What is the minimum age to get a tattoo in Virginia?

Answer 1

Call your local Health Department in Virginia. They will tell you. Or walk into or call any REPUTABLE tattoo shop there and ask. Never be afraid to ask your potential tattoo artist any valid question -- if they are rude or make you feel uncomfortable, at least you've found out that you DON'T want them tattooing you, then go elsewhere. (However, if you ask a stupid question like "Just how permanent is this tattoo ink?" and they laugh at you, you were asking for it by not researching the art form better before approaching them.) In most states the age is 18, and in many states you can be tattooed younger with your parent/legal guardian's consent (they must be present and sign a waiver). But any artist who would tattoo on someone under 16, whether the law allows it or not, is running low on scruples. Your opinions and tastes change A LOT during your teen years.

In the STATE OF VIRGINIA, there is no age limit. However, if you are under 18 the following code applies in Virginia

§ 18.2-371.3. Tattooing or body piercing of minors.

No person shall tattoo or perform body piercing for hire or consideration on a person less than eighteen years of age, knowing or having reason to believe such person is less than eighteen years of age except (i) in the presence of the person's parent or guardian, or (ii) when done by or under the supervision of a medical doctor, registered nurse or other medical services personnel licensed pursuant to Title 54.1 in the performance of their duties.

In addition, no person shall tattoo or perform body piercing on any client unless he complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for "Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions" and provides the client with the following disclosure:

1. Tattooing and body piercing are invasive procedures in which the skin is penetrated by a foreign object.

2. If proper sterilization and antiseptic procedures are not followed by tattoo artists and body piercers, there is a risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infections, including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency viruses and hepatitis B or C viruses.

3. Tattooing and body piercing may cause allergic reactions in persons sensitive to dyes or the metals used in ornamentation.

4. Tattooing and body piercing may involve discomfort or pain for which appropriate anesthesia cannot be legally made available by the person performing the tattoo or body piercing unless such person holds the appropriate license from a Virginia health regulatory board.

A person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

For the purposes of this section:

"Body-piercing" means the act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature. "Body piercing" does not include the use of a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.

"Tattoo" means to place any design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol or any other mark upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any other substance resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including permanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin.

Please keep in mind doing the tattoo is up to the licensed artist and the parlor that they work in. Most will not do anyone under 18 and the few who do will not tattoo anyone under 16, and will not do gang, racist or inappropriate symbols, or place them where they can not be covered up. But the above code covers the legal aspects of tattooing a minor in Virginia.