Court Opinions

State Laws

US Code

US Constitution

California Penal Code Section 653

Legal Research Home > California Lawyer > Penal Code > California Penal Code Section 653

Every person who tattoos or offers to tattoo a person under
the age of 18 years is guilty of a misdemeanor.
   As used in this section, to "tattoo" means to insert pigment under
the surface of the skin of a human being, by pricking with a needle
or otherwise, so as to produce an indelible mark or figure visible
through the skin.
   This section is not intended to apply to any act of a licensed
practitioner of the healing arts performed in the course of his
practice.

Last modified: January 12, 2009