Tattoo regulations in Australian Capital Territory
In Australia, tattooing is regulated by each state and territory. Most states prohibit tattooing minors, local councils register and inspect skin penetration premises under public health law, and some states license tattoo businesses and artists separately. Health answers are sensitive information under the federal Privacy Act.
Last checked September 25, 2026
We don't have a page for this region yet, so this shows the rules for Australia.
Minimum age
Who you can tattoo, and with whose permission.
Minimum age
18 and over
Younger clients
Parental consent is not an exception
Most states and territories prohibit tattooing anyone under 18, and several allow no parental consent exception. Pick your state for the rule that applies.
Consent
What the customer signs before each tattoo.
Client records
What to record and how long to keep it.
Keep for 7 years
Common practice, not set by law
- Accounting records: 5 years
What to record
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Type of ID checked
- Date of the procedure
- Placement on the body
- Description of the tattoo
- Artist
- Health questionnaire answers
- Client signature
Ink
What can go into the skin and what you must record.
Sterilization and waste
Cleaning, sterilizing and getting rid of sharps.
Licensing
What you need to open a studio and work in it.
Guest artists
Hosting artists from somewhere else.