Virginia Law

A. Except as permitted in § 18.2-371.3 of the Code of Virginia, a client must be a minimum of 18 years of age and must present at the time of the tattooing or permanent cosmetic tattooing a valid, government-issued, positive identification card, such as a driver's license, passport, or military identification. The identification must contain a photograph of the individual and a printed date of birth.

B. The tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer must verify and document in the permanent client record the client's age, date of birth, and the type of identification provided.

C. No person may be tattooed or permanent cosmetic tattooed who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

D. Tattooing or permanent cosmetic tattooing must not be performed on any skin surface that manifests any evidence of unhealthy conditions, such as rashes, boils, infections, abrasions, or on any asymmetrical, irregular, blurred, or multicolored mole.

E. Before receiving a tattoo or permanent cosmetic tattoo, each client and client's parent or guardian, if applicable, must be informed verbally and in writing, using the client disclosure form prescribed by the board, about the possible risk and dangers associated with the application of each tattoo. Signatures of both the client or client's parent or guardian and the tattooer must be on the client disclosure form to acknowledge receipt of both the verbal and written disclosures.

F. The tattoo parlor or temporary location or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon must maintain proper records for each client. The information must be permanently recorded and made available for examination by the Department of Professional and Occupation Regulation or authorized agent. Records must be maintained at the tattoo parlor or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon for at least two years following the date of the last entry. The temporary location client records must be maintained by the license holder. The permanent records must include the following:

1. The name, address, and telephone number of the client or client's parent or guardian;

2. The date tattooing or permanent cosmetic tattooing was performed;

3. The client's age, date of birth, and a copy of the positive identification provided to the tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer;

4. The specific colors of the tattoo or permanent cosmetic tattoo and, when available, the manufacturer's catalogue or identification number of each color used;

5. The location on the body where the tattooing or permanent cosmetic tattooing was performed;

6. The name of the tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer;

7. A statement that the client or client's parent or guardian has received a copy of applicable written care instructions, and that the client has read and understands the instructions; and

8. The signature of the client and, if applicable, parent or guardian.