Tattoos and Piercings: What You Need to Know
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There is no minimum age that you need to be to legally get a tattoo or piercing. But businesses are allowed to require parental consent or set their own age requirements.
Age Rules
- No Set Age in BC: There’s no specific law in BC about how old you have to be.
- Parent Consent: The Ministry of Health recommends studios get parents’ permission if you’re under 19.
- Studio Policies: Some places have their own rules. For example, many won’t ink or pierce anyone under 17 without written consent from a parent.
Informed Consent
- Know the Risks: Make sure you understand what you’re getting into. Know about the potential for infection (especially with shady tattoo studios and artists), allergic reactions, and the permanence of tattoos.
- Maturity Check: You should be mature enough to handle the decision and the aftercare.
- No Pressure: You should be doing this because you want to, not because someone else is pushing you.
- Stay Sober: Don’t get a tattoo or piercing if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Choose something meaningful to you: It’s forever so take your time and save up your money for a quality tattoo.


Dig Deeper
Express yourself: Getting a tattoo or piercing from Kids Help Phone is packed with useful information!
Getting a tattoo or piercing is a big decision. Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons and that you know all the facts!
Tattoo removal
There are many ways to remove a tattoo including:
- Laser Treatment
- Surgery
- Dermabrasion
Talk with your doctor about available options.
What Rights and Responsibilities Do I have at the Age...
International Rights of the Child
UN Convention on the Right of the Child that apply to you up until you are 18. All children have the right
- Not to be discriminated against
- To live, be safe and develop to your fullest potential
- To have a voice heard and respected in decisions that impact you
- To have adults make decisions about you that are in your best interest
Dig deeper in Kids have rights!
Have a Voice
Adults making decisions about you should take your views seriously, even if they might not always be able to do exactly what you want.
This right becomes especially important if your parents are separating or you are in the government’s care. You have the right to express your views on things that impact your life. See Your Rights in Care: What You Need to Know and Dealing with Your Parents’ Separation or Divorce.
Register for List of Future Votes
The minimum age Canadian citizens can vote in municipal, provincial or federal elections is 18. If you are 16 or 17 you can register on the List of Future Voters which will automatically register you to vote when you turn 18. You can learn more about registering to the Future Voter list at Elections BC.