This factsheet is a general guide only. It is not legal advice. Call the Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424 or text using Legal Chat via lsc.sa.gov.au for confidential advice about your situation.
In South Australia, you must be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo. It is a crime to tattoo someone younger than 18, even if they consent. This law applies to everyone, including tattoo artists and people using a do-it-yourself kit at home.
It is also illegal to tattoo someone knowing they are drunk or affected by drugs.
If you have received a tattoo while you were intoxicated, you can report the person who gave it to you to the police.
The law about piercings depends on the body part being pierced and your age.
If you are younger than 16, you can only get a piercing if you have permission from your parent or carer (in person or in writing).
You must be 18 to get a piercing in an intimate area. This means your nipples, genitals, anal region, perineum or uvula.
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can consent to a piercing. You do not need permission from a parent or carer.
You cannot consent to a piercing in an intimate area until you are 18.
From the age of 18, you can get any type of piercing, including in an intimate area.
You must be at least 18 to undergo body modification. This includes earlobe stretching, branding, scarring, and tongue splitting.
It is a crime to perform a body modification procedure on someone younger than 18, even if they consent.
It is illegal to lie about your age, use a fake ID, or lie about having your parent or carer's permission to get a tattoo, piercing or body modification when you are under 18. It is also illegal to help someone else do this.
In South Australia, no matter how old you are, you must enter into a written agreement with the person who is giving you a tattoo, piercing or other body mark.
The agreement must explain the procedure and how it is to be carried out. It must also explain how to care for the affected area of your body after the procedure.
A written agreement is not needed if you are 16 years old and getting an earlobe piercing.
Your school or workplace may have specific rules or policies about tattoos, piercings and body marks. These rules may be illegal if they are unreasonable or discriminatory. If a tattoo, piercing or body modification is part of your culture or religion, for example, then it may be unlawful discrimination for a school or workplace to ban you from having it.
Workers in Australia are protected by unfair dismissal laws. If you are fired only because you have a tattoo or piercing and this has never been discussed with you or addressed in your employment contract, this may be unlawful.
If your school or workplace has taken action because you have a tattoo or piercing, get legal advice as soon as possible. Call the Legal Helpline for free and confidential legal advice.
May 2026
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