{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-371.3.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-371.3.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-371.3.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-371.3.html"}],"law_id":57919,"edition_id":1,"section_id":57919,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-371.3","catch_line":"Tattooing or body piercing of minors","history":"1997, c. 586; 2000, c. 842; 2001, c. 270; 2006, c. 692.","full_text":"No person shall tattoo or perform body piercing for hire or consideration on a person less than eighteen years of age, knowing or having reason to believe such person is less than eighteen years of age except (i) in the presence of the person’s parent or guardian, or (ii) when done by or under the supervision of a medical doctor, registered nurse or other medical services personnel licensed pursuant to Title 54.1 in the performance of their duties.\n\t\tIn addition, no person shall tattoo or perform body piercing on any client unless he complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for “Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions” and provides the client with the following disclosure:\n\n1\n\nTattooing and body piercing are invasive procedures in which the skin is penetrated by a foreign object.2\n\nIf proper sterilization and antiseptic procedures are not followed by tattoo artists and body piercers, there is a risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infections, including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency viruses and hepatitis B or C viruses.3\n\nTattooing and body piercing may cause allergic reactions in persons sensitive to dyes or the metals used in ornamentation.4\n\nTattooing and body piercing may involve discomfort or pain for which appropriate anesthesia cannot be legally made available by the person performing the tattoo or body piercing unless such person holds the appropriate license from a Virginia health regulatory board.\n\t\t\tA person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this section:\n\t\t\t“Body-piercing” means the act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature. “Body piercing” does not include the use of a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.\n\t\t\t“Tattoo” means to place any design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol or any other mark upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any other substance resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including permanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":212141,"text":"No person shall tattoo or perform body piercing for hire or consideration on a person less than eighteen years of age, knowing or having reason to believe such person is less than eighteen years of age except (i) in the presence of the person’s parent or guardian, or (ii) when done by or under the supervision of a medical doctor, registered nurse or other medical services personnel licensed pursuant to Title 54.1 in the performance of their duties.\n\t\tIn addition, no person shall tattoo or perform body piercing on any client unless he complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for “Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions” and provides the client with the following disclosure:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":212142,"text":"Tattooing and body piercing are invasive procedures in which the skin is penetrated by a foreign object.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":212143,"text":"If proper sterilization and antiseptic procedures are not followed by tattoo artists and body piercers, there is a risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infections, including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency viruses and hepatitis B or C viruses.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":212144,"text":"Tattooing and body piercing may cause allergic reactions in persons sensitive to dyes or the metals used in ornamentation.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":212145,"text":"Tattooing and body piercing may involve discomfort or pain for which appropriate anesthesia cannot be legally made available by the person performing the tattoo or body piercing unless such person holds the appropriate license from a Virginia health regulatory board.\n\t\t\tA person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this section:\n\t\t\t“Body-piercing” means the act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature. “Body piercing” does not include the use of a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.\n\t\t\t“Tattoo” means to place any design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol or any other mark upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any other substance resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including permanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14343,"edition_id":1,"name":"Family Offenses; Crimes Against Children, etc","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14022,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:49","permalink":{"id":167753,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14343,"identifier":"4","token":"18.2\/8\/4","url":"\/18.2\/8\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14022,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Involving Morals and Decency","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:37","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:37","permalink":{"id":167393,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14022,"identifier":"8","token":"18.2\/8","url":"\/18.2\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":164139,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12972,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":86356,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-362","catch_line":"Person marrying when spouse is living; penalty; venue","url":"\/18.2-362\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-362","metadata":false},{"id":85324,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-363","catch_line":"Leaving Commonwealth to evade law against bigamy","url":"\/18.2-363\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-363","metadata":false},{"id":66589,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-364","catch_line":"Exceptions to \u00a7\u00a7 18.2-362 and 18.2-363","url":"\/18.2-364\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-364","metadata":false},{"id":73179,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-365","catch_line":"Adultery defined; penalty","url":"\/18.2-365\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-365","metadata":false},{"id":76153,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-366","catch_line":"Sexual intercourse by persons forbidden to marry; incest; penalties","url":"\/18.2-366\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-366","metadata":false},{"id":77238,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-367","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/18.2-367\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-367","metadata":false},{"id":55653,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-368","catch_line":"Placing or leaving spouse for prostitution; penalty","url":"\/18.2-368\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-368","metadata":false},{"id":70553,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-369","catch_line":"Abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults; penalties","url":"\/18.2-369\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-369","metadata":false},{"id":60265,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-370","catch_line":"Taking indecent liberties with children; penalties","url":"\/18.2-370\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-370","metadata":false},{"id":62948,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-370.01","catch_line":"Indecent liberties by children; penalty","url":"\/18.2-370.01\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-370.01","metadata":false},{"id":80307,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-370.1","catch_line":"Taking indecent liberties with child by person in custodial or supervisory relationship; penalties","url":"\/18.2-370.1\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-370.1","metadata":false},{"id":86551,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-370.2","catch_line":"Sex 