or spoken permission, and procedures prescribed by a licensed health care provider, are outside that rule.
Who handles this in Arizona: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Arizona directory.
A felony, not a ticket. A violation of the section is a class 6 felony. Asking for age identification and relying on it in good faith is a defense.
Tanning and the licensing of studios are under other law not covered here. A particular charge is a question for a licensed Arizona attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- A.R.S. 13-3721 — Tattoos, brands, scarifications and piercings; minors
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Arizona attorney.