New Jersey Section 2C:40-21 – Tattooing of a minor; parental permission, required

Gettin’ Ink Done: What NJ’s Tattoo Laws Say About Tattooing Minors

Hey there! If you’re a teen in New Jersey who’s itchin’ to get some fresh ink, you better pause for a sec and read this first. I’m here to hip you to the legal dealio when it comes to minors gettin’ tattooed in the Garden State. I know, I know, waiting sucks. But trust me, it’s worth it to avoid any sticky situations down the road.

Let me break it down nice and simple-like: In New Jersey, you gotta be at least 18 years old to get tattooed without your parent or legal guardian’s written permission. It’s right there in the lawbooks as Section 2C:40-21 of New Jersey’s criminal code. This statute makes it a disorderly persons offense if someone tattoos a minor without getting that written consent first. And lemme tell ya, disorderly persons charges are no joke—we’re talkin’ fines, community service, probation, and possibly even a little jail time. Not exactly how you wanna spend your 18th birthday, amirite?

Now I know some of you rebels out there might be thinking, “Psh, so what? I’ll just go to a sketchy scratcher who doesn’t care about some dumb law.” Welp, that’s where you’d be makin’ a big mistake, my friend. See, that tattoo artist could get slapped with criminal charges for breakin’ the law, and do you really wanna be responsible for messin’ up someone’s livelihood like that? Didn’t think so.

Plus—and listen up, ’cause this part’s real important—going to an unlicensed scratcher can be super dangerous for your health! We’re talkin’ nasty infections, hepatitis, HIV…not to mention getting a janky tattoo that looks like a drunk toddler went to town on your skin. No bueno. That’s why you gotta be patient and wait ’til you’re 18, then go to a licensed, reputable shop. The pros there know how to keep everything sanitized and safe.

Alright, let’s rap about some other key facts on NJ’s tattoo laws:

• The written permission has to come from your parent or legal guardian specifically. So your older brother, cousin, aunt, or that cool neighbor dude can’t give the OK.
• If you don’t have a parent or legal guardian, then you need written consent from another adult who’s your caretaker or acts as your guardian. But they’ve gotta have that legit responsibility over you.
• There are no exceptions to this law, even if you’re mature for your age or it’s a really meaningful tattoo. Rules are rules.
• This law applies to all forms of body art, including piercings, permanent makeup, and ear piercings. Ink isn’t the only thing you gotta be 18 to get!

Now I know some of you still ain’t convinced. You’re all, “I need this tattoo now ’cause it’s important to me! How’s anyone even gonna know I’m a minor anyway?” Well first off, any legit tattoo artist is gonna ask for ID, so jig’s up there. And shops can get in big trouble if they don’t follow age laws, so they’re gonna be extra cautious.

Second, the cops or prosecutors don’t actually have to prove you’re under 18 if you get work done without the right paperwork. The law says it’s illegal to tattoo a minor, period. So if you can’t prove you got your parent’s permission, you could still get cited. Not worth it!

I’m tellin’ ya, save yourself the heartache and wait ’til 18. The last thing you want is to end up with a permanent reminder of that time you broke the law. Plus, you’ll probably end up wanting something way different in a few years anyway. Take it from me, a bunch of the ink I got in my youth looks, uh…interesting now.

So be cool, my ink-hungry friends. I know the temptation’s there, but getting tattooed underage in Jersey is risky business that can land you—and your artist—in hot water. Respect the law, respect yourself, and wait ’til you’re 18! Your skin and your record will thank you later, trust me.

Until then, dream up some rad tattoo ideas for when you come of age. And if you just can’t stand the wait, go for some cool temporary tats or henna ink. That’s a slick compromise. Alright, stay gold out there, you lil rebels! Catch ya on the flipside.