Tattoos and Piercings

NSW: When can I get a tattoo or body piercing?

 

Tattoos

In New South Wales the legal age to get a tattoo without parental consent is 18.

If you are under 18 you need your parent or carer’s consent. The consent must state the type of tattoo and the position on your body where the tattoo will be done. Your parent can give their consent in person or in writing. Without this consent it is a criminal offence for someone to tattoo you or make a permanent mark or design on your skin.

 

Scarification, Branding and Beading

You must also be 18 to have any other mark made on your skin such as branding, scarification or beading unless you have parental consent. The consent must include the type of marking to be done and its location on your body.

 

Body Piercing

Non-intimate body piercing


A non-intimate body piercing is a piercing of any part of your body other than your genitals or nipples. Genitals mean the anus, scrotum, penis and vagina.

If you are under 16 you need the consent of your parent or carer to have that particular part of your body pierced. Your parent or carer can give their consent in person by going with you or in writing.

If you are over 16 but under 18 you can get a non-intimate body piercing without parental consent.  

 

Intimate body piercing

An intimate body piercing is a piercing of the nipples or genitals.

If you are under 16 a body piercer is not allowed to give you an intimate body piercing even if you or your parent or carer  consent to it.

 

Before you get a Tattoo, Branding or Piercing

It is important to be sure that you want a tattoo or other skin marking for the rest of your life as it is permanent. Also, a piercing may leave scars or holes long after you stop wearing the jewellery.

There is a risk that you can get a disease like Hepatitis C or B, HIV or a bacterial infection. It is always best to go to a professional tattoo artist and to make sure that the tattoo studio is safe and hygienic and all tools sterilised.


The content on this page was last updated on 1 April 2012

 

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