Tattoos and Piercings Under Eighteen
Va. Code 18.2-371.3 — a parent in the room, or a Class 1 misdemeanor
No one may tattoo or body pierce for hire a person known or believed to be under 18, except in the presence of the person's parent or guardian, or when done by or under the supervision of licensed medical personnel. Permanent makeup and permanent jewelry count as tattoos; a presterilized ear piercing system on the ear is not body piercing.
Who handles this in Virginia: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Virginia directory.
Every client also gets a written disclosure of the risks: infection, allergic reaction and pain. Breaking the section is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
The licensing of tattoo and piercing businesses is under other law not covered here. Questions about a particular shop go to the local health department.
Sources for this section (2)
- Va. Code 18.2-371.3 — Tattooing or body piercing of minors
- Va. Code 18.2-11 — Punishment for conviction of misdemeanor
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.