Virginia Concealed Carry
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Virginia operates as a shall-issue state. Residents apply for permits through their county circuit court, while non-residents must submit applications to the State Police.
Private Handgun Sales
Virginia does not require permits or registrations for private handgun sales between residents. Recent legislation (SB70/HB2) mandates that all sales, effective July 1, 2020, must be conducted through a licensed dealer who performs a background check. There’s also a restriction of one handgun per month, exempting concealed carry permit holders.
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Open Carry Regulations
Open carry is permissible in Virginia without a permit for individuals aged 18 and older who are legally eligible to possess firearms. However, localities such as Alexandria and Newport News may prohibit open carry in specific public spaces like buildings, parks, and events.
Concealed Carry Laws
Residents holