Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. 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.

   $130–$200 per individual license·4–8 weeks after completing training and passing exams

   $130–$200 per individual license

   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.

   $130–$200 per establishment·3–6 weeks after application and inspection

   $130–$200 per establishment

   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); $25 (trade name)·1–5 business days (online)

   $100 (LLC); $25 (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

   $30 minimum + $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts·1–2 weeks

   $30 minimum + $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts

   1–2 weeks

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.

   Official government source

   $100–$500 depending on space and modifications·2–6 weeks

   $100–$500 depending on space and modifications

   2–6 weeks

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.

   Official government source

   $100–$200/year·2–4 weeks after inspection

   $100–$200/year

   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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