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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
11/5/2024

Part II. Entry

18VAC41-50-20. General requirements for tattooer,  guest tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer.

A. Any individual wishing to engage in tattooing, guest tattooing, permanent cosmetic tattooing, or master permanent cosmetic tattooing shall 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, guest tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer in every jurisdiction where licensed, certified, or registered. The applicant shall disclose to the board at the time of application for licensure any disciplinary action taken in Virginia or any other jurisdiction in connection with the applicant's practice as a tattooer, guest tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer. This disclosure includes monetary penalties, fines, suspensions, revocations, surrender of a license in connection with a disciplinary action, or voluntary termination of a license. The applicant shall disclose to the board at the time of application for licensure if the applicant has been previously licensed in Virginia as a tattooer, guest tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer.

Upon review of the applicant's prior disciplinary action, the board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant wherein the board deems the applicant is unfit or unsuited to engage in tattooing, guest tattooing, permanent cosmetic tattooing, or master permanent cosmetic tattooing. The board will decide each case by taking into account the totality of the circumstances. Any plea of nolo contendere or comparable plea shall be considered a disciplinary action for the purposes of this subdivision. The applicant shall provide a certified copy of a final order, decree, or case decision by a court, regulatory agency, or board with the lawful authority to issue such order, decree, or case decision, and such copy shall be admissible as prima facie evidence of such disciplinary action.

2. The applicant shall disclose the applicant's physical address. A post office box is not acceptable.

3. The applicant shall 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 shall disclose the following information regarding criminal convictions in Virginia and all other jurisdictions:

a. All misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, or physical injury within two years of the date of the application; and

b. All felony convictions within 20 years of the date of application.

Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this subdivision. The record of a conviction received from a court shall be accepted as prima facie evidence of a conviction or finding of guilt. 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 shall 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 an approved tattooing apprenticeship program in a Virginia licensed tattoo parlor or completing an approved tattooing training program in a Virginia licensed tattoo school or completing a permanent cosmetic tattooing or master permanent cosmetic tattooing training program in a Virginia licensed permanent cosmetic tattooing school shall be eligible to sit for the applicable examination.

2. Training outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia but within the United States or jurisdiction of the United States. 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 documentation of the successful completion of training or apprenticeship to be eligible for examination. If less than the required hours were completed, an applicant must submit (i) documentation acceptable to the board verifying the completion of a substantially equivalent tattooing training, tattooing apprenticeship, permanent cosmetic tattooing training, or master permanent cosmetic tattooing or documentation of three years of work experience within the preceding five years as a tattooer and (ii) documentation of completion of a minimum of five hours of health education to include (a) bloodborne pathogens, sterilization, and aseptic techniques related to tattooing; (b) first aid; and (c) CPR that is acceptable to the board in order to be eligible for examination.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-30. License by endorsement.

Upon proper application to the board, any person currently licensed to practice as a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer in any other state or jurisdiction of the United States and who has completed a training or apprenticeship program and an examination that is substantially equivalent to that required by this chapter may be issued a tattooer license, permanent cosmetic tattooer license, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer license, respectively, without an examination. The applicant must also meet the requirements set forth in 18VAC41-50-20 A 1 through A 4.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-40. Examination requirements and fees.

A. Applicants for initial licensure shall pass an examination approved by the board. The examinations may be administered by the board or by a designated testing service.

B. Any candidate failing to appear as scheduled for examination shall forfeit the examination fee.

C. The applicant shall follow all procedures established by the board with regard to conduct at the examination. Such procedures shall include any written instructions communicated prior to the examination date and any instructions communicated at the site, either written or oral, on the date of the examination. Failure to comply with all procedures established by the board and the testing service with regard to conduct at the examination may be grounds for denial of application.

D. Any applicant who does not pass a reexamination within one year of the initial examination date shall be required to submit a new application.

E. The fee for examination or reexamination is subject to contracted charges to the board by an outside vendor. These contracts are competitively negotiated and bargained for in compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). Fees may be adjusted and charged to the candidate in accordance with these contracts. The fee shall not exceed $225 per candidate.

F. Any candidate failing to apply for initial licensure within five years of passing the written examination shall be required to retake the examination. Records of examinations shall be maintained for a maximum of five years.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-50. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-60. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-70. General requirements for a tattooing apprenticeship sponsor.

A. Upon filing an application with the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, any person meeting the qualifications set forth in this section may be eligible to sponsor a tattooing apprentice if the person:

1. Holds a current Virginia tattooer license;

2. Provides documentation of legally practicing tattooing for at least five years; and

3. Provides documentation indicating that he is in good standing in all jurisdictions where the practice of tattooing is regulated.

B. Apprenticeship sponsors shall be required to maintain a tattooer license.

C. Apprenticeship sponsors shall ensure compliance with the 1500 hour tattooing apprenticeship program and tattooing apprenticeship standards.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006.

