Fact sheet – Tattoos, piercings and body modifications

You can talk to a lawyer for free at Tasmania Legal Aid.

To get free legal information call 1300 366 611 or use the Legal Talk chat from the bottom right hand corner of this website. Legal Talk and our phone lines are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

A lawyer can listen to your story and help identify the next steps you can take.

How old must I be to get a body piercing?

If you are 16 or older, you can have a body piercing (such as your ears, eyebrow or belly button, so long as it isn't an 'intimate piercing') without a guardian or parent present. You must provide ID as to your age.

What about an intimate body piercing?

If you want an intimate piercing, such as nipples, penis or genital area, you must be 18 and provide ID if requested.

How old must I be to get a tattoo or body modification?

You must be 18 to get a tattoo and provide ID if requested.

Earlobe stretching and tongue splitting are examples of 'body modifications'. You have to be 18 to get any body modifications done.

What if I get my parent or guardian’s permission?

If you are under 16 and want to get a piercing anywhere other than a private place, at least one parent or guardian will need to be with you while you are getting the piercing. A parent or guardian cannot give their permission for an intimate body piercing.

It’s legal, why can my school or workplace stop me?

Schools and workplaces may have policies about piercings and tattoos. These policies may include rules or guidelines that mean that you can’t wear of have a piecing or tattoo visible while at school or at work. Schools and workplaces can’t make rules that affect you when you are not at work or not at school (though rules may apply while wearing uniform to/from school or on an official school excursion). However, dress codes may require you to cover up a tattoo or piecing.

Last updated: 15-March-2022