You have to be at least 18 to get a tattoo in Maryland on your own. If you’re under 18, Maryland law still allows it, but only when a parent or legal guardian comes to the studio in person and signs a written consent form on-site. These rules come from the state’s health regulations for skin-penetrating body adornment, and violating them is a misdemeanor for the tattoo artist.1Maryland Department of Health. Tattooing
Getting a Tattoo at 18 or Older
Once you’re 18, the process is simple. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID proving your age, sign the studio’s consent form acknowledging the risks, and you’re set. No one else needs to be involved. The studio keeps your signed consent on file for three years.1Maryland Department of Health. Tattooing
Can a Minor Get a Tattoo in Maryland?
Yes, with parental consent, and Maryland does not set a lower age floor at the state level. In theory, someone well under 16 could be tattooed if their parent or legal guardian follows the required procedure. In practice, most reputable artists exercise their own judgment about how young a client they’ll work on, and some counties impose tighter limits (more on that below).
The consent rules leave no room for shortcuts. A signed note, a text message, or a phone call from home does not count. The parent or legal guardian has to physically accompany the minor to the studio and sign the written consent form on-site. The studio keeps that consent on file for at least three years, the same as adult records.1Maryland Department of Health. Tattooing
What to Bring to the Appointment
Both the minor and the consenting adult should arrive prepared. Studios that skip verification put their own operation at risk, so expect the front desk to be thorough.
- A government-issued photo ID for the minor, such as a state driver’s license, learner’s permit, non-driver identification card, or passport.
- A government-issued photo ID for the parent or guardian.
- Proof of the legal relationship. A birth certificate is the most common; court-issued guardianship papers cover non-parent guardians.
- The studio’s consent form, which is provided on-site and must be signed in person during the visit. Pre-signed forms brought from home won’t be accepted.
Missing any of these will usually mean a wasted trip.1Maryland Department of Health. Tattooing
Local Rules Can Be Stricter
The state sets a baseline; individual counties and cities can go further. The Maryland Department of Health specifically identifies Allegany County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, and Worcester County as jurisdictions with their own body art ordinances.1Maryland Department of Health. Tattooing
Some of these local rules are meaningfully tighter than the state standard. Worcester County has historically prohibited tattooing minors entirely, even with parental consent, while still permitting body piercing with direct parental supervision.2Maryland General Assembly. Fiscal and Policy Note for House Bill 262 Before booking, call the local health department in the county where the studio is located and ask what applies.
Microblading and Permanent Makeup Count Too
Microblading, permanent eyeliner, and lip blushing all involve a needle depositing pigment into the skin. The FDA classifies permanent makeup as a type of tattoo, and the inks used fall under the same regulatory category as traditional tattoo inks.3U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos and Permanent Makeup Maryland’s age and consent rules apply the same way. A minor seeking microblading needs the same parental presence, documentation, and signed consent form.
Penalties Fall on the Artist
Tattooing a minor without proper parental consent is a misdemeanor in Maryland. The consequences land on the tattoo artist and potentially the business, not on the minor or the parent. Because local jurisdictions maintain their own body art ordinances, the specific penalties vary by location.
For a sense of the range: Baltimore County has historically set maximum penalties at 90 days in jail and a $500 fine, Baltimore City has imposed fines up to $1,000 for tattooing a minor, and Worcester County’s penalties have reached up to 180 days of imprisonment and a $500 fine.2Maryland General Assembly. Fiscal and Policy Note for House Bill 262 Civil fines can also apply, starting at $300 for a first offense and escalating to $3,000 for repeat violations. That’s why a legitimate studio will insist on the paperwork even when a family finds it inconvenient.