Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
 
Board
Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
 
chapter
Tattooing Regulations [18 VAC 41 ‑ 50]
 
Guidance Documents
 
Chapter Information
Description Promulgate regulations to implement 2002 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 869 reguiring the licensure of tattooing.
State Authority 2002 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 869 and Section 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia .
Federal Authority None entered
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation None entered
Meetings See all meetings (4) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Kelley Smith  / Executive Director
Address: 9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233
Email Address: barbercosmo@dpor.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)367-8590    FAX: (866)245-9693    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
General Review of Tattooing Regulations Final Final Adoption period is underway and will end on 12/31/2025.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Board for Barbers and Cosmetology Fee Adjustment Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/01/2025.
Easing licensing requirements for grandfathered licensees failing to renew licensure Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/01/2023.
Fee Reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2022.
General Review 2017 | Tattoo and Body-Piercing Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2023.
Amendments to Incorporate Changes from Marijuana Legalization
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/01/2021.
Extend Temporary Fee Reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2020.
Temporary Fee Reductions 2018-20
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/01/2018.
Fee Decrease Tattooing
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/01/2014.
Fee adjustment Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2011.
Promulgate regulations for the licensure of tattooing. Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/01/2006.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Extend Temporary Fee Reduction
Final Stage withdrawn on 05/12/2020 before Attorney General's office completed its review.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
10/10/2023 Agency Completed Retain As Is
9/24/2019 Agency Completed Retain As Is
9/24/2019 Agency Completed Retain As Is
11/9/2015 Agency Completed Retain As Is
12/27/2011 Agency Completed Retain As Is