Indiana Code 35-45-21-4. Tattooing or body piercing a minor
(1) any indelible design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol, or other mark placed with the aid of needles or other instruments; or
Attorney's Note
Under the Indiana Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A misdemeanor | up to 1 year | up to $5,000 |
Terms Used In Indiana Code 35-45-21-4
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- minor: means a person less than eighteen (18) years of age. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
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).
As added by P.L.158-2013, SEC.547. Amended by P.L.143-2022, SEC.76.