Virginia microblading and permanent makeup rules
Do you need a license to do microblading in Virginia?
Yes. In Virginia, anyone who does microblading or other permanent cosmetic tattooing for compensation needs a Permanent Cosmetic Tattooer license from the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology; a Master Permanent Cosmetic Tattooer license is a separate license for advanced work. Below: the studio license, the agency that issues them, local rules and what Virginia says about microblading itself, each answered from Virginia's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026.
- Artist license
- License needed
- Studio license
- License needed
- Artist fee
- Not stated
- Local rules
- Not stated
Licensed by Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation).The agency's page The state's own words
The artist
Do you need a license to do permanent makeup in Virginia?
Yes. In Virginia, anyone who does microblading or other permanent cosmetic tattooing for compensation needs a Permanent Cosmetic Tattooer license from the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology; a Master Permanent Cosmetic Tattooer license is a separate license for advanced work.
- License needed
- License needed
- License name
- Permanent Cosmetic Tattooer License, Master Permanent Cosmetic Tattooer License
- Training hours
- 200 hours
- State fee
- Not stated
The studio
Does a microblading studio need a license in Virginia?
Yes. A business that offers permanent cosmetic tattooing must hold a Permanent Cosmetic Tattoo Salon license from the same Board, in addition to the individual artist licenses.
- License needed
- License needed
- License name
- Permanent Cosmetic Tattoo Salon License
- State fee
- Not stated
Microblading by name
Is microblading considered tattooing in Virginia?
Yes, by name. The official regulation names microblading in its definition of a permanent cosmetic tattooer, so microblading falls under the same tattooing license as other permanent cosmetic work.
Good to know
What else Virginia asks of permanent makeup artists
- Every licensed permanent cosmetic tattooer must complete board-approved bloodborne disease, sterilization, aseptic technique and first aid education during each licensed term, documented at renewal.
- A temporary license for a new applicant lasts 90 days and is only valid while the holder works under the direct supervision of a licensed individual.
- A license from another state is not enough: the Board says state law prohibits practicing or offering tattooing, including permanent cosmetic work, in Virginia without a Virginia license.
Sources
What Virginia's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of Virginia's own statutes, rules or agency pages, read on October 24, 2026. Rules change, and counties can add their own: confirm with the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology before you start.
- The artist's license
“the placing of designs, letters, scrolls, figures, symbols, or any other marks 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”
law.lis.virginia.gov “Any individual wishing to engage in tattooing, permanent cosmetic tattooing, or master permanent cosmetic tattooing must obtain a license in compliance with § 54.1-703 of the Code of Virginia”
law.lis.virginia.gov “permanent cosmetic tattooer licenses, master permanent cosmetic tattooer licenses, permanent cosmetic tattoo salon licenses”
law.lis.virginia.gov “Permanent Cosmetic Tattooer - Exam & License Application”
dpor.virginia.gov “Curriculum and performance requirements specified in 18VAC41-50-280 D and E must be taught over a minimum of 200 clock hours for permanent cosmetic tattooing program”
law.lis.virginia.gov - The studio's license
“must obtain a tattoo parlor license, event tattoo parlor license, or permanent cosmetic tattoo salon license in compliance with § 54.1-704.1 of the Code of Virginia”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Who issues it
“The Board for Barbers and Cosmetology licenses individuals and businesses that perform barbering, cosmetology, nail care, waxing, tattooing, body piercing, and esthetics.”
dpor.virginia.gov - Microblading by name
“practices permanent cosmetic tattooing known in the industry as basic permanent cosmetic tattooing, including eyebrows, microblading, scalp micropigmentation”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Also good to know
“must satisfactorily complete board-approved health education to include (i) bloodborne disease, sterilization, and aseptic techniques related to tattooing and (ii) first aid during their licensed term.”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Also good to know
“The temporary license will remain in force for 90 days and no subsequent temporary license will be issued.”
law.lis.virginia.gov - Also good to know
“State law prohibits any person from practicing or offering to practice barbering, cosmetology, nail care, waxing, tattooing, body piercing, or esthetics in the Commonwealth without a Virginia license.”
dpor.virginia.gov
Questions
Virginia microblading licenses, answered
Do you need a license to do microblading in Virginia?
Is microblading considered tattooing or permanent makeup in Virginia?
Does a permanent makeup studio need a license in Virginia?
Who licenses permanent makeup artists in Virginia?
Does a cosmetology or esthetician license cover microblading in Virginia?
Plan the rest
Licensed and ready to book clients
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- What Virginia requires to open a salon or studio
- What Virginia inspectors check in a salon
- Renting a room or a chair? Start from a booth rental agreement
Microblading rules in other states
Ready when you are
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