How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in the UK?

It can take years of sifting through designs and making sure that you have the right one for you, but when that time comes, getting the tattoo can be a big milestone for many. 

Although tattoos can be fun and exciting, they do also come with rules and regulations as they can only be given to people once they have reached a certain age. 

Across different regions and nations, rules on what age you can get a tattoo vary, including in the UK.

How old do you need to get a tattoo in the UK?

If you are in the UK, you must be 18 years old or above to get a tattoo. 

The 1969 Tattooing of Minors Act states it is an "offence to tattoo a person under the age of eighteen except when the tattoo is performed for medical reasons by a duly qualified medical practitioner or by a person working under his direction."

Would you get a tattoo? (Image: Canva)

If you break this law, whether receiving a tattoo or giving a tattoo to an underage person, you could face serious penalties. 

Official government advice states: "Any person committing such an offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding, or, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding."

Can you get a tattoo if you're under 18 with your parent's permission?

Many people believe that you can get a tattoo if you are aged under 18 but have your parent's permission. 

Although that is not the case, as many tattooists will refuse to do so even if you have your parents' permission.

However, there are some exemptions to the law as tattooing can be carried out for medical reasons by a  qualified medical practitioner.