Alaska Tattoo Laws in 2023 (Age, Fines & More)

Alaska is one of the go-to states for both local and international tourists. Known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, it’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The state hosts several national parks, including Denali National Park and Preserve, which is home to Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. Other popular attractions include glaciers, forests, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Also, let’s not forget that Alaska is home to some of the most amazing tattoo artists in the world. Not only local artists, but artists from around the globe come to tattoo in Alaska.

Alaska is a great place to get a tattoo, whether you’re looking for a traditional design or something more unique. There are plenty of talented artists to choose from, and the state’s natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for your new ink.

With that said, not everyone is legally entitled to get inked in the state. If you’re thinking about getting your tattoo in Alaska, keep on reading. In this article, we will cover all the tattoo laws in Alaska to make sure you’re abiding by the rules and don’t get up disappointed – or worse.

Alaska Tattoo Laws – Crucial Information

Alaska isn’t different from any other state of the US – it also has its own regulations regarding the procedure of tattooing.

Moreover, there are separate rules both for people getting tattooed and those who tattoo.

Tattoo Laws for Clients

Alaska has some of the strictest tattoo laws for minors.

Unlike many other states, it completely prohibits all minors (people under the age of 18) from getting inked. This is in great contrast to the vast majority of other states who allow for tattooing minors – as long as they can provide a parental or legal guardian’s permission for the procedure.

If you’re currently under the age of 18, you will have to wait until you turn 18 to get your tattoo in Alaska.

Tattoo Laws for Artists

Alaska is a bit more lenient when it comes to the laws surrounding those who perform tattoos.

There are no specific regulations in place regarding the age of the artist. However, most tattoo shops will only allow artists who are 18 years of age or older to perform tattoos.

The only other regulation surrounding those who tattoo in Alaska is that they must have a valid business license. This license must be obtained from the municipality in which they wish to operate their tattoo business.

Naturally, basic things such as using clean needles and taking proper sanitation measures are also a must.

What can’t be ignored, a tattoo artist operating on the territory of Alaska can also refuse the tattoo procedure on some grounds. These may include the intoxication of a client or a tattoo that is offensive (eg. involves racial slurs).

All the legal information on the matter has been sourced from the government’s website of Alaska. You can explore the regulations in great detail by clicking here.