In California, the youngest age you can get a tattoo is 18 years old, according to the penal code, specifically section 653. This law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from getting a tattoo, regardless of parental consent or permission. The code defines “tattoo” as the process of inserting pigment under the skin using a needle or other methods to create a permanent mark or figure visible through the skin. There are no exceptions to this law, except for licensed doctors or medical professionals who are trained in the healing arts, who can legally tattoo a minor under the age of 18. Understanding and following the tattoo laws in California is essential for a safe and compliant tattoo.