The United States Marine Corps maintains tattoo standards to balance recruiting, retention, and professional appearance.
These standards have changed over time as policies were reviewed and updated.
The current Marine Corps tattoo policy is outlined in Marine Corps Bulletin 1020 with administrative changes dated March 7, 2025.
This article outlines how the policy has evolved and what the current standards allow and restrict.
Table of Contents
What People Get Wrong About USMC Tattoo Policy Changes
Many people assume the Marine Corps removed all tattoo restrictions, which is not accurate.
Head and neck tattoos remain prohibited under the current policy.
Some believe that policy changes eliminate the need for documentation, which is incorrect.
All tattoos must still be properly recorded and reviewed according to official procedures.
There is also a common misunderstanding that policy updates apply retroactively in all cases.
Previous unauthorized tattoos may still be subject to administrative or disciplinary review depending on circumstances.
Another misconception is that tattoo approval guarantees eligibility for all assignments.
Certain special duty assignments may still impose additional appearance requirements.
#1. Old USMC Tattoo Policies
With the old policy, Marines could have tattoos on most of their body with several restrictions that were put in place.
The old policy was very strict and had exact guidelines to follow.
If any part of the policy was broken, a Marine might face non-judicial punishment.
Below are the highlights of the previous policy.
- Tattoos were not authorized on the hands, head, neck, elbows, or knees.
- Sleeve or half-sleeve tattoos were strictly prohibited.
- There were no restrictions on the number of tattoos for enlisted Marines if it was covered by the physical fitness uniform (crew-neck t-shirt and shorts).
- It restricted officers to four visible tattoos.
- Legs tattoos outside of PT gear had to be 2 inches above or below the knee.
- Upper arm tattoos had to be 2 inches above the elbow and no larger than 3 inches or the width of the Marine’s hand.
- All forearm tattoos had to be 1 inch below the elbow, and 2 inches above the wrist.
- A single/collection of tattoos visible outside of PT gear could not be larger than the Marine’s hand.
- Only one single/collection of tattoos was allowed per zone outside of PT gear.
- Additionally, Marines are permitted to have one single band ring tattoo (no more than 3/8 inch) on one finger per hand.
- Offensive, obscene, gang-related, and racist tattoos were not authorized.
It was almost essential to bring the Marine Corps policy with you to a tattoo parlor along with a ruler if you wanted to get an authorized tattoo.
With the new policy, there are fewer restrictions placed on how many tattoos and where you can get them.
Related Article – Air Force Tattoo Policy
New USMC Tattoo Policies (Updated March 2025)
The USMC has made significant changes to its tattoo policy with the release of Marine Corps Bulletin 1020.
#2. What Stayed the Same?
Below is what stayed the same with the new policy.
- Head or neck tattoos are still not authorized. No tattoos are allowed above the collarbone or seventh vertebrae.
- One ring tattoo is allowed per hand, provided it’s no more than 3/8″ wide and only on one finger per hand.
- Extremist, obscene, sexist, and racist are still not allowed. There is a zero-tolerance policy for the above content. Tattoos will be reviewed routinely.
- Special Duty Assignments may deny selection for high visibility units.
#3. What Changed?
Those interested in joining the Marine Corps have some exciting changes in the new policy.
Tattoos are authorized on any area of the body except for the head, neck, and hands (besides the one 3/8-inch ring band on the one hand).
This means:
- Sleeve tattoos are allowed up the wrist bone.
- Tattoos on knees and elbows are permitted.
- Tattoo standards for Marine Corps officers now mirror those of enlisted Marines.
Any questionable tattoos will be submitted for review at HQMC.
If it is found not in compliance, further disciplinary actions will take place.
It is essential to know that even though the policy has changed, it is necessary to get all tattoos properly documented following the order.
Failing to get a tattoo documented may affect your ability for retention if the policy changes again.
Related Article – Dishonorable Discharge: Reasons, Consequences, and More
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
#4. Do ultra-violet (UV) tattoos fall under the same restrictions as standard tattoos?
Yes. Regardless of whether they can be seen or not with UV lights, all tattoos fall under the same guidance.
#5. Are brands allowed, and do they follow the same rules?
Brands are authorized and follow the same requirements set in the bulletin.
#5. What content is not allowed on tattoos?
Anything that is against good order and discipline. Extremist tattoos, obscene, sexist, and racist tattoos are not authorized. This would include Confederate flag tattoos.
#7. When or how does the Marines verify what tattoos I have?
Your recruiter will submit all your tattoos for review during the enlistment or commissioning process to ensure they follow the policy. Once in the USMC, tattoos will be verified during height/weight verifications, special duty assignment requests, and retention requests.
#8. What happens if the policy changes?
Tattoo policies have changed several times over the last 20 years. In some cases, those with tattoos were grandfathered in, while in others it was grounds for rejection. Your best bet is to check with your commanding officer for the most recent and accurate update on this.
#9. What happens when a person violates the bulletin while in the Marine Corps?
Any violation of this bulletin is punishable under Article 92 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Forced separation from the military, retention denial, and a loss of rank and pay may occur.
#10. I’m in the Navy. Do I need to follow this policy?
All Navy personnel who wear the USMC uniform must comply. All other personnel will follow the Navy tattoo policy here.
#11. Can I get a tattoo on the inside of my lip?
No, any tattoo on the face to include inside the mouth is not authorized.
#12. Is there a waiver to join the Marine Corps if I’m outside the policy?
Yes. They have exceptions to policy waivers on a case-by-case basis. However, it is highly unlikely that it would be approved. Additionally, extremist, obscene, sexist, and racist tattoos would not be considered.
#13. Can I have a tattoo on the “V” area of my chest?
Yes. However, back and chest tattoos may not be visible when wearing a crewneck T-shirt.
#14. I got an unauthorized tattoo before they changed the policy. Can I still be charged under the UCMJ?
Yes. You could still be punished under Article 92 of the UCMJ if you got an unauthorized tattoo before the policy change.
#15. Is the Confederate flag considered offensive according to the Marine Corps?
Yes. The Confederate flag is now considered an offensive tattoo.
Related Article – Marine Corps Grooming Standards
Conclusion
With the release of Marine Corps Bulletin 1020, there have been significant changes in the current tattoo policy.
One of the most significant changes was the authorization to have full-sleeve tattoos up to the wrist bone.
Back in 2007, the USMC banned sleeve tattoos because of operational requirements and military appearance.
Officers and warrant officers now have the same requirements as enlisted Marines.
Previously, if a Marine had over four visible tattoos while applying for a warrant officer, they had to sign an agreement not to receive any more tattoos.
Marines need to know that even if a tattoo is authorized, it may prevent them from being assigned specific, highly visible duties.
Over the last two decades, the tattoo policy has changed several times.
If you are interested in getting a sleeve tattoo, you may want to consider getting it now before the policy changes again.
While this policy may change again in the future, one thing for sure is that tattoo parlors around Marine Corps bases are about to get busy.
References / Resources
Official Marine Corps Bulletin 1020
USMC Bulletin 1020 (Old Policy – For Reference ONLY)
Commandant of the Marine Corps
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