Part II. Entry
18VAC41-50-20. General requirements for tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer.
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.
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; Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
18VAC41-50-30. License by endorsement.
A. Upon proper application to the board, any person currently licensed to practice as a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, master permanent cosmetic tattooer, or who is a licensed instructor in the respective profession 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 the training and examination required by this chapter may be issued a tattooer license, permanent cosmetic tattooer license, master permanent cosmetic tattooer license, or the respective instructor certificate without an examination. The applicant must also meet the requirements set forth in 18VAC41-50-20 A 1 through A 4 and provide documentation of completion of board-approved health education to include (i) bloodborne pathogens, sterilization, and aseptic techniques related to tattooing and (ii) first aid.
B. Applicants for licensure by endorsement who completed a training or apprenticeship program that is not substantially equivalent to Virginia's training but otherwise meet all the requirements listed in subsection A of this section may substitute three years of work experience for training. Applicants must provide work history demonstrating three years of licensed experience in any other state or jurisdiction of the United States on a form provided by the board and provide documentation of completion of board-approved health education to include (i) bloodborne pathogens, sterilization, and aseptic techniques related to tattooing and (ii) first aid.
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; Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
18VAC41-50-40. Examination requirements and fees.
A. Applicants for initial licensure must pass an examination approved by the board.
B. The applicant must follow all procedures established by the board with regard to conduct at the examination. Such procedures include any written instructions communicated prior to the examination date and any instructions communicated at the site 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.
C. Any applicant who does not pass a reexamination within one year of the initial examination date will be required to submit a new application.
D. 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 will not exceed $225 per candidate.
E. Any candidate failing to apply for initial licensure within five years of passing the written examination will be required to retake the 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; Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
18VAC41-50-45. Tattoo, permanent cosmetic tattoo, and master permanent cosmetic tattoo temporary license.
A. A temporary license to work under the direct supervision of a currently licensed individual may be issued only to applicants for initial licensure who the board finds eligible for the applicable examination. There is no fee for a temporary license. Except as provided in this section, an applicant holding a temporary license must be supervised by an individual holding a license in the same scope of practice.
Licensed tattooers may also supervise permanent cosmetic tattoo and master permanent cosmetic tattoo temporary license holders. Licensed master permanent cosmetic tattooers may also supervise permanent cosmetic tattoo temporary license holders.
B. The temporary license will remain in force for 90 days and no subsequent temporary license will be issued.
C. Any person continuing to practice tattooing, permanent cosmetic tattooing, or master permanent cosmetic tattooing after a temporary license has expired may be prosecuted and fined by the Commonwealth under §§ 54.1-111 A 1 and 54.1-202 of the Code of Virginia.
D. Temporary licenses will not be issued where grounds may exist to deny a license pursuant to § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia or 18VAC41-50-20.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
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, any individual wishing to sponsor a tattooing apprentice must meet the following qualifications:
1. The applicant must hold and maintain a current Virginia tattooer license;
2. The applicant must provide documentation of legally practicing tattooing for at least five years; and
3. The applicant must provide documentation indicating that the applicant is in good standing in all jurisdictions where the practice of tattooing is regulated.
B. Apprenticeship sponsors must ensure compliance with the 1,500-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; Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
18VAC41-50-80. General requirements for a 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, including any mobile parlor or salon, must 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 must meet the following qualifications in order to receive a license:
1. The applicant and all members of the responsible management must be in good standing as a licensed parlor or salon in Virginia and all other jurisdictions where licensed, certified, or registered. The applicant and all members of the responsible management 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 and all members of the responsible management's prior disciplinary action, the board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant that the board deems unfit or unsuited to engage in the operation of a tattoo parlor, event tattoo parlor, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon.
2. The applicant must disclose the applicant's physical address and email address. A post office box may be provided as a secondary address. Mobile parlors and salons must provide a physical address where the parlor or salon is permanently garaged.
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 for the firm and all members of the firm's responsible management 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 disclose the firm's responsible management.
B. Tattoo parlor licenses, event tattoo parlor licenses, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon licenses are issued to firms as defined in this chapter and are not transferable. Any changes in the name or address of the parlor or salon must be reported to the board in writing within 30 days of such changes. The board will not be responsible for the licensee's failure to receive notices, communications, and correspondence caused by the licensee's failure to promptly notify the board in writing of any change of name or address or for any other reason beyond the control of the board.
C. Whenever the legal business entity holding the license is dissolved or altered to form a new business entity, the original license becomes void. The firm must notify the board, apply for a new license within 30 days of the change in the business entity, and destroy the license. 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 must 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 seven consecutive days prior to the expiration date. Any firm wishing to operate an event tattoo parlor must submit an application to the board at least 45 days prior to the date for which approval is sought.
H. A firm may obtain a maximum of five event tattoo parlor licenses within a calendar year.
I. The board or any of its agents must be allowed to inspect during reasonable hours any licensed parlor and salon for compliance with provisions of Chapter 7 (§ 54.1-700 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia or this chapter.
