Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees, or operate as a corporation or a multi-member LLC/partnership. A single-member LLC with no employees is generally not federally required to obtain an EIN (the owner can use their SSN instead), though many banks and some states require one in practice. Free from the IRS; obtained instantly online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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.

   Official government source

   $100–$500 (training, PPE, sharps disposal setup)·Ongoing compliance

   $100–$500 (training, PPE, sharps disposal setup)

   Ongoing compliance

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.

   Official government source

   $120 (individual license application fee, per 18VAC41-50-130 fee schedule)·4–8 weeks after completing training and passing exams

   $120 (individual license application fee, per 18VAC41-50-130 fee schedule)

   4–8 weeks after completing training and passing exams

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.

   Official government source

   $220 (parlor/salon license application fee, per 18VAC41-50-130 fee schedule)·3–6 weeks after application and inspection

   $220 (parlor/salon license application fee, per 18VAC41-50-130 fee schedule)

   3–6 weeks after application and inspection

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.

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC); $10 (trade name)·1–5 business days (online)

   $100 (LLC); $10 (trade name)

   1–5 business days (online)

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.

   Official government source

   $50–$200 (training and compliance materials)·Ongoing compliance requirement

   $50–$200 (training and compliance materials)

   Ongoing compliance requirement

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.

   Official government source

   $25/year (gross receipts ≤$25,000), $40/year (≤$100,000), $50/year (≤$200,000) — flat tiered fee; above $200,000, taxed at $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (General Services rate; Contracting is $0.16/$100, Retail Merchant $0.20/$100, Professional/financial/real estate $0.58/$100).·1–2 weeks

   $25/year (gross receipts ≤$25,000), $40/year (≤$100,000), $50/year (≤$200,000) — flat tiered fee; above $200,000, taxed at $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (General Services rate; Contracting is $0.16/$100, Retail Merchant $0.20/$100, Professional/financial/real estate $0.58/$100).

   1–2 weeks

2. Virginia Beach Certificate of Occupancy

   A Certificate of Occupancy from the Virginia Beach Department of Planning (Permits & Inspections Division) is required for tattoo studios operating in commercial space, verifying zoning compliance and building safety for a personal-services establishment. Fees depend on the scope of the build-out.

   Official government source

   Varies by project scope — contact Virginia Beach Permits & Inspections (757-385-4211) for the current fee·Allow several weeks; online plan review runs 15–45 business days before the CO is issued

   Varies by project scope — contact Virginia Beach Permits & Inspections (757-385-4211) for the current fee

   Allow several weeks; online plan review runs 15–45 business days before the CO is issued

3. Virginia Beach Department of Public Health: Body Art Establishment Permit

   All body art establishments (tattoo studios, piercing studios) in Virginia Beach must hold a body art establishment permit from the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health, which regulates and inspects tattoo and body piercing establishments under its General Environmental Program. The permit covers sanitation, sterilization, sharps disposal, and infection control.

   Official government source

   Fees are quoted by the health department rather than published — call VBDPH Environmental Health at 757-518-2646 for the current permit fee·2–4 weeks after inspection

   Fees are quoted by the health department rather than published — call VBDPH Environmental Health at 757-518-2646 for the current permit fee

   2–4 weeks after inspection

Official Sources

• Virginia Beach Department of Public Health
• Virginia Beach Commissioner of Revenue: Business Licenses
• Virginia State Corporation Commission: Forming a Business

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