Virginia Law

A. Any individual wishing to engage in tattooing, permanent cosmetic tattooing, or master permanent cosmetic tattooing must obtain a license in compliance with § 54.1-703 of the Code of Virginia and meet the following qualifications:

1. The applicant must be in good standing as a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer in every jurisdiction where licensed, certified, or registered. The applicant must provide a copy of any disciplinary action taken in Virginia and all other jurisdictions to the board at the time of application for licensure. This includes monetary penalties, fines, probation, suspensions, revocations, surrender of a license in connection with a disciplinary action, or voluntary termination of a license.

Upon review of the applicant's prior disciplinary action, the board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant who the board deems unfit or unsuited to engage in tattooing, permanent cosmetic tattooing, or master permanent cosmetic tattooing.

2. The applicant must disclose the applicant's physical address and email address. A post office box may be provided as a secondary address.

3. The applicant must sign, as part of the application, a statement certifying that the applicant has read and understands the Virginia tattooing license laws and this chapter.

4. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant must disclose all felony convictions in Virginia and all other jurisdictions within 10 years of the date of application.

The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

5. The applicant must provide evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant has passed the board-approved examination, administered either by the board or by a designated testing service.

B. Eligibility to sit for board-approved examination.

1. Training in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Any person completing one of the following programs is eligible for examination:

a. An approved tattooing apprenticeship program in a Virginia licensed tattoo parlor;

b. An approved tattooing training program in a Virginia licensed tattoo school; or

c. A permanent cosmetic tattooing or master permanent cosmetic tattooing training program in a Virginia licensed permanent cosmetic tattooing or tattooing school.

2. Training outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia:

a. Any person completing a tattooing, permanent cosmetic tattooing, master permanent cosmetic tattooing training program, or tattooing apprenticeship that is substantially equivalent to the Virginia program but is outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia must submit to the board (i) documentation of the successful completion of training or apprenticeship to be eligible for examination and (ii) documentation of completion of board-approved health education to include (a) bloodborne pathogens, sterilization, and aseptic techniques related to tattooing and (b) first aid. Applicants who have earned a degree from an institution outside the United States must have such degree translated, authenticated, and evaluated by an education evaluation service if credit is sought for the education. The board in its discretion may decline to accept any evaluation submitted by an applicant.

b. Applicants who completed a training or apprenticeship program that is not substantially equivalent to Virginia's training must submit (i) documentation acceptable to the board verifying three years of work experience in any other state or jurisdiction of the United States on a form provided by the board and (ii) documentation of completion of board-approved health education to include (a) bloodborne pathogens, sterilization, and aseptic techniques related to tattooing and (b) first aid.