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 body-piercing or ear-piercing a valid, government-issued, positive identification card, including 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 body-piercer or ear-piercer 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 body or ear pierced who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

D. Body-piercing or ear-piercing must not be performed on any skin surface that manifests any evidence of unhealthy conditions such as rashes, boils, infections, or abrasions.

E. Before receiving a body-piercing or ear-piercing, 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 body-piercing or ear-piercing. Signatures of the client, the client's parent or guardian, if applicable, and the body-piercer or ear-piercer must be required on the client disclosure form to acknowledge receipt of both the verbal and written disclosures. Each client and client's parent or guardian, if applicable, must be informed verbally and in writing of aftercare for each piercing.

F. The body-piercing or ear-piercing salon or temporary location must maintain proper records for each client. The information must be permanently recorded and made available for examination by the department or authorized agent. Records must be maintained at the body-piercing or ear-piercing 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;

2. The date body-piercing was performed;

3. The client's age, date of birth, and a copy of the positive identification provided to the body-piercer or ear-piercer;

4. The specific type of jewelry used for the piercing and, when available, the manufacturer's catalogue or identification number for the type of jewelry used;

5. The location on the body where the body-piercing or ear-piercing was performed;

6. The name of the body-piercer or ear-piercer;

7. A statement that the client 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.