Tattoos and body piercing – new law

Date : 01 Jan 2009

Tattoos

It is illegal for anyone to tattoo or perform scarification (scarring) , tongue splitting, branding and beading on anyone under the age of 18 years.

Body piercing if you are under 16

If you are under 16 it is against the law for someone to give you a body piercing unless you have a letter of consent from your parent or guardian. If you are over 10 you also have to give your consent in writing.

Intimate body piercings

Body piercers are not allowed to make intimate body piercings on anyone who is under 18 years old. This means that you must be 18 before you can have your genitals, anal area or nipples pierced.

Exception

If the tattoo or piercing needs to be done for a medical reason, and is performed by a doctor, this law does not apply.

Penalties

For tattooing or performing scarification, tongue splitting, branding and beading on persons under the age of 18 years – 60 penalty units.

For performing intimate body piercings on a persons under the age of 18 years – 60 penalty units.

For performing non-intimate body piercings on a persons under the age of 16 years without the required written consents – 20 penalty units.

See the link below for the current value of one penalty unit.

More Information

Related publication

Am I old enough?

Related pages

Health – frequently asked questions

Penalty & fee units

Related legislation

Summary Offences Act 1966 (new window) 

Related websites

See The Premier of Victoria's website (new window) to find out more about the changes to the laws about tattooing and body piercing.