Top 3 Forms Tattoo Shops Need Notarized

Running a tattoo or piercing studio means managing more than art. Consent forms, waivers, and artist agreements protect your clients and your business — and many shops choose to have their key documents notarized so signatures are verified and harder to dispute. Here are the three forms studios bring to a notary most often.

1. Client Consent and Liability Waivers

Every reputable shop has clients sign a consent form before work begins. These forms typically confirm the client is of legal age, is sober, understands the risks, and consents to the procedure. Notarizing the signature adds a layer of protection: a notary verifies the signer's identity with government-issued photo ID and witnesses the signature, so there's no question later about who actually signed.

2. Parental or Guardian Consent Documentation

New Hampshire law is strict here, and every shop should know it. Under RSA 314-A:8, tattooing or branding anyone under 18 is prohibited — period, even with a parent's permission. Body piercing a minor is different: it's allowed only when the parent or legal guardian is physically present at the time of the piercing, presents evidence of their status, and signs a consent document that states where on the body the piercing will be performed. Shops must keep those consent records for at least 7 years.

Because the parent must be present and sign in person, notarization isn't a substitute for that requirement — but some shops notarize the consent signature as an extra safeguard, verifying the parent's identity at the same time.

3. Artist Agreements and Business Paperwork

Studios also notarize the paperwork behind the business: booth rental agreements with independent artists, apprenticeship agreements, and documents tied to licensing with the state. When an agreement involves money, liability, or a long-term working relationship, a notarized signature helps confirm everyone signed willingly and is who they say they are.

Why Studios Use a Mobile Notary

Shops run on appointments, and sending a client — or a parent — off to find a notary mid-visit kills the flow. A mobile notary comes to your studio during slower hours, verifies IDs, witnesses the signatures, and you're done. It also works well for batching: have the notary stop by when several forms need signatures at once.

A quick disclaimer: a notary verifies identity and witnesses signatures — a notary can't draft your forms or advise you on what they should say. For that, work with an attorney familiar with New Hampshire's body art rules.

Schedule a Visit to Your Shop

Valdez Notary provides mobile notarization for tattoo and piercing studios across Manchester and Southern New Hampshire, with evening and weekend availability. Local visits start at $50. Book online or reach out through the contact page to set up a time.