Indiana statute
Ind. Code § 35-45-21-4 — Tattooing or body piercing a minor
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 21: Offenses Against Public Health, Indiana Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Ind. Code § 35-45-21-4
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Indiana.
Sec. 4. (a) As used in this section, "tattoo" means: (1) any indelible design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol, or other mark placed with the aid of needles or other instruments; or (2) any design, letter, scroll, figure, or symbol done by scarring; upon or under the skin. (b) As used in this section, "body piercing" means the perforation of any human body part other than an earlobe for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration or for some other nonmedical purpose. (c) Except as provided in subsection (e), a person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally provides a tattoo to a person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age commits tattooing a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. (d) This subsection does not apply to an act of a health care professional (as defined in IC 16-27-2-1 ) licensed under IC 25 when the act is performed in the course of the health care professional's practice. Except as provided in subsection (e), a person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally performs body piercing upon a person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age commits body piercing a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. (e) A person may provide a tattoo to a person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age or perform body piercing upon a person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age if a parent or legal guardian of the person receiving the tattoo or undergoing the body piercing: (1) is present at the time the tattoo is provided or the body piercing is performed; and (2) provides written permission for the person to receive the tattoo or undergo the body piercing. (f) Notwithstanding IC 36-1-3-8 (a), a unit (as defined in IC 36-1-2-23 ) may adopt an ordinance that is at least as restrictive or more restrictive than this section or a rule adopted under IC 16-19-3-4 (c).
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is tattooing or body piercing a minor a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?
Tattooing or body piercing a minor is a Class A Misdemeanor in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-45-21-4.
Which Indiana statute covers tattooing or body piercing a minor?
Tattooing or body piercing a minor is governed by Ind. Code § 35-45-21-4 (Tattooing or body piercing a minor).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.