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There remain in truth two kinds of licenses for tattoo art in the state of Virginia.
These are:
- Licenses for the tattoo artist (the private carrying out the actual tattoo art or body piercing)
- licenses for tattoo establishments (the tattoo workshop).
About the Virginia Tattooer Permit
Virginia Tattoo License Cost
- The current expense of a new certificate is $105.
- The present price of a revival certificate is $105.
Virginia Tattoo Permit Legitimacy Duration
Tattooer licenses expire 2 years from the last day of the month in which they were provided.
For instance, if you obtain your permit on September 3, 2025, it will end on September 31, 2027.
Getting a Virginia Tattooer Certificate
Training Requirements to Work in a VA Tattoo Workshop
Educating Program or Instruction
Your first action in obtaining a tattoo license is to get in touch with the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. You will normally be called for to complete an authorized tattoo training program in a Virginia accredited college of tattooing or carry out an accepted apprenticeship.
Alternative 1: Tattoo Institution
Virginia approved tattoo schools training courses will certainly cover all facets of operating as a tattoo musician, such as:
- Disease control and correct sanitation for prevention of bloodborne microorganisms like HIV and hepatitis B.
- Prevention and mitigation of allergic reactions
- Antibacterial treatments
- Long-term coloration and body piercing ideal methods and techniques
- Emergency treatment and emergency situation management.
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Alternative 2: Instruction for Virginia Tattoo Artists
Bloodborne Microorganisms Educating
Formal Apprenticeship demands may be found at this link.
- 350 hours covering microbiology, booster shot, safety, bloodborne pathogen criteria, professional requirements, composition, and Virginia tattooing laws and regulations.
- 150 hours covering hygiene and sanitation.
- 1000 hours spent doing practical applications of all educational program subjects over and an overall of 100 tattooing efficiencies.

You have to complete this form when your apprenticeship is finished.
You will certainly need to take an OSHA compliant Bloodborne Pathogens Qualification for Tattoo Artists course. BBP certification stands for one year from issue and should be restored annually as a different requirement from the tattooer license itself.
Tattoo Certificate Exam: Virginia
After you have finished your tattoo course or instruction, you should take and pass the VA Tattooer Theory Assessment which is supplied using Specialist Credential Providers.
This requires applying for the exam and paying the $86 test charge.
You will require to upload a 2″ x 2 passport photo with your application.
Within five calendar days of submitting your application form, you will be informed using email if you are qualified to take the test. If you are, after that they will permit you to sign up a test time and place.
Exams for body piercing and tattooing may be re-taken a limitless quantity of times in a 1 year period.
Needs when Functioning as a VA Tattoo Musician
Once you have passed the test, you will certainly be issued your tattooer certificate.
If you are working as a body art practitioner in Virginia, you should adhere to the Facility for Disease Control’s Universal Blood and Body Measures.
You should supply all customers with please notes concerning the danger of infection, allergic reactions, and the use of ideal anesthesia during tattooing. You should likewise provide info regarding blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials.
Since tattoos are classified as artworks, they are subject to copyright regulations in Virginia. If you are uncertain whether copyright legislation infractions have actually taken place, you may want to contact an attorney.
Virginia: County Certain Demands
If your area has added laws, you can check them here.
Moving a Tattoo License to Virginia
If you hold a permit in a different state, call the Board by calling (804) 367-8509.
Tattoo Studios and Tattoo Service Needs
Tattoo premises have to likewise be licensed.
If you operate a tattoo studio or other similar establishment in the long-term cosmetics, microblading or tattoo sector, it is compulsory that you have a permit.
If you are the owner however do not execute any body piercing or long-term make up procedures, you still require to have a permit as long as the premises are accredited.
Licenses for tattooing and body puncturing do not automatically transfer between states. So, it is very important that you investigate the basic requirements for tattooing if you plan on relocating.
You can find the rules and guidelines about your permit transfer on the internet site 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 Violation, culpable by one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
- An Adult Authorization Form for minors need to be completed to tattoo any person under 18. The legal tattoo age for a person in Virginia is 18. Virginia legislations specify that if you are a minor, you may get a tattoo if you have a moms and dad or guardian sign a composed authorization kind first. This moms and dad or guardian have to also exist while the tattooing treatment is carried out.
- If you do not have the abovementioned permission form completed, you could be found guilty of a Course 1 Offense, unless you are a clinical doctor or signed up nurse finishing the tattoo as part of a medical treatment.
Recap
If you’re interested in getting a tattoo license in Virginia, it is essential to acquaint yourself with the state demands. In order to get a tattoo permit in VA, you have to be at least 18 years of ages and have finished an authorized training program.
Once you obtain your certificate, guarantee you follow every one of the health and wellness standards to keep both on your own and your clients secure.
By following these standards you can make certain that every person has a great experience when obtaining tattooed in Virginia.
