Minors and Piercing
I recommend that the parent or guardian call Classy Body Art to review the requirements for piercing minors in advance of planning a visit. When I perform a service for a minor, I want to ensure that the minor and parent/guardian understand and are completely comfortable with the entire process - from selecting jewelry to aftercare. Some of my favorite and and most meaningful experiences as a piercer have been working with teens and their parents. It is a service that I am happy to provide but is subject to additional regulations.
Minors (those under the age of 18) seeking piercing or stretching services must provide additional documentation and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
1. Notarized Letter of Authorization for Minors
The Albany County Health Department requires the parent or legal guardian of a minor (anyone under the age of 18) seeking a piercing or stretching to present a signed letter of authorization, notarized by a notary public to the person performing the piercing or stretching. The services of a notary public can usually be obtained at your local bank. You can download and print this form:
Minors (those under the age of 18) seeking piercing or stretching services must provide additional documentation and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
1. Notarized Letter of Authorization for Minors
The Albany County Health Department requires the parent or legal guardian of a minor (anyone under the age of 18) seeking a piercing or stretching to present a signed letter of authorization, notarized by a notary public to the person performing the piercing or stretching. The services of a notary public can usually be obtained at your local bank. You can download and print this form:
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2. Required Documentation for Minors
In addition to bringing the notarized letter, you must bring (photocopies of IDs and expired IDs are not acceptable):
- The parent’s or legal guardian’s non-expired photo ID (e.g.driver’s license, passport, military ID)
- If the parent’s or legal guardian’s last name is different than the minor ’s last name, additional documentation (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, court papers) demonstrating their relationship to the minor is required
- The minor’s birth certificate (with the parents’ names listed)
- If available, the minor’s photo ID (for example; school ID, driver’s license)
3. Consent Form, Presence of Parent Required for Piercings for Minors
- As required by New York State, anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a New York State consent form for piercing minors and be present when the piercing/stretching is performed. No exceptions. A new release form must be signed each time a piercing/stretching is performed.
Classy Body Art Guidelines
When it comes to providing piercing services for minors, I have my own guidelines that I follow as a responsible piercer. I must speak with the minor and the parent or legal guardian before agreeing to perform a piercing. When making this determination, I consider the minor’s age, lifestyle, capacity to care for the piercing independently, and attitude.
Here are some general guidelines by age:
- Ear Lobes: Age 4 and up (the child must express his or her independent desire for the piercing)
- Other ear piercings, nostril, and navel: Age 15 and up
- Tongue, lips, septum, eyebrow: Age 16 and up
- Surface anchor, surface piercings, nipples, genitals: I do not perform on minors
I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason.
In addition to bringing the notarized letter, you must bring (photocopies of IDs and expired IDs are not acceptable):
- The parent’s or legal guardian’s non-expired photo ID (e.g.driver’s license, passport, military ID)
- If the parent’s or legal guardian’s last name is different than the minor ’s last name, additional documentation (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, court papers) demonstrating their relationship to the minor is required
- The minor’s birth certificate (with the parents’ names listed)
- If available, the minor’s photo ID (for example; school ID, driver’s license)
3. Consent Form, Presence of Parent Required for Piercings for Minors
- As required by New York State, anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a New York State consent form for piercing minors and be present when the piercing/stretching is performed. No exceptions. A new release form must be signed each time a piercing/stretching is performed.
Classy Body Art Guidelines
When it comes to providing piercing services for minors, I have my own guidelines that I follow as a responsible piercer. I must speak with the minor and the parent or legal guardian before agreeing to perform a piercing. When making this determination, I consider the minor’s age, lifestyle, capacity to care for the piercing independently, and attitude.
Here are some general guidelines by age:
- Ear Lobes: Age 4 and up (the child must express his or her independent desire for the piercing)
- Other ear piercings, nostril, and navel: Age 15 and up
- Tongue, lips, septum, eyebrow: Age 16 and up
- Surface anchor, surface piercings, nipples, genitals: I do not perform on minors
I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason.
