How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo?
Understanding the age rules across Canada, Ontario, and Toronto
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, one of the first questions that might pop into your head is: how old do you have to be to get a tattoo? It’s a totally valid question, and the answer isn’t the same everywhere in the world. In Canada, the rules vary depending on where you live and even which tattoo shop in Toronto you go to.
Let’s break down how tattoo age requirements work across Canada, with a closer look at Ontario and Toronto. Whether you're 16, 17, or just waiting to turn 18, here's what you need to know.
Tattoos in Canada: Is There a Legal Age Limit?
In Canada, there is no federal law that sets a specific age requirement for getting a tattoo. That might sound surprising, but it means the decision is left up to individual provinces and tattoo studios to determine their own rules.
So, what does that look like in practice?
Most professional tattoo shops across the country have adopted 18 as the standard age minimum. This is because 18 is the age of majority in most provinces, and it ensures the person getting the tattoo can legally provide consent. However, many studios do accept clients who are 16 or 17 years old, as long as they have parental or guardian consent, and in many cases, the parent needs to be physically present during the appointment.
That brings us to the big question we hear all the time:
Can a 16 Year-Old Get a Tattoo in Canada?
Yes, a 16 year-old can get a tattoo in Canada, but there are some conditions. Since there’s no national law banning it, shops are allowed to tattoo minors, but only if they choose to, and are insured to, most will require the following:
Valid government-issued ID for both the teen and their parent or guardian
Signed parental consent forms
In many cases, the parent must be present during the tattoo session
That said, not all tattoo artists are comfortable working with minors. Even if a studio technically allows it, they may decline to do certain designs or placements on someone under 18, especially if it involves visible areas like the neck, hands, or face.
Tattoo Age Rules in Ontario
Ontario follows the same model as the rest of Canada: there’s no official provincial law that sets a legal tattooing age. Again, it’s up to each studio to decide their policy, and many have aligned with the standard practice of 18+ without consent or 16–17 with a parent present.
In reality, if you're under 18 and want to get tattooed in Ontario, you're going to have to do some research. Not every shop will tattoo a 16- or 17-year-old, even with parental permission. The ones that do often have strict guidelines, including detailed forms and identification checks.
And while some parents might think they can just “sign a note” to give permission, most reputable studios in Ontario want more than that. They’ll require:
Your parent or guardian to come with you in person
Both of you to present valid ID (a passport, driver’s license, or health card, for example)
On-the-spot consent forms, sometimes even notarized
Many shops also have rules about what kinds of tattoos a minor can get and where on the body. This is usually to protect both the client and the artist from making a decision that might be regretted down the line.
Tattooing in Toronto: What You Need to Know
In Toronto, things are very much aligned with the rest of Ontario. The City of Toronto doesn’t enforce a specific legal tattooing age, but it does inspect and regulate tattoo studios under its BodySafe Program to make sure health and safety standards are met.
So, while the city ensures the studio is clean and operating legally, it doesn’t dictate who can or can’t get a tattoo. Again, that choice is left to the shop itself.
Some of the more reputable tattoo studios in Toronto, like New Tribe, Tora Tattoo, and Chronic Ink, have policies that reflect both professional standards and ethical responsibility. Most allow 16- or 17-year-olds to get a tattoo with a parent or legal guardian present. But they may:
Limit the style or placement of tattoos for minors (e.g., no facial or hand tattoos)
Require consultations before approving the tattoo
Decline requests entirely based on the design or reasoning behind it
These limitations aren’t meant to be restrictive or judgmenta, they’re there to ensure that the client is making a safe and informed decision. Tattooing is permanent, and the best studios take that seriously.
So, How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo?
The most straightforward answer is: you need to be 18 to get a tattoo on your own. That’s the industry norm across Canada, Ontario, and Toronto.
If you’re under 18, it gets more complicated. Yes, it’s often legally allowed, but you’ll need parental consent, and you’ll be subject to the specific policies of the tattoo shop. Some won’t tattoo minors at all, even with consent. Others are more flexible, but will still want to ensure you’ve thought the decision through.
Here’s a quick recap:
18 and over: You can get a tattoo anywhere in Canada without needing anyone’s permission.
16 or 17 years old: You can get a tattoo in many places with your parent or guardian’s consent and their presence at the appointment.
Under 16: Extremely rare. Most reputable tattoo shops won’t tattoo anyone this young, regardless of parental involvement.
Conclusion
If you’re a teenager looking to get your first tattoo, or a parent wondering about the rules, the best thing you can do is contact the studio directly. Ask about their age policy, what ID and paperwork you need, and whether they require a consultation.
And remember, just because you can get a tattoo at 16 or 17 doesn’t always mean you should. Take time to think it through, choose a professional studio that values safety and artistry, and make sure it’s something you’ll love for the long haul.
Whether you're searching "how old do.you have to be to get a tattoo" or wondering "can a 16 year-old get a tattoo in Canada," the answer comes down to this: yes, with the right conditions, consent, and care, but the best tattoos are always worth waiting (and planning) for.