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There are in fact two sorts of licenses for tattoo art in the state of Virginia.
These are:
- Licenses for the tattoo musician (the specific executing the actual tattoo art or body puncturing)
- licenses for tattoo facilities (the tattoo workshop).
Concerning the Virginia Tattooer Certificate
Virginia Tattoo Permit Price
- The existing expense of a new license is $105.
- The current expense of a revival permit is $105.
Virginia Tattoo License Validity Duration
Tattooer licenses expire two years from the last day of the month in which they were released.
For example, if you acquire your certificate on September 3, 2025, it will certainly end on September 31, 2027.
Getting a Virginia Tattooer Permit
Training Demands to Operate In a VA Tattoo Workshop
Training Program or Instruction
Your first step in obtaining a tattoo permit is to get in touch with the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. You will usually be needed to finish an accepted tattoo training program in a Virginia certified college of tattooing or take on an accepted apprenticeship.
Choice 1: Tattoo Institution
Virginia approved tattoo schools courses will cover all facets of operating as a tattoo artist, such as:
- Disease control and proper sterilization for avoidance of bloodborne pathogens like HIV and liver disease B.
- Avoidance and reduction of allergies
- Antibacterial treatments
- Permanent pigmentation and body puncturing ideal methods and techniques
- Emergency treatment and emergency monitoring.
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Alternative 2: Apprenticeship for Virginia Tattoo Artists
Bloodborne Virus Educating
Formal Instruction needs may be discovered at this link.
- 350 hours covering microbiology, immunization, safety, bloodborne virus criteria, professional requirements, anatomy, and Virginia tattooing laws and policies.
- 150 hours covering hygiene and sanitation.
- 1000 hours spent doing functional applications of all curriculum subjects over and a total of 100 tattooing performances.

You must finish this type when your instruction is finished.
You will certainly need to take an OSHA certified Bloodborne Pathogens Qualification for Tattoo Artists course. BBP accreditation stands for one year from concern and should be restored annually as a separate need from the tattooer permit itself.
Tattoo License Examination: Virginia
After you have finished your tattoo training course or instruction, you should take and pass the VA Tattooer Concept Evaluation which is provided through Expert Credential Solutions.
This calls for looking for the examination and paying the $86 test charge.
You will certainly need to post a 2″ x 2 passport photo with your application.
Within 5 schedule days of submitting your application form, you will be alerted by means of email if you are eligible to take the examination. If you are, then they will allow you to register an examination time and place.
Exams for body puncturing and tattooing may be re-taken an endless quantity of times in a 1 year period.
Demands when Functioning as a VA Tattoo Musician
As soon as you have actually passed the exam, you will certainly be released your tattooer permit.
If you are functioning as a body art practitioner in Virginia, you need to follow the Center for Condition Control’s Universal Blood and Body Precautions.
You need to supply all clients with disclaimers about the risk of infection, allergies, and using proper anesthesia throughout tattooing. You need to likewise supply info about blood birthed pathogens and other possibly transmittable materials.
Since tattoos are classified as artworks, they go through copyright laws in Virginia. If you are not sure whether copyright legislation violations have occurred, you may desire to contact an attorney.
Virginia: Region Particular Needs
If your area has additional laws, you can check them here.
Transferring a Tattoo License to Virginia
If you hold a license in a different state, speak to the Board by calling (804) 367-8509.
Tattoo Studios and Tattoo Business Requirements
Tattoo properties should additionally be licensed.
If you operate a tattoo studio or various other similar establishment in the long-term cosmetics, microblading or tattoo industry, it is compulsory that you have a license.
If you are the owner yet do not carry out any body piercing or permanent comprise treatments, you still need to have a permit as long as the premises are accredited.
Licenses for tattooing and body puncturing do not instantly transfer between states. So, it is very important that you look into the basic demands for tattooing if you intend on moving.
You can locate the rules and guidelines about your license transfer on the website for the Board of Barbers and Cosmetology.
Virginia Tattooing – Important Truths:
- If you tattoo without a permit, you could be found guilty of a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by one year behind bars and a fine of approximately $2,500.
- A Parental Consent Form for minors must be finished to tattoo anybody under 18. The lawful tattoo age for a person in Virginia is 18. Virginia regulations state that if you are a minor, you might obtain a tattoo if you have a moms and dad or guardian indication a composed permission kind initially. This moms and dad or guardian need to likewise exist while the tattooing procedure is executed.
- If you do not have the abovementioned permission form finished, you could be found guilty of a Class 1 Misdemeanor, unless you are a clinical physician or registered nurse completing the tattoo as part of a clinical treatment.
Summary
If you’re interested in obtaining a tattoo permit in Virginia, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the state demands. In order to obtain a tattoo license in VA, you should be at the very least 18 years of ages and have finished an authorized training program.
Once you get your certificate, ensure you comply with all of the health and safety guidelines to maintain both on your own and your customers risk-free.
By adhering to these guidelines you can ensure that everybody has an excellent experience when getting tattooed in Virginia.