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penalty","url":"\/18.2-370.6\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-370.6","metadata":false},{"id":66060,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-371","catch_line":"Causing or encouraging acts rendering children delinquent, abused, etc.; penalty; abandoned infant","url":"\/18.2-371\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-371","metadata":false},{"id":65049,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-371.1","catch_line":"Abuse and neglect of children; penalties; abandoned infant","url":"\/18.2-371.1\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-371.1","metadata":false},{"id":68538,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-371.2","catch_line":"Prohibiting sale or distribution, etc. of retail tobacco products and hemp products intended for smoking by persons under 21 years of age; civil penalties","url":"\/18.2-371.2\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-371.2","metadata":false},{"id":84277,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-371.2:1","catch_line":"Prohibiting possession of retail tobacco products and hemp products intended for smoking by a person younger than 21 years of age; seizure","url":"\/18.2-371.2_1\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-371.2_1","metadata":false},{"id":57919,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-371.3","catch_line":"Tattooing or body piercing of minors","url":"\/18.2-371.3\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-371.3","metadata":false},{"id":75915,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-371.4","catch_line":"Prohibiting the sale of novelty lighters to juveniles","url":"\/18.2-371.4\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-371.4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":84277,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-371.2:1","catch_line":"Prohibiting possession of retail tobacco products and hemp products intended for smoking by a person younger than 21 years of age; seizure","url":"\/18.2-371.2_1\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-371.2_1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":75915,"structure_id":14343,"section_number":"18.2-371.4","catch_line":"Prohibiting the sale of novelty lighters to juveniles","url":"\/18.2-371.4\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-371.4","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-371.3\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1997. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 586<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2000, chapter 842<\/a>; in 2001, chapter 270<\/a>; in 2006, chapter 692<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":74660,"section_number":"19.2-392.12","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Sealing of offenses resulting in a deferred and dismissed disposition or conviction by petition","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-392.12\/"},{"id":64893,"section_number":"54.1-705","catch_line":"Inspections","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-705\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":167835,"object_type":"law","relational_id":57919,"identifier":"18.2-371.3","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-371.3","url":"\/18.2-371.3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-371.3\/","token":"18.2\/8\/4\/18.2-371.3","dublin_core":{"Title":"Tattooing or body piercing of minors","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-371.3","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

No person shall tattoo<\/span> or perform body piercing<\/span> for hire or consideration on a person less than eighteen years of age, knowing or having reason to believe such person is less than eighteen years of age except (i) in the presence of the person’s parent or guardian, or (ii) when done by or under the supervision of a medical doctor, registered nurse or other medical services personnel licensed pursuant to Title 54.1 in the performance of their duties.\n\t\tIn addition, no person shall tattoo<\/span> or perform body piercing<\/span> on any client unless he complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for “Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions” and provides the client with the following disclosure:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Tattooing and body piercing<\/span> are invasive procedures in which the skin is penetrated by a foreign object<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> If proper sterilization and antiseptic procedures are not followed by tattoo<\/span> artists and body piercers, there is a risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infections, including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency viruses and hepatitis B or C viruses. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Tattooing and body piercing<\/span> may cause allergic reactions in persons sensitive to dyes or the metals used in ornamentation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Tattooing and body piercing<\/span> may involve discomfort or pain for which appropriate anesthesia cannot be legally made available by the person performing the tattoo<\/span> or body piercing<\/span> unless such person holds the appropriate license from a Virginia health regulatory board.\n\t\t\tA person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this section:\n\t\t\t“Body-piercing<\/span>” means the act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature. “Body piercing<\/span>” does not include the use of a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.\n\t\t\t“Tattoo<\/span>” means to place any design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol or any other mark upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any other substance resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including permanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nTATTOOING OR BODY PIERCING OF MINORS (\u00a7 18.2-371.3)\n\nNo person shall tattoo or perform body piercing for hire or consideration on a\nperson less than eighteen years of age, knowing or having reason to believe such\nperson is less than eighteen years of age except (i) in the presence of the\nperson’s parent or guardian, or (ii) when done by or under the supervision\nof a medical doctor, registered nurse or other medical services personnel\nlicensed pursuant to Title 54.1 in the performance of their duties.\n\t\tIn addition, no person shall tattoo or perform body piercing on any client\nunless he complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s\nguidelines for “Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions” and\nprovides the client with the following disclosure:\n\n1. Tattooing and body piercing are invasive procedures in which the skin is\npenetrated by a foreign object.\n\n2. If proper sterilization and antiseptic procedures are not followed by tattoo\nartists and body piercers, there is a risk of transmission of bloodborne\npathogens and other infections, including, but not limited to, human\nimmunodeficiency viruses and hepatitis B or C viruses.\n\n3. Tattooing and body piercing may cause allergic reactions in persons sensitive\nto dyes or the metals used in ornamentation.\n\n4. Tattooing and body piercing may involve discomfort or pain for which\nappropriate anesthesia cannot be legally made available by the person performing\nthe tattoo or body piercing unless such person holds the appropriate license\nfrom a Virginia health regulatory board.\n\t\t\tA person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\t\t\tFor the purposes of this section:\n\t\t\t“Body-piercing” means the act of penetrating the skin to make a\nhole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature. “Body piercing”\ndoes not include the use of a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that\npenetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.\n\t\t\t“Tattoo” means to place any design, letter, scroll, figure,\nsymbol or any other mark upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any\nother substance resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including\npermanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other\ninstrument designed to touch or puncture the skin.\n\nHISTORY: 1997, c. 586; 2000, c. 842; 2001, c. 270; 2006, c. 692.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}