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How to become a licensed tattoo artist in Virginia. Apprenticeship: 1,350 hours total (350 classroom + 1,000 practical). BBP training required. Shop license required. Total fees: $350. Verified 2026-03-24. Data verified 2026-03-24. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Tattoo Artist
Governing Authority
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
Official website →(804) 367-8509
License
Regulation Type
1,350 hours total (350 classroom + 1,000 practical)
Apprenticeship
4 hrs
BBP Training
Required
Shop License
0 hrs
CE Hours
$350
Total Initial Fees
Regulation Details
VerifiedRegulation Type
License
Regulation Level
State
Credential Title
Tattooer License
Title Protection
No
Training & Certification
VerifiedApprenticeship
1,350 hours total (350 classroom + 1,000 practical)
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
4 hours
CPR / First Aid
Not Required
Infection Control Training
Included in BBP
Apprenticeship Details
350 hours covering microbiology, safety, BBP, anatomy, and VA laws + 1,000 hours practical experience. OR approved apprenticeship. Total 1,350 hours required.
Additional Training Requirements
Most states require tattoo artists to complete bloodborne pathogen (BBP) training and may require an apprenticeship under a licensed artist before obtaining their own license. Training requirements vary significantly by state.
Sterilization, Safety & Client Protections
VerifiedRequired
Autoclave
Required
Single-Use Needles
Monthly
Spore Testing
Health Department Inspections
Annual
Client Consent Forms
Required
Minimum Age to Tattoo Others
18 years old
Minor Tattoo Rules
18+ only; tattooing of minors is prohibited
Health and safety requirements protect both the artist and the client. Most states mandate single-use needles, proper sterilization via autoclave, and regular spore testing. Client consent forms are typically required and must include health disclosures and aftercare instructions.
Tattoo Establishment Licensing
VerifiedRequired
Shop License
Separate
License Type
Required
Shop Inspection
Minimum Space Requirements
Separate workstation areas, handwashing station, sterilization area, and client waiting area required
Equipment Requirements
Record Keeping
Client consent forms, procedure records, sterilization logs, and spore test results must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years
Many states require a separate shop or establishment license in addition to the individual artist license. Shop inspections ensure compliance with health codes, sanitation standards, and safety protocols.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Artist License Fee | $100 |
Shop License Fee | $200 |
Application Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Inspection Fee | $75 |
Total Initial Fees Includes artist license/permit fee, application fee, and initial inspection fee | $350 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Annual
BBP Refresher
Renewal Fee
$100
Regulatory Board
Tattoo artist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Many states require bloodborne pathogen (BBP) refresher training as part of the renewal process. Some states also require continuing education in infection control and safety practices.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
No
Reciprocity Requirements
Must meet Virginia requirements independently; no formal reciprocity agreements
Portability Details
Out-of-state tattoo artists must apply for a new permit and meet all Virginia requirements
Tattoo artist license reciprocity varies between states. Some states accept out-of-state credentials with proof of training, while others require a full new application. Bloodborne pathogen training is typically required regardless of prior licensure.
Virginia requires permits for tattoo artists and establishments through the Department of Health. BBP and CPR training are mandatory, but no apprenticeship is required at the state level.
Virginia requires a permit for tattoo artists regulated at the state level.
Bloodborne pathogen training (6 hours) is required for all tattoo practitioners.
No formal apprenticeship is required at the state level.
Tattoo establishments must obtain a separate shop license/permit.
Minor tattoo rules: 18+ only; no minors.
There is no interstate compact for tattoo artists.
Virginia requires substantial training: 350 hours (microbiology, safety, BBP, anatomy, VA laws) + 1,000 hours practical = 1,350 total hours. OR approved apprenticeship program.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#16 of 51
Cost
#24 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (SOC 27-1013)
Entry Level
$44,790
25th percentile
Median
$58,960
-3% vs. national avg ($60,560)Experienced
$77,560
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
Note: BLS does not have a specific SOC code for tattoo artists. This data uses "Fine Artists" as the closest available category. Actual tattoo artist income varies significantly and often includes cash tips not captured in BLS data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.5%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+1,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
4,100
per year (avg.)
49,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–14 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–4 weeks
Estimated processing time
Bloodborne pathogen training and tattoo licensing study materials.
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Virginia requires license for tattoo artists. An apprenticeship is required. BBP training is mandatory. All licensing is managed through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation — Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.