720 ILCS 5/12C-40 – Piercing the Body of a Minor
This law makes it illegal to pierce anyone under 18 without written permission from their parent or guardian.
This Illinois law says that you can’t pierce the body of someone under 18 unless a parent or guardian gives written consent. It also tells what “piercing” means, who can legally do it, and what exceptions exist, like for medical procedures or ear piercings.
(a) (See below)
- A person breaks this law if they knowingly or carelessly pierce someone under 18 without written permission from a parent or guardian. If the piercing is inside the mouth (like the tongue, lips, or cheeks), the consent form must warn about possible health risks–like infection, nerve damage, or blood clots. Piercing a minor’s mouth without that signed warning form is illegal.
- Anyone who owns or works for a body piercing business cannot allow someone under 18 to stay in the piercing area unless their parent or guardian is with them.
(b) “Pierce” means making a hole in the body to insert jewelry or ornaments, such as rings or studs. This includes the mouth but does not include tongue splitting.
(c) Exceptions: The law does not stop doctors or dentists from doing medical or dental procedures like shots or acupuncture. It also doesn’t apply to ear piercings, emancipated minors, or minors who are married. If one minor pierces another minor outside a business location, that’s also not covered by this law.
(d) Sentence: Breaking this law is a Class A misdemeanor.
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