Tattoos and piercings for minors

Tattoos and piercings for minors: minimum age and parental consent

Are you under 18 and want a tattoo or a piercing? Or are you a parent wondering what the law says? Here are the rules at our two tattoo shops in the Vaucluse, in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and in Carpentras.

What the law says

In France, a tattoo or piercing on a minor is only allowed with the written consent of a parent (or guardian): this is article R1311-11 of the Public Health Code. The tattoo shop must keep this authorisation for 3 years. The law sets no minimum age: each tattoo shop sets its own.

Our rules for tattoos

• From age 16, never before.
• With a parent's written authorisation, compulsory, together with their ID.
• The parent comes to the tattoo shop to sign the authorisation. In rare cases, it can be completed remotely: the minor comes with the parent's original ID card (no copy, no photo), we send the parent a link to fill in the consent form, then we call them to check that it really is them.

Our rules for piercings

• Lobe piercing is possible from age 6.
• Under 16, a parent must be present at the tattoo shop.
• From age 16, it is still preferable for a parent to be present at the tattoo shop. In rare cases, the authorisation can be completed remotely: the minor comes with the parent's original ID card (no copy, no photo), we send the parent a link to fill in the consent form, then we call them to check that it really is them.
• Not every piercing can be done at every age: ask the tattoo shop for advice. Prices are on the Prices page, and our piercings on the Piercing page.

Choosing a first tattoo well at 16 or 17

A tattoo is for life. Our tattoo artists take the time to talk it through: a design and a placement you really care about, a reasonable size, and an area that is easy to cover if needed for school or work. How a session runs is on our First tattoo page, and small pieces on Small tattoos.

The consent form, as for an adult, is compulsory before every tattoo or piercing. Parental authorisations are stored encrypted for 3 years, then deleted: see our page on data protection.

Frequently asked questions

From what age can you get a tattoo?

At TATTOO ON MOVE, from age 16, with a parent's written authorisation, signed at the tattoo shop. Without authorisation, you have to wait until you are 18.

Does the parent have to come to the tattoo shop for a tattoo?

In principle, yes: the authorisation is signed at the tattoo shop, in the parent's presence, with their ID. In rare cases, it can be completed remotely: you come with the parent's original ID card (no copy, no photo), we send them a link to fill in the consent form, then we call them to check.

From what age can a child have their ears pierced?

Lobe piercing is possible from age 6, with a parent present at the tattoo shop.

Can you get a piercing at 16 without your parents?

A parent's written authorisation is always required, and it is preferable for them to be present at the tattoo shop. In rare cases, from age 16, it can be completed remotely: you come with the parent's original ID card (no copy, no photo), we send them a link to fill in the consent form, then we call them to check. Under 16, the parent must be present.

What does the law say about tattooing minors?

Article R1311-11 of the Public Health Code forbids tattooing or piercing a minor without the written consent of a parent or guardian. The minimum age, however, is set by each tattoo shop.