How old do you have to be to get a cartilage piercing?

When you say cartlage I'm sure you're referring to the upper part of your ear correct? well i like to call it a helix because alot of parts of your ear are cartlage and require an older age than what you are talkin about.

In most states you must be 18 to get anything pierced other than a single ear lobe piercing. Some will allow other piercing with parental permission. Photo ID will be required. The laws vary from state to state. There is a link below that will take you to a site that contains specifics for each state.