## 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](https://tattoo-on-move.fr/en/info/prices) page, and our piercings on the [Piercing](https://tattoo-on-move.fr/en/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](https://tattoo-on-move.fr/en/info/first-tattoo) page, and small pieces on [Small tattoos](https://tattoo-on-move.fr/en/info/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](https://tattoo-on-move.fr/en/data-protection).

**[L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue](https://tattoo-on-move.fr/en/info/general-information/l-isle-sur-la-sorgue)**: 15 quai Jean Jaurès, 84800 · [04 90 20 95 92](tel:+33490209592)

**[Carpentras](https://tattoo-on-move.fr/en/info/general-information/carpentras)**: 20 rue Bidault, 84200 · [04 90 60 23 14](tel:+33490602314)

## 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.