---
title: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71.1. Piercing of the body.
collection: code
id: 16-5-71.1
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71.1 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-5-71.1
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-5-71.1.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/16-5-71.1/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t16-ch1-6-(v14)-2019-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=af47a366_0#page=1001
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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index: https://georgiacommons.org/code/index.md
version: the only printed version
in_force: true
current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: CRIMES AND OFFENSES / CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON / CRUELTY TO CHILDREN
---

# O.C.G.A. § 16-5-71.1. Piercing of the body.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to pierce the body, with the exception of the ear lobes, of any person under the age of 18 for the purpose of allowing the insertion of earrings, jewelry, or similar objects into the body, unless the prior written consent of a custodial parent or guardian of such minor is obtained; provided, however, that the prohibition contained in this subsection shall not apply if:

(1) Such person has been furnished with proper identification showing that the individual is 18 years of age or older; and

(2) The person reasonably believes such minor to be 18 years of age or older.

(b) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

## History

Code 1981, § 16-5-71.1, enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 645, § 1.

## Cross References

Body art studios, § 31-40-1 et seq.