Important Update: New ID Rules for Minors Getting Pierced
UPDATED 2026! Minor Identification & Legal Documentation
Recent updates to New Mexico body art regulations now define what constitutes “legal documentation” for minors receiving body piercings. While prior regulations did not specify these requirements in detail, studios are now required to collect and retain documentation that verifies:
The identity of the legal guardian
The identity of the minor
The legal relationship between them
Legal Guardian ID
✔ The legal parent or guardian must be present
✔ Guardian must present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID
🚫 Digital copies of guardian ID are not accepted
🚫 Expired IDs are not accepted
Minor ID
TWO FORMS OF ID ARE NOW MANDATORY FOR MINORS!
We cannot proceed without the required documentation — even if the minor has been pierced here before.
Both the MINOR’S ID + a LINKING DOCUMENT showing the relationship to the parent or guardian are needed.
✔ Accepted minor photo ID*
School ID
State ID
Passport
*If your child is under 13 (earlobes only) and does not have a photo ID, please contact us prior to your appointment to confirm acceptable documentation.
✔ Accepted linking documents
Birth Certificate
Court Orders/Proof of Guardianship (such as Adoption Records)
Tax Documentation
School Registry if parent and minor are named
Insurance Card (only if it lists both the minor and the parent/guardian)
✔ Linking documents must clearly establish the parent or guardian’s legal relationship to the minor. In cases where last names differ or information does not match, we may need additional documentation to ensure compliance with state regulations.
✔ Digital copies accepted for minor documents
🚫 Digital copies of guardian ID are not accepted
🚫 Expired IDs are not accepted
We appreciate your understanding that we cannot proceed without the required documentation, even if the minor has been pierced here before.
Thank you for helping us comply with state regulations and maintain a safe environment.