What are the tattoo restrictions for the Navy?

Navy Tattoo Policy

• You CAN have a single tattoo on your neck, provided it’s less than 1″ in diameter.
• You CAN have full sleeve tattoos.
• Hand tattoos, including ring tattoos, are also allowed.
• You CANNOT have tattoos on your head, face, ears, or scalp.
• Offensive, racist, extremist, and sexist tattoos are NOT allowed.

Do tattoos disqualify you from the Navy?

The Navy has a strict policy regarding the content of tattoos. They do not allow tattoos that discriminate against religion or national origin. And any tattoos that suggests gang affiliation or the use of illegal drugs are not allowed. Likewise, tattoos that are deemed “offensive” might also not pass the sniff test.

What are the military rules on tattoos?

No, the Army does not allow tattoos on the face, neck, or hands. The only exception is a small ring tattoo that can exist on each hand (limit one per hand). Face and neck tattoos are highly discouraged in the U.S. Army.

What’s the new tattoo policy for the Navy?

The Navy changed its tattoo policy for 2021 to include small neck tattoos, as well as larger tattoos on the arms and legs.

Can a Navy officer have a tattoo below the knee?

Therefore, Navy officers are allowed to have tattoos that extend below the elbow or knee, places on the body that were previously restricted prior to the updated policy. Commanding officers also have discretion when it comes to allowing or prohibiting body art on other sailors that go against the Navy tattoo policy for 2021.

Is it legal for an officer to have a tattoo?

Are Navy officers allowed to have tattoos? Yes, the new Navy tattoo policy grants the same privileges to officers as enlisted personnel. Therefore, Navy officers are allowed to have tattoos that extend below the elbow or knee, places on the body that were previously restricted prior to the updated policy.

How big can a neck tattoo be in the Navy?

As previously mentioned, a neck tattoo cannot exceed the height/width dimensions of one inch. However, in some cases, a neck tattoo that exceeds the maximum 1-inch x 1-inch dimension might be considered by the Navy recruiting commander.