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

We could go all day about the awesomeness of Colorado, really.

The state is home to more than just world-class skiing and snowboarding (though it’s pretty great for those things, too). With its towering peaks, pristine forests, rushing rivers and red rock canyons, Colorado is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. And then there are the cities – hip Denver, artsy Boulder, charming Colorado Springs – each with its own unique flavor.

There’s also plenty in store for tattoo enthusiasts. Besides being home to some of the best tattoo shops in the country, Colorado is also host to several tattoo conventions. If you’re looking to get inked soon, this state should definitely be at the top of your list.

With that said, Colorado isn’t any different from other states in the US, meaning it also has certain regulations and limitations for those who want to get tattooed (and those who tattoo). In this article, we will look at the newest tattoo laws in Colorado.

If you’re considering getting inked soon, bear with us for a minute or two to make sure you get the job done according to the law.

Colorado Tattoo Laws – All You Need to Know

The state of Colorado has separate rules for clients and tattoo artists.

Tattoo Laws for Clients

Colorado tattoo age laws are the following: the minimum age for getting a tattoo in Colorado is 18. This applies to both tattoos and piercings.

However, if you haven’t hit the magic number of 18 yet, not all hope is lost. Colorado belongs to the “chilled” group of states and allows a minor to get inked if he can provide written consent from the parent or legal guardian. Unlike some other states, Colorado doesn’t require the said caretaker to be present throughout the tattoo session.

The Colorado regulations cover a wide range of topics, including the facilities where tattooing will take place, customer records, and other issues.

Tattoo Laws for Artists

Any legally-operating tattoo artist in Colorado needs to be licensed.

It’s against the law for artists to perform the procedure from their home or any other non-licensed facility. Naturally, the procedure needs to meet the proper sterility standards, meaning that the needles, ink, and other materials must be disposed of properly.

On top of refusing to tattoo a minor, an artist based in Colorado can say “no” to a session on moral compass grounds. For example, he might find the design offensive if it includes racial or political slurs. A client’s intoxication is another common reason why some artists refuse the job.

The bottom line is that both clients and tattoo artists need to adhere to the Colorado tattoo laws to avoid any penalties. So if you’re getting inked soon, make sure to find a reputable tattoo shop that will follow all the necessary regulations.

Sources

The above information concerning Colorado tattoo laws was sourced from: