Virginia State Laws for Piercing

Virginia has specific piercing guidelines.

While Virginia laws are relatively lax when it comes to body piercing, there still are a few guidelines which must be followed by those looking to have holes punched in their bodies--or to punch holes in the bodies of others--in the "Old Dominion" state.

Definition and Exception

Body piercing is defined by Virginia law as the "act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark or scar, generally permanent in nature."

State regulations and guidelines which apply to body piercing do not apply to ear piercing.

Sanitation Guidelines

By Virginia law, all body piercing or tattoo "parlors," or individuals performing body piercing or tattoos, must comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for "Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions."

Such precautions include the use of gloves, the sterilization of equipment and proper disposal of potentially infectious waste, such as sterilization pads and needles contaminated with bodily fluid. A complete list of precautions can be obtained via the link in Resources.

Additionally, body piercers in Virginia are required by law to provide a disclosure form to all clients. The form advises those seeking a body piercing that: body piercing is an "invasive" procedure in which the skin is penetrated by a foreign object; that body piercing, if not conducted properly, may lead to infection by diseases such as HIV and hepatitis; that tattooing and body piercing may cause allergic reactions; and that body piercing may cause pain, for which the body piercer may not administer anesthesia unless certified to do so by a Virgina health regulatory board.

Additionally, Virginia body piercing and tattoo "parlors" may be inspected to ensure compliance with these standards. Any body piercer found to not be in compliance is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

Minors

Under Virginia law, no body piercer may perform a piercing on a minor (17 and younger) unless the piercing is performed in the presence of that minor's parent or guardian and in the presence of a doctor or registered nurse.

Any individual who performs a piercing procedure on a minor outside of these guidelines is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

References

• Virginia General Assembly: Piercing Law

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: List of Piercing Precautions