Tattoos & Piercing

For free and confidential legal advice about this topic, please contact us here.

When can I get a tattoo, piercing or other body modification?

Tattoos

In New South Wales you generally need to be 18 to get a tattoo. A tattoo includes anything that results in a permanent mark being made on your skin, including branding, scarification or beading.

If you want to get a tattoo before you turn 18, your parent will need to be with you when you get the tattoo, or give their permission in writing.  If you get your parent’s permission in writing, the note should explain the type of tattoo you want to get, the size of the tattoo and where it’s going to be on your body. It’s against the law for someone to tattoo you without your parent’s permission.

Body piercings

You need to be 16 to get most piercings in New South Wales. If you’re under 16 and want a piercing, you’ll need your parent’s permission in writing or in person. Your parent’s note should explain the location of the piercing, and the type of piercing. You cannot get a piercing in a private place (like your nipples or genitals) if you are under 16, even if you have your parent’s permission.

Tattoo and piercing policies

Even if you do get permission from a parent, some tattooists and body piercers will not give you a tattoo or a piercing if you’re under 18. Others might ask you to show proof of your age, or even ask you to sign a statutory declaration (a legal document) outlining your age and that you understand the risks involved in the procedure.  It is a good idea to call the tattoo / piercing parlour you are thinking of going to and asking them what their policy is on giving tattoos or piercings to someone your age who has a parent’s consent.

Having tattoos, piercings and body modifications at school or work

Your school or workplace may have specific rules or policies about tattoos, piercings and body marks, so it’s a good idea to check these first.  These rules are legal as long as they are not unreasonable or discriminatory.

If a tattoo, piercing or body modification is part of your cultural background, for example your race, descent or ethnic heritage, then it may be unlawful discrimination for a school or workplace to ban you from having it. If you would like more information on this, click here to see our page on discrimination.

Before you get a tattoo, branding or piercing

• Do you want it forever?  – remember, tattoos and other markings are permanent.  It is important to think about whether you want a tattoo or other mark for the rest of your life. Also, keep in mind that tattoos and piercings can be painful to get and that piercings can leave scars or holes even after you take the jewellery out.
• Staying safe – when you get a tattoo or piercing, there is always a risk that you can get a disease like Hepatitis C or B, HIV or a bacterial infection. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to always go to a professional tattoo artist and piercer. Also, you should make sure that the tattoo studio is safe and hygienic and that all tools are sterilised. This means that you should avoid home tattoo or piercing parlours, or DIY kits (even if your friend is the one doing it!). All tattoo parlours in NSW have to be registered and publicly display their licence, so it is a good idea to make sure the place is registered before getting anything done. Tattoo parlours and piercing studios in NSW must also follow infection control measures set by the government in special guidelines.

If you have any other questions about getting a tattoo, piercing or other body modification, please contact us here.