Updates to the United States Marine Corps Tattoo Policy 2021

Lower Arm Tattoos may extend no further than around the circumference of the wrist bone. This means that more US Navy Marine Corp members will be able to get Full Sleeve work by Tattoo Artists.

Head or Neck Tattoos

According to the policy, 1. Tattoos on the head or neck, including in or around the mouth area, are prohibited. 2. The head is defined as the portion of the body above the first cervical vertebrae (C1). 3. The neck is defined as the portion of the body above the collarbone in the front area, above the seventh cervical vertebrae (C7) in the back area (Marine Bulletin 1020).

Chest or Back Tattoos

1. Tattoos on the chest or back must be below the collarbone and seventh cervical vertebrae (C7). Tattoos on the chest or back must be covered by wearing a properly fitting crewneck t-shirt with no portion of the tattoo showing. 2. The crew-neck t-shirt is required to be worn if a tattoo is visible in the “V” area created by the open collar of the short sleeve khaki shirt or utility coat (below the collarbone) (Marine Bulletin 1020).

Lower Arm Tattoos

Lower arm tattoos may extend down no further than a line around the circumference of the wrist measured at the wrist bone. (The prominent head of the ulna as it meets the wrist below the little finger (Marine Bulletin 1020).

Hand, Finger, and Wrist Tattoos

Tattoos on the hands and fingers are prohibited, with the exception of a single band tattoo of no more than 3/8 of an inch in width on one finger of each hand. The hand includes the area from the wrist bone to the end of the fingertip (Marine Bulletin 1020).

Ultra-Violet (UV) Tattoos

Any tattoo only visible or apparent with the use of ultra-violet light must still adhere to the guidance in this Bulletin (Marine Bulletin 1020).

Brands

Brands and other body art are subject to the same requirements, limitations, and prohibitions applicable to tattoos (Marine Bulletin 1020).

Exceptions to Policy (ETP)

Marines or applicants with tattoos or brands outside of the authorized areas delineated within this Bulletin may request an exception to policy to the appropriate adjudicating authority, with the understanding that ETPs are not likely to be approved (Marine Bulletin 1020).