It is a requirement that any practitioner must hold a valid Tattooer License in order to perform tattoo services in the state of Virginia.
There are in fact two types of licenses for tattoo art in the state of Virginia.
These are:
- Licenses for the tattoo artist (the individual performing the actual tattoo art or body piercing)
- licenses for tattoo establishments (the tattoo studio).
About the Virginia Tattooer License
Virginia Tattoo License Cost
- The current cost of a new license is $105.
- The current cost of a renewal license is $105.
Virginia Tattoo License Validity Period
Tattooer licenses expire two years from the last day of the month in which they were issued.
For example, if you obtain your license on September 3, 2025, it will expire on September 31, 2027.
Getting a Virginia Tattooer License
Training Requirements to Work in a VA Tattoo Studio
Training Program or Apprenticeship
Your initial step in getting a tattoo license is to contact the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. You will usually be required to complete an approved tattoo training program in a Virginia licensed school of tattooing or undertake an approved apprenticeship.
Option 1: Tattoo School
Virginia approved tattoo schools courses will cover all aspects of doing business as a tattoo artist, such as:
- Disease control and proper sterilization for prevention of bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B.
- Prevention and mitigation of allergic reactions
- Antiseptic procedures
- Permanent coloration and body piercing best practices and techniques
- First aid and emergency management.
Option 2: Apprenticeship for Virginia Tattoo Artists
Bloodborne Pathogens Training
Formal Apprenticeship requirements may be found at this link.
- 350 hours covering microbiology, immunization, safety, bloodborne pathogen standards, professional standards, anatomy, and Virginia tattooing laws and regulations.
- 150 hours covering sanitation and disinfection.
- 1000 hours spent doing practical applications of all curriculum topics above and a total of 100 tattooing performances.
You must complete this form when your apprenticeship is finished.
You will need to take an OSHA compliant Bloodborne Pathogens Certification for Tattoo Artists course. BBP certification is valid for one year from issue and must be renewed annually as a separate requirement from the tattooer license itself.
- New
- NewIndividual Certificate
BBP: Body Art Professional – Studio Display Bundle (Save $15)
$49.95 Add to cart
Tattoo License Examination: Virginia
After you have completed your tattoo course or apprenticeship, you must take and pass the VA Tattooer Theory Examination which is delivered via Professional Credential Services.
This requires applying for the exam and paying the $86 test fee.
You will need to upload a 2” x 2” passport photo with your application.
Within five calendar days of submitting your application form, you will be notified via email if you are eligible to take the exam. If you are, then they will allow you to register a test time and location.
Exams for body piercing and tattooing may be re-taken an unlimited amount of times in a 1 year period.
Requirements when Working as a VA Tattoo Artist
Once you have passed the exam, you will be issued your tattooer license.
If you are working as a body art practitioner in Virginia, you must follow the Center for Disease Control’s Universal Blood and Body Precautions.
You must provide all clients with disclaimers about the risk of infection, allergies, and the use of appropriate anesthesia during tattooing. You must also provide information about blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials.
Because tattoos are classified as works of art, they are subject to copyright laws in Virginia. If you are unsure whether copyright law violations have occurred, you may wish to contact an attorney.
Virginia: County Specific Requirements
If your county has additional regulations, you can check them here.
Transferring a Tattoo License to Virginia
If you hold a license in a different state, contact the Board by calling (804) 367-8509.
Tattoo Studios and Tattoo Business Requirements
Tattoo premises must also be licensed.
If you operate a tattoo studio or other similar establishment in the permanent cosmetics, microblading or tattoo industry, it is mandatory that you have a license.
If you are the owner but do not perform any body piercing or permanent make up procedures, you still need to have a license as long as the premises are licensed.
Licenses for tattooing and body piercing do not automatically transfer between states. So, it is important that you research the general requirements for tattooing if you plan on moving.
You can find the rules and regulations about your license transfer on the website for the Board of Barbers and Cosmetology.
Virginia Tattooing - Essential Facts:
- If you tattoo without a license, you could be found guilty of a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
- A Parental Consent Form for minors must be completed to tattoo anyone under 18. The legal tattoo age for a person in Virginia is 18. Virginia laws state that if you are a minor, you may get a tattoo if you have a parent or guardian sign a written consent form first. This parent or legal guardian must also be present while the tattooing procedure is performed.
- If you do not have the aforementioned consent form completed, you could be found guilty of a Class 1 Misdemeanor, unless you are a medical doctor or registered nurse completing the tattoo as part of a medical procedure.
Summary
If you’re interested in getting a tattoo license in Virginia, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the state requirements. In order to obtain a tattoo license in VA, you must be at least 18 years old and have completed an approved training program.
Once you get your license, ensure you follow all of the health and safety guidelines to keep both yourself and your clients safe.
By following these guidelines you can ensure that everyone has a great experience when getting tattooed in Virginia.
