The Navy tattoo regulations, updated in 2021, are now some of the most lenient in all military branches. Prior rules prohibited any neck tattoos and limited the amount of ink that could be shown on forearms or legs. New regulations allow unlimited tattoos on the legs, arms, neck, hands and behind the ears. The only places on the body that are off limits are the head, face and scalp. Tattoos on the torso are also allowed, but they must not be visible underneath whites.
Tattoo Content
What the Tattoo Means Can Be the Difference Between Getting Into the Navy or Not
Navy tattoo policy prohibits tattoos that contain discriminatory, indecent, racist, supremacist or racist elements, as well as tattoos that include sexually explicit images or promote lawlessness and violence. In other words — no gang affiliations, Confederate flags, graphic violence, exposed nudity and glorification of drug culture or anti-government statements. The ultimate decision about whether sailor tattoos violate Navy tattoo regulations is up to the commanding officers.
Other US Military Tattoo Policies
See US Army Tattoo Policy
See US Air Force Tattoo Policy
See USMC Tattoo Policy
See US Coast Guard Tattoo Policy
See US National Guard Tattoo Policy
