The number of reasons why people appreciate Kansas so much is pretty much endless. From the beautiful landscapes, to the rich history, to the friendly people, there’s something for everyone in Kansas.
One of the things that makes Kansas so special is its diversity. The state is home to a wide variety of people, from farmers and ranchers to city-dwellers and everything in between. This diversity is one of the things that makes Kansas such a great place to live.
No matter what your interests are, there’s something for you in Kansas. And that’s also true when it comes to tattoo enthusiasts. The state is home to some of the best tattoo artists in the country, and there are plenty of great shops to choose from.
If you’re looking for a place to get a tattoo, Kansas is definitely the place to be. With that said, it isn’t any different from other regions of the US in the sense that it has some regulations when it comes to getting inked. These regulations are designed to protect both the artists and the clients, and they’re definitely worth taking into consideration before you make your appointment.
Hence, stick with us for the next two minutes or so as we review the latest tattoo laws in Kansas.
Kansas Tattoo Laws & Regulations
As already mentioned, the regulations are there for both the customers and those who perform the procedure.
Tattoo Laws for Clients
With few exceptions, the rules for clients mostly apply to their age. The tattoo age laws in Kansas mean that no person under the age of 18 is allowed to get a tattoo.
Unless…
The minor (aged between 16-17) can provide written parental consent from either the parent or a legal guardian. What’s more, the consent has to be notarized and the said caretaker needs to be present at the parlor throughout the whole procedure. Such a combination of requirements makes Kansas one of the strictest states in terms of age requirements.
For example, states like Hawaii or Delaware require just a written consent in order to ink a minor but on the other end of the spectrum we have states like Illinois or Iowa which strictly prohibit tattooing underage individuals in any case.
There are no specific rules on the placement of tattoos in Kansas. However, some parlors might have their own guidelines so it’s always best to check with the shop before you go in.
What’s worth noting, a breach of the age limit is something only a tattoo artist will have to face the consequences for. The minor in question will not be penalized in any way.
Tattoo Laws for Artists
Continuing from the previous paragraph, it’s the artist who will have to deal with the legal implications if they decide to ink a minor. Breaking the law is considered a Class A misdemeanor in Kansas which can result in a fine and/or a jail sentence of up to 1 year.
What’s more, for an artist to operate legally in the state of Kansas, he needs to have a valid tattoo license issued by the State Board of Cosmetology. Again, a breach in this field is also a Class A misdemeanor.
Tattooing is permitted solely from licensed shops which means that it’s illegal to get inked in any other setting. This includes private residences, hotels, etc.
There are also some hygiene and sterilization regulations that need to be met in order for a shop to operate legally. For example, all needles need to be disposable and the artists are required to wear gloves at all times.
A tattoo artist is, obviously, allowed to refuse the job if it goes against his moral compass (eg. racist or sexist designs).
The takeaway here is that getting a tattoo in Kansas is perfectly safe and legal as long as you follow the rules. And, as always, make sure to do your research before you choose a shop and an artist. With that said, we hope you found this article helpful and informative.
References
The above information on the current tattoo laws in Kansas is based on official sources:
