Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach County, Virginia.

$600 -- $2000 6–12 weeks for full licensing and facility compliance 9 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Virginia Beach / Virginia Beach County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Virginia Beach Business License (BPOL)

Virginia Beach requires a Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) for all tattoo parlors operating in the city. Classified under personal service businesses. License tax is based on gross receipts with a minimum flat fee. Must be renewed annually by March 1.

$30 minimum + $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts1–2 weeks
Official government source
2

Virginia Beach Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) from the Virginia Beach Department of Planning is required for all tattoo studios operating in commercial space. The CO verifies zoning compliance and building safety for a personal services establishment.

$100–$500 depending on space and modifications2–6 weeks
Official government source
3

Virginia Beach Department of Public Health: Body Art Establishment Permit

All body art establishments (tattoo studios, piercing studios) in Virginia Beach must obtain a body art establishment permit from the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health. The permit covers sanitation, sterilization procedures, sharps disposal, and infection control compliance. Annual renewal required.

$100–$200/year2–4 weeks after inspection
Official government source

Virginia State Requirements

4 requirements
1

Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR): Tattoo Artist License

All tattoo artists practicing in Virginia must be licensed by DPOR. The license requires completion of an approved training program or apprenticeship, passing a practical and written exam, and demonstrating bloodborne pathogen training. Each individual artist must hold their own license.

$130–$200 per individual license4–8 weeks after completing training and passing exams
Official government source
2

Virginia DPOR: Tattoo Parlor Establishment License

In addition to individual artist licenses, the tattoo parlor itself must be licensed as an establishment by DPOR. The establishment license requires a facility inspection confirming compliance with Virginia sanitation and safety regulations for body art facilities.

$130–$200 per establishment3–6 weeks after application and inspection
Official government source
3

Virginia Business Registration (State Corporation Commission)

Tattoo parlor businesses must register with the Virginia SCC as an LLC or corporation. An LLC is strongly recommended given the nature of the business and associated liability.

$100 (LLC); $25 (trade name)1–5 business days (online)
Official government source
4

Virginia Bloodborne Pathogens Compliance (VDOLI)

Tattoo artists and studio employees must comply with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards as enforced by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VDOLI). This includes written exposure control plans, hepatitis B vaccination offers, and annual training.

$50–$200 (training and compliance materials)Ongoing compliance requirement
Official government source

Federal Requirements

2 requirements
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS; obtained instantly online.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source
2

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Compliance

Tattoo studios employing staff must comply with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). In Virginia, OSHA enforcement is conducted by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VDOLI). Requires written exposure control plan, sharps containers, PPE, and annual staff training.

$100–$500 (training, PPE, sharps disposal setup)Ongoing compliance
Official government source

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