Tattoos and Piercings Under Eighteen
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-9-15 — no tattoo under 18 except for a medical purpose, and a piercing only with a parent there
| Under 18 | The rule |
|---|---|
| Under 18Tattoo | The ruleNot allowed, even with a parent, unless it is for a medical purpose |
| Under 18Body piercing | The ruleAllowed only when a parent or guardian comes along and consents |
Who handles this in Rhode Island: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Rhode Island directory.
A medical tattoo takes paperwork. A tattoo for a medical purpose needs the parent or guardian present, photo ID for both, the parent's notarized consent and proof of guardianship, a physician's notarized consent, and a licensed tattoo artist. Removing a tattoo is allowed at any age.
The section sets a misdemeanor penalty of up to one year or a $300 fine, and also treats a first conviction as a violation fined up to $300 and a second as a petty misdemeanor fined up to $500. An artist fooled by a fraudulent government photo ID after careful inspection is not in violation. Questions about a particular shop go to the department of health.
Sources for this section (2)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-9-15 — Tattooing of minors
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-1-39 — Tattooing and/or body piercing
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.