New Mexico
Like many states, tattoos may be performed on persons under 18. However, New Mexico, adds some other options and requirements as listed in the state statutes. While mapping out a procedure for minors to get tattoos, the law states that the tattoo operator is not required to tattoo the person, even if parental consent has been provided. The restrictions include: “No person shall perform any body art upon a person under the age of 18 years without the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. The written consent must be kept on the premises at the body art establishment. The parent or legal guardian does not have to stay at the body art establishment during the entire body art procedure as long as the parent or legal guardian provides written and notarized consent to the specific planned procedure(s) to the body art establishment prior to the procedure(s). If the parent or legal guardian remains present during the body art procedure, the written consent does not have to be notarized. Written consent shall be personally delivered to the body art establishment by the parent or legal guardian; delivery by the person under 18 years of age is not sufficient. Photographic identification of the parent or legal guardian is required.