Tattoos and Piercings Under Eighteen
K.S.A. 65-1953 — under 18, a parent's notarized written consent and the parent in the room
No one may tattoo, cosmetically tattoo or pierce anyone under 18 years of age without the prior written and notarized consent of a parent or court appointed guardian, who must be present during the procedure. The artist keeps the permission, and any letters of guardianship, for five years.
Who handles this in Kansas: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Kansas directory.
A violation is a class A misdemeanor, and the licensing board can also impose civil fines of up to $5,000 for a first violation, $10,000 for a second and $15,000 after that. Questions about a particular shop go to the board.
Sources for this section (2)
- K.S.A. 65-1953 — Same; performance of body piercing or tattooing on persons under 18, written and notarized consent; penalties
- K.S.A. 65-1954 — Same; penalties; civil fines; costs and attorney fees; disposition of proceeds
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Kansas attorney.