Tattoos and Piercings

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

 

Tattoos

In Victoria the legal age you can get a tattoo at is 18. It is a criminal offence for someone to tattoo you or make a permanent mark or design on your skin. It does not matter if you have parental consent. 

 

Scarification, Branding and Beading

You must also be 18 to have any other mark made on your skin such as branding, scarification or beading.

 

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 must give their written consent in person by going with you.

If you are over 10 years of age you must also give your consent in writing.

Intimate body piercing

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

If you are under 18 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 for the rest of your life, because a tattoo 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 make sure that you go to a professional tattoo artist and that the place is safe and hygienic and all tools sterilised.

The content on this page was last updated on 02 April 2012

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