Age Verification LawsUS states
Virginia age verification laws
Adult sites must verify that visitors are 18 or older under SB 1515, in force since 1 July 2023.1, 2 SB 854, which limits under-16s to one hour of social media a day, is blocked while Virginia appeals.3, 4
Checked 28 October 2026 against the sources.
The two laws at a glance
| Law | What it requires | Status |
|---|---|---|
| SB 1515 (2023), ch. 811 | Age and identity verification on websites where more than a third of the material is harmful to minors2 | In force |
| SB 854 (2025) | Social media platforms must find out whether a user is under 16 and limit them to one hour a day3 | Blocked |
SB 1515: adult sites
Approved on 12 May 2023 as chapter 811 of the Acts of Assembly, now section 8.01-40.5 of the Code of Virginia.1, 2
What a site must do
Verify that anyone trying to reach the material is 18 or older, using a commercially available database regularly used for age and identity verification, or another commercially reasonable method of age and identity verification.2
How it is enforced
Not by fines from the state. A site that breaks the law is liable for damages from a minor's access, plus attorney fees and costs. Interactive computer services are excluded.2
SB 854: one hour a day for under-16s
The law is section 59.1-577.1 of the Code of Virginia. A minor here means anyone under 16.3
What it requires
Platforms must use commercially reasonable methods, such as a neutral age screen, to find out whether a user is a minor, and limit minors to one hour a day per service. A parent can give verifiable consent to raise or lower the limit.3
Information collected to determine age may only be used for that, and for age-appropriate experiences.3
Where it stands
NetChoice, a tech industry group, sued on 17 November 2025. The district court granted a preliminary injunction on 27 February 2026, and Virginia appealed to the Fourth Circuit on 3 March 2026. Briefing ended with Virginia's reply on 12 June 2026.4
Questions people ask
Is Virginia's social media time limit in effect?
No. A federal court blocked SB 854 on 27 February 2026, and the appeal is pending as of 28 October 2026.4
When did Virginia's age verification law start?
SB 1515, for adult sites, took effect on 1 July 2023.1
Can Virginia fine a site that doesn't check ages?
SB 1515 works through civil liability for damages, not state fines.2
Sources 4
- SB 1515 (2023), summary and history (approved, Chapter 811, effective 1 July 2023), Virginia Legislative Information System. Read 28 October 2026.
- Code of Virginia section 8.01-40.5, Virginia Law. Read 28 October 2026.
- Code of Virginia section 59.1-577.1 (2025, c. 703), Virginia Law. Read 28 October 2026.
- NetChoice v. Jones (Virginia), case timeline, NetChoice (the challenger). Read 28 October 2026.
Every fact here comes from the law or the court record, checked again and dated. How we check