18VAC41-50-80. Tattoo parlor,   event tattoo parlor, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon license.

A. Any firm wishing to operate a tattoo parlor, event tattoo parlor, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon shall obtain a tattoo parlor license, event tattoo parlor license, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon license in compliance with § 54.1-704.1 of the Code of Virginia and shall meet the following qualifications in order to receive a license:

1. The applicant and all members of the responsible management shall be in good standing as a licensed parlor or salon in Virginia and all other jurisdictions where licensed. The applicant and all members of the responsible management shall disclose to the board at the time of application for licensure any disciplinary action taken in Virginia and all other jurisdictions in connection with the applicant's operation of any tattoo parlor, event tattoo parlor, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon or practice of the profession. This disclosure includes monetary penalties, fines, suspensions, revocations, surrender of a license in connection with a disciplinary action, or voluntary termination of a license. The applicant shall disclose to the board at the time of application for licensure if the applicant or any member of the responsible management has been previously licensed in Virginia as a tattoo parlor, event tattoo parlor, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon.

Upon review of the applicant's and all members of the responsible management's prior disciplinary action, the board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant wherein it deems the applicant is unfit or unsuited to engage in the operation of a tattoo parlor, event tattoo parlor, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon. The board will decide each case by taking into account the totality of the circumstances. Any plea of nolo contendere or comparable plea shall be considered a disciplinary action for the purposes of this subdivision. The applicant shall provide a certified copy of a final order, decree, or case decision by a court, regulatory agency, or board with the lawful authority to issue such order, decree, or case decision, and such copy shall be admissible as prima facie evidence of such disciplinary action.

2. The applicant shall disclose the applicant's physical address. A post office box is not acceptable.

3. The applicant shall 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 shall disclose the following information about the firm and all members of the responsible management regarding criminal convictions in Virginia and all other jurisdictions:

a. All misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, or physical injury within two years of the date of the application; and

b. All felony convictions within 20 years of the date of application.

Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this subdivision. The record of a conviction received from a court shall be accepted as prima facie evidence of a conviction or finding of guilt. 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 shall disclose the firm's responsible management.

B. A tattoo parlor license, event tattoo parlor license, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon license shall not be transferable and shall bear the same name and address of the business. Any changes in the name or address of the parlor or salon shall be reported to the board in writing within 30 days of such changes. The new responsible management shall be responsible for applying for a new license within 30 days of the changes.

C. Whenever the legal business entity holding the license is dissolved or altered to form a new business entity, the original license becomes void and shall be returned to the board within 30 days of the change. Additionally, the firm shall apply for a new license within 30 days of the change in the business entity. Such changes include:

1. Death of a sole proprietor;

2. Death or withdrawal of a general partner in a general partnership or the managing partner in a limited partnership; and

3. Conversion, formation, or dissolution of a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, or any other business entity recognized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

D. Any change in the officers of a corporation, managers of a limited liability company, or officers or directors of an association shall be reported to the board in writing within 30 days of the change.

E. Any tattoo parlor or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon wishing to host a guest tattooer must identify itself as the guest tattooer sponsor and must provide direct supervision of any tattooing by the guest tattooer.

F. Any firm wishing to operate a tattoo parlor in a temporary location must have a tattoo parlor license or event tattoo parlor license issued by the board.

G. An event tattoo parlor license is effective for five consecutive days.

H. A firm may obtain a maximum of five event tattoo parlor licenses within a calendar year.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-90. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-91.   Guest tattooer license.

A. A guest tattooer license is effective for 14 days prior to the expiration date.

B. An out-of-state resident may obtain up to five guest tattooer licenses per calendar year.

C. A guest tattooer applicant must meet the following qualifications:

1. Requirements set forth in 18VAC41-50-20 A 1 through A 4.

2. Present documentation showing out-of-state residency.

3. Documentation of health education knowledge to include (i) bloodborne disease, sterilization, and aseptic techniques related to tattooing; (ii) first aid; and (iii) CPR that is acceptable to the board.

4. Documentation showing guest tattooer sponsor, including signature of sponsor parlor's responsible management.

D. A guest tattooer must provide the name and license number of the guest tattooer's sponsor and the duration of the guest tattooer's tattooing for all guest tattooer locations.

E. A guest tattooer applicant is not required to complete 18VAC41-50-20 A 5.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-92. Guest tattooer sponsor.

A. The licensed tattoo parlor sponsoring a guest tattooer shall ensure that the guest tattooer:

1. Has a valid, current guest tattooer license for the entire duration of the guest tattooer tattooing at the parlor.

2. Is directly supervised by a licensed tattooer.

3. Complies with all Virginia regulations relating to health, sanitation, client qualifications, and standards of practice.

