Tattoos and Piercings Under Eighteen
11 Del. C. § 1114 — under 18, a parent's notarized written consent to that exact tattoo or piercing
No one may tattoo, brand or pierce a minor under 18 who is not emancipated without the prior written consent of a parent over the age of 18 or a legal guardian to that specific act, and the consent form must be notarized. Body piercing here excludes the ear.
Who handles this in Delaware: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Delaware directory.
| Breaking it | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Breaking itFirst offense | PenaltyClass B misdemeanor: up to 6 months and up to $1,150 |
| Breaking itSecond or later | PenaltyClass A misdemeanor: up to 1 year and up to $2,300 |
| Breaking itCivil suit | PenaltyActual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater, plus court costs and attorney fees |
A photo ID that would lead a reasonable person to believe the customer was 18 or older is a defense, and a copy is kept with the customer's card. No shop that does not regularly serve minors has to tattoo or pierce one.
Sources for this section (2)
- 11 Del. C. § 1114 — Body-piercing, tattooing or branding; consent for minors; civil and criminal penalties
- 11 Del. C. § 4206 — Sentence for misdemeanors
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Delaware attorney.