Piercing for MinorS

At Live By The Sword, we take pride in offering safe, professional piercing experiences for clients of all ages—including minors. We understand that a first piercing is a big milestone, and we’re committed to making it as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our team follows all NYC and New York State regulations for minors, ensuring that every step—from consent to aftercare—is handled with care, clarity, and respect for both the client and their guardian.

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RequirementS

For minors under 18, requirements vary depending on the type of piercing.

Ear piercings, including lobes and cartilage, are more flexible. While New York law allows minors to receive ear piercings without written consent, Live By The Sword requires a parent or legal guardian to be present for any minor receiving an ear piercing. Bringing valid ID for both the minor and guardian, along with a birth certificate if last names differ, is strongly recommended to help verify guardianship and ensure a smooth experience.

Facial and body piercings—such as nose, lip, eyebrow, and navel—have stricter guidelines. A parent or legal guardian must be physically present to give permission before the piercing can take place. We require valid photo ID for both the minor and the guardian, and may request a birth certificate to confirm guardianship if needed. These steps help us maintain full compliance with New York State law while prioritizing safety and comfort for every client.

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PiercingS for MinorS FAQ

Do I need to be present if my child is getting pierced?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian must be present for all piercings on minors under 18—whether it’s ears, nose, or other body piercings.

What ID do we need to bring?

Minor’s ID (school ID, state ID, passport, etc.)
Parent/guardian’s government-issued photo ID
Minor’s birth certificate (required if last names differ or guardianship must be verified)

Can my child get a nose or cartilage piercing without me?

No. All facial and body piercings (including nose, cartilage, and navel) require a parent or legal guardian to be present and sign the consent form in person.

What about ear piercings?

New York State allows minors to get ear piercings without written consent, but our shop requires a parent or guardian to be present for anyone under 18 for safety and verification.

Do we need to sign anything?

Yes for body or facial piercings, the NYS Department of Health Consent Form must be signed in person at the studio by the parent or guardian.

Is the consent form good forever?

No. The consent form is valid for 12 months and must be renewed if your child returns after that time.

Can older siblings or friends sign for a minor?

No. Only a parent or legal guardian can give consent. Siblings, relatives, and friends are not legally permitted to sign on behalf of a minor.

Can you pierce babies or toddlers?

At this time, we only pierce minors aged 5 and up, and we require the child to be able to sit still and consent to the procedure.

Do you use a piercing gun?

No. All of our piercings—ears included—are done with single-use, sterilized needles by licensed professionals, in accordance with NYC Health Department standards.

PIERCING FAQS