State profile

Virginia age-verification & online ID laws

In effect SB 1515 (2023) effective Jul 1, 2023

SB 1515 (2023) -- adult-content age verification using a commercially available database or another commercially reasonable method; effective July 1, 2023.

Laws & bills on record

Adult content

In effect
Bill / statute
SB 1515 (2023)
Status
Active law in effect
Effective
Jul 1, 2023
Intrusiveness
Moderate -- Standard ID or age-estimate check to enter adult sites; civil enforcement.

SB 1515 (2023) -- adult-content age verification using a commercially available database or another commercially reasonable method; effective July 1, 2023.

Timeline
  • Jul 1, 2023In effect

Source: lis.virginia.gov

Social media

Court hold
Bill / statute
SB 854 (2025)
Status
Enacted, blocked by court
Effective
Jan 1, 2026 (enjoined)
Intrusiveness
High -- Broad reach: low or no content threshold, device/OS-level, or bundled with other verification.
Sponsor
Signed by Gov. Youngkin

SB 854 (2025) amended the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act to require platforms to use commercially reasonable methods (e.g., a neutral age screen) to identify users under 16 and cap their use at one hour per day absent parental consent. It took effect Jan 1, 2026, but a federal judge preliminarily enjoined it Feb 27, 2026 (NetChoice v. Jones); the Attorney General appealed to the 4th Circuit, and it is not currently enforced.

Timeline
  • Jan 1, 2026In effect
  • Feb 27, 2026Court hold

Source: lis.virginia.gov

Digital ID

This state issues a mobile driver's license / state digital ID that residents can load into a phone wallet; it is on the AAMVA mDL list and TSA's digital-ID program.

Effective: Live

Source: tsa.gov

Frequently asked questions

Does Virginia require age verification to access adult websites?

Yes. SB 1515 (2023) is in effect, effective Jul 1, 2023. SB 1515 (2023) -- adult-content age verification using a commercially available database or another commercially reasonable method; effective July 1, 2023.

Does Virginia require age checks or ID to use social media?

A law was enacted but is currently blocked by a court. SB 854 (2025) is court hold, effective Jan 1, 2026 (enjoined). SB 854 (2025) amended the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act to require platforms to use commercially reasonable methods (e.g., a neutral age screen) to identify users under 16 and cap their use at one hour per day absent parental consent.

Does Virginia have a digital ID requirement?

This state issues a mobile driver's license / state digital ID that residents can load into a phone wallet; it is on the AAMVA mDL list and TSA's digital-ID program.

← See Virginia on the US map

Other states