Nevada, although mostly known as the entertainment capital of Las Vegas, is also a land of great natural beauty. The state is home to some of the most stunning desert landscapes in the country, as well as beautiful mountain ranges and valleys.
Nevada’s scenery is truly unique, and visitors can find plenty to see and do no matter what time of year they visit.
The Silver State, as its commonly known, is also a major hotspot of incredibly talented tattoo artists and budget-friendly tattoo parlors.
Tattooing has been a part of Nevada’s culture for centuries, and the state has some of the most lenient tattoo laws in the country.
Stick with us for a couple of minutes as we dive into the current tattoo laws in Nevada.
Nevada Tattoo Laws & Regulations
Nevada’s regulations on tattoos are one of the most unique in the country.
That’s because they don’t exist!
Next to Maryland, Nevada is one of only two states that doesn’t have any specific laws or regulations on body art.
This means that there are no age limits, no statewide regulations on sanitation or aftercare, and no certification required for tattoo artists.
There are, however, a few county and city ordinances in place that govern how tattoos can be done in certain areas.
For example, the city of Las Vegas requires all body art businesses to be licensed and inspected by the health department.
Tattoo artists in Las Vegas must also complete a bloodborne pathogens course and use only single-use needles.
Clark County imposes similar regulations, but also requires that all tattoo shops have a business license.
How old do you need to be to get a tattoo in Nevada?
Let’s look at counties in Nevada that have some regulations in place, then.
The question that might now be arising is: can you get a tattoo at 16 in Nevada?
In order to get inked in Clark County (or Las Vegas), you must be at least 18 years old, according to the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD).
However, if your legal parent or guardian is present and has valid identification and a copy of your birth certificate, or if you have proof that you are legally emancipated, you may receive a tattoo if you are between the ages of 14 and 17 as well.
This age rule is very similar to most states in the US, although there are regions in which tattooing a minor is forbidden regardless of parental consent. Examples of such states include Illinois, Iowa, and Mississippi.
Nevertheless, some tattoo parlors in Las Vegas have their own requirements related to the minimum age – they’re perfectly entitled to do so. Make sure to check the age restrictions with your preferred tattoo parlor before you schedule an appointment or drop by.
Also, if you’re a minor, don’t be shocked if some tattoo parlors refuse to even let you in the door.
References
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about Nevada’s tattoo laws.
In short, there are very few statewide regulations in place, which gives tattoo artists a lot of freedom when it comes to their work.
However, some counties and cities do have ordinances governing how tattoos can be done, so it’s always best to check with your local authorities before getting inked.
And remember, if you’re under the age of 18, you’ll need either parental consent or proof of emancipation in order to get a tattoo in most places in Nevada.
The information covered in the article is based on official sources:
