Tattoos, Piercings and Tanning Under Eighteen
Health & Safety 146.012 — a tattoo under 18 only to cover another one
A tattooist may not tattoo anyone younger than 18, with one exception: a tattoo that covers an existing one with obscene or offensive language or symbols, gang related markings, drug related images, or other markings a parent or guardian believes are best covered, and only with that parent's or guardian's consent.
Who handles this in Texas: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Texas directory.
Body piercing on someone younger than 18 takes the consent of a parent, managing conservator or guardian, and the consent has to name the part of the body to be pierced.
Consent means being there, with an affidavit. For either, the parent or guardian is physically present at the studio at the time, signs an affidavit saying they are the parent or guardian, and shows proof of identity and of that status. A minor who lies about being 18 or shows a document saying so commits a Class B misdemeanor.
No tanning beds under 18. A tanning facility may not allow a person younger than 18 years of age to use a tanning device.
The licensing of studios and tanning facilities is in other sections not covered here, and a local health authority answers questions about a particular shop.
Sources for this section (3)
- Health & Safety 146.012 — Tattoos prohibited for certain persons
- Health & Safety 146.0125 — Body piercing prohibited without parental consent
- Health & Safety 145.008 — Tanning facility operational requirements
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Texas attorney.