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; Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
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 apply for and obtain up to five guest tattooer licenses per calendar year.
C. For each calendar year, 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 board-approved health education knowledge to include (i) bloodborne disease, sterilization, and aseptic techniques related to tattooing and (ii) first aid.
D. A guest tattooer must provide documentation with each application showing the guest tattooer sponsor, including a signature of the sponsor parlor's responsible management.
E. 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.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 22, eff. September 1, 2023; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
18VAC41-50-92. Guest tattooer sponsor.
A. The licensed tattoo parlor sponsoring a guest tattooer must 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 must 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 is 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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
18VAC41-50-100. General requirements for a school license.
A. Any firm wishing to operate a tattooing school or permanent cosmetic tattooing school must submit an application to the board at least 60 days prior to the date for which approval is sought, obtain a school license in compliance with § 54.1-704.2 of the Code of Virginia, and meet the following qualifications in order to receive a license:
1. The applicant and all members of the responsible management must be in good standing as a licensed school in Virginia and in all other jurisdictions where licensed, certified, or registered. The applicant and all members of the responsible management 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 and all members of the responsible management's prior disciplinary action, the board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant that the board deems unfit or unsuited to engage in the operation of a tattoo school or permanent cosmetic tattoo school.
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 for the firm and all members of the firm's responsible management 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 disclose the firm's responsible management.
B. Tattooing school licenses or permanent cosmetic tattooing school licenses are issued to firms as defined in this chapter and are not transferable. Any changes in the name and address of record or principal place of business of the school must be reported to the board in writing within 30 days of such change. The board will not be responsible for the licensee's failure to receive notices, communications, and correspondence caused by the licensee's failure to promptly notify the board in writing of any change of name or address or for any other reason beyond the control of the board. 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. The firm must notify the board, apply for a new license within 30 days of the change in the business entity, and destroy the license. 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 ceasing to operate, whether through dissolution or alteration of the business entity, the school must provide a written report to the board detailing the 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 must be reported to the board in writing within 30 days of the change.
F. The board or any of its agents must be allowed to inspect during reasonable hours any licensed school for compliance with provisions of Chapter 7 (§ 54.1-700 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia or this chapter.
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; Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
18VAC41-50-110. General requirements for a tattooing, permanent cosmetic tattooing, or master permanent cosmetic tattooing instructor certificate.
A. Any individual wishing to engage in tattoo, permanent cosmetic tattoo, or master permanent cosmetic tattoo instruction must meet the following qualifications:
1. The applicant must be in good standing as a licensed tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, master permanent cosmetic tattooer, or instructor, respectively, 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 certification since being previously licensed as a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer. This includes monetary penalties, fines, probation, suspensions, revocations, surrender of a license or certification in connection with a disciplinary action, or voluntary termination of a license or certification.
Upon review of the applicant's prior disciplinary action, the board, in its discretion, may deny certification to any applicant whom the board deems unfit or unsuited to engage in the instruction of tattooing, permanent cosmetic tattooing, or master permanent cosmetic tattooing.
2. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant must disclose all felony convictions in Virginia and all other jurisdictions since being previously licensed as a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer within 10 years of the date of application.
The board, in its discretion, may deny certification to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.
3. The applicant must hold and maintain a current Virginia tattooer license, permanent cosmetic tattooer license, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer license in the respective profession.
4. The applicant must provide documentation of legally tattooing, permanent cosmetic tattooing, or master permanent cosmetic tattooing for at least three years in Virginia or any other state or jurisdiction of the United States; and
5. The applicant must complete one of the following qualifications:
a. Pass a course on teaching techniques in a post-secondary education level; or
b. Train , as a licensed temporary student instructor, under a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer instructor in the respective profession for 12 months.
B. Certified instructors may teach in any profession in which they hold the underlying 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; Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
18VAC41-50-120. (Repealed.)
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; Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.
18VAC41-50-125. Student instructor temporary license.
A. A licensed tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer may be granted a 12-month student instructor temporary license to function under the direct supervision of a certified instructor in a licensed school. No subsequent student instructor temporary license will be issued. Student instructors must pass an instructor examination administered by the board or by a testing service acting on behalf of the board.
B. Student instructors may teach in any profession in which they hold the underlying license. Failure to maintain a tattooer, permanent cosmetic tattooer, or master permanent cosmetic tattooer license will disqualify an individual from holding a student instructor temporary license.
C. Certified tattoo instructors may also supervise permanent cosmetic tattoo and master permanent cosmetic tattoo student instructor temporary license holders. Certified master permanent cosmetic tattoo instructors may also supervise permanent cosmetic tattoo student instructor temporary license holders.
D. The student instructor temporary license holder must be associated with both a school and a direct supervisor.
E. Temporary licenses may not be issued where grounds may exist to deny a license pursuant to § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia or 18VAC41-50-110.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 11, eff. January 5, 2026.