Tattoos, Piercings and Tanning Under Eighteen
N.J.S.A. 2C:40-21 — a parent's written permission, and no tanning bed before 17
A person commits a disorderly persons offense by knowingly tattooing or body piercing a minor under the age of 18 years without first getting the written permission of the minor's parent or legal guardian, or of a person standing in place of a parent if neither exists.
Who handles this in New Jersey: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the New Jersey directory.
| Age | Tanning |
|---|---|
| AgeUnder 14 | TanningNot allowed at a tanning facility |
| AgeAt least 14, under 17 | TanningSpray tanning only |
| Age17 and older | TanningA tanning bed too, with a parent or guardian present for the first consultation |
An emancipated minor with legal proof is exempt from the tanning limits. The licensing of tattoo parlors and tanning facilities is under other law not covered here, and questions about a particular shop go to the local health department.
Sources for this section (2)
- N.J.S.A. 2C:40-21 — Tattooing or body piercing of a minor; parental permission
- N.J.S.A. 26:2D-82.1 — Restrictions on the use of tanning facilities by minors
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.