Tattoo regulations in Mexico
In Mexico, the General Health Law covers tattooing, and studios file a notice of operation with the federal health risk authority (COFEPRIS) or the state health authority and follow its sanitary rules. State and municipal rules add business permits. Health answers are sensitive personal data under the federal data protection law, which needs express written consent.
Last checked September 25, 2026
Minimum age
Who you can tattoo, and with whose permission.
Minimum age
18 and over
Younger clients
Younger clients only with a parent's or guardian's consent
Minors may be tattooed only with the consent of a parent or guardian, which studios usually take in writing with the parent present. Some states add stricter rules.
Consent
What the customer signs before each tattoo.
Client records
What to record and how long to keep it.
Keep for 5 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
- Parent or guardian details
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.