{"code":"PEN","codeName":"Penal Code","section":"653","citation":"Pen. Code, § 653","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"PART 1. OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS [25. - 680.4.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1"},{"name":"TITLE 15. MISCELLANEOUS CRIMES [626. - 653.75.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-15"},{"name":"CHAPTER 2. Of Other and Miscellaneous Offenses [639. - 653.2.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-15/chapter-2"}],"history":"Added by Stats. 1955, Ch. 1422.","effective":null,"html":"<p>Every person who tattoos or offers to tattoo a person under the age of 18 years is guilty of a misdemeanor.</p><p>As used in this section, to “tattoo” means to insert pigment under the surface of the skin of a human being, by pricking with a needle or otherwise, so as to produce an indelible mark or figure visible through the skin.</p><p>This section is not intended to apply to any act of a licensed practitioner of the healing arts performed in the course of his practice.</p>","text":"Every person who tattoos or offers to tattoo a person under the age of 18 years is guilty of a misdemeanor. As used in this section, to “tattoo” means to insert pigment under the surface of the skin of a human being, by pricking with a needle or otherwise, so as to produce an indelible mark or figure visible through the skin. This section is not intended to apply to any act of a licensed practitioner of the healing arts performed in the course of his practice.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/of-other-and-miscellaneous-offenses-653","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}