Richmond, VA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

1-licensed medical personnel are exempt under Section 6-91 while acting in their professional duties. Section 6-92 makes it unlawful to administer a tattoo without first explaining the risks described in Section 6-97(b) and obtaining the client's prior written informed consent, and it deems no one under 18 capable of giving that consent, closing off parental sign-off for minors. Section 6-93 requires every tattoo parlor to have running hot and cold water and cleaning, disinfection and fungicidal facilities, and instruments must be autoclaved at one of three time-temperature combinations, 20 minutes at 121 degrees Celsius, 15 minutes at 126 degrees, or five minutes at 134 degrees, before reuse; using an unsterilized instrument on a client is itself unlawful.

Section 6-94 requires tattooing waste other than needles to go into a sealable leakproof bag or box, with needles disposed of under the sharps rules in Section 23-4. Section 6-95 bars a tattoo artist from knowingly serving a client with a fungus infection or communicable disease, or one who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 3.