B. The licensed permanent cosmetic tattoo salon sponsoring a guest tattooer shall ensure that the guest tattooer:

1. Has a valid, current guest tattooer licensed for the entire duration of the guest tattooer's tattooing at the salon.

2. Is directly supervised by a licensed tattooer or permanent cosmetic tattooer.

3. Complies with all Virginia regulations relating to health, sanitation, client qualifications, and standards of practice.

C. With the exception of tattoo conventions, a member of the guest tattooer sponsor's responsible management must sign the guest tattooer application certifying the sponsor will ensure the requirements of subsections A and B of this section.

D. The guest tattooer sponsor shall be responsible for the acts or omissions of the guest tattooer in the performance of tattooing or permanent cosmetic tattooing.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-100. School license.

A. Any firm wishing to operate a tattooing school or permanent cosmetic tattooing school shall obtain a school license in compliance with § 54.1-704.2 of the Code of Virginia and shall meet the following qualifications in order to receive a license:

1. The applicant and all members of the responsible management shall be in good standing as a licensed parlor or salon in Virginia and all other jurisdictions where licensed. The applicant and all members of the responsible management shall disclose to the board at the time of application for licensure any disciplinary action taken in Virginia and all other jurisdictions in connection with the applicant's operation of any tattoo parlor, event tattoo parlor, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon or practice of the profession. This disclosure includes monetary penalties, fines, suspensions, revocations, surrender of a license in connection with a disciplinary action, or voluntary termination of a license. The applicant shall disclose to the board at the time of application for licensure if the applicant or any member of the responsible management has been previously licensed in Virginia as a tattoo parlor, event tattoo parlor, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon.

Upon review of the applicant's and all members of the responsible management's prior disciplinary action, the board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant wherein it deems the applicant is unfit or unsuited to engage in the operation of a tattoo parlor, event tattoo parlor, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon. The board will decide each case by taking into account the totality of the circumstances. Any plea of nolo contendere or comparable plea shall be considered a disciplinary action for the purposes of this subdivision. The applicant shall provide a certified copy of a final order, decree, or case decision by a court, regulatory agency, or board with the lawful authority to issue such order, decree, or case decision, and such copy shall be admissible as prima facie evidence of such disciplinary action.

2. The applicant shall disclose the applicant's physical address. A post office box is not acceptable.

3. The applicant shall 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 shall disclose the following information about the firm and all members of the responsible management regarding criminal convictions in Virginia and all other jurisdictions:

a. All misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, or physical injury within two years of the date of the application; and

b. All felony convictions within 20 years of the date of application.

Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this subdivision. The record of a conviction received from a court shall be accepted as prima facie evidence of a conviction or finding of guilt. 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 shall disclose the firm's responsible management.

B. A tattooing school license or permanent cosmetic tattooing school license shall not be transferable and shall bear the same name and address as the school. Any changes in the name or address of the school shall be reported to the board in writing within 30 days of such change. The name of the school must indicate that it is an educational institution. All signs or other advertisements must reflect the name as indicated on the license issued by the board and contain language indicating it is an educational institution.

C. Whenever the legal business entity holding the license is dissolved or altered to form a new business entity, the original license becomes void and shall be returned to the board within 30 days of the change. Additionally, the firm shall apply for a new license within 30 days of the change in the business entity. Such changes include:

1. Death of a sole proprietor;

2. Death or withdrawal of a general partner in a general partnership or the managing partner in a limited partnership; and

3. Conversion, formation, or dissolution of a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, or any other business entity recognized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

D. Within 30 days of the closing, the school shall return the license to the board and provide a written report to the board on performances and hours of each student who has not completed the program.

E. Any change in the officers of a corporation, managers of a limited liability company, or officers or directors of an association shall be reported to the board in writing within 30 days of the change.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-110. Tattooing instructor certificate.

A. Upon filing an application with the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, any person meeting the qualifications set forth in this section shall be eligible for a tattooing instructor certificate if the person:

1. Holds a current Virginia tattooer license;

2. Provides documentation of legally tattooing for at least five years; and

3. Passes a course on teaching techniques in a post-secondary education level.

B. Tattooing instructors shall be required to maintain a tattooer license.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

18VAC41-50-120. Permanent cosmetic tattooing instructor certificate.

A. Upon filing an application with the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, any person meeting the qualifications set forth in this section shall be eligible for a permanent cosmetic tattooing instructor certificate if the person:

1. Holds a current Virginia permanent cosmetic tattooer license or master permanent cosmetic tattooer license;

2. Provides documentation of legally tattooing for at least five years; and

3. Passes a course on teaching techniques at the post-secondary education level.

B. Permanent cosmetic tattooing instructors shall be required to maintain a permanent cosmetic tattooer license or master permanent cosmetic tattooer license.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023.

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