California · Penal Code

PEN §653: Every person who tattoos or offers to tattoo a person under the age of 18 years is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

A person who tattoos or offers to tattoo someone under age 18 commits a misdemeanor. The law does not apply to licensed medical practitioners acting in their professional capacity.

Read the full statutory text

Every person who tattoos or offers to tattoo a person under the age of 18 years is guilty of a misdemeanor. As used in this section, to “tattoo” means to insert pigment under the surface of the skin of a human being, by pricking with a needle or otherwise, so as to produce an indelible mark or figure visible through the skin. This section is not intended to apply to any act of a licensed practitioner of the healing arts performed in the course of his practice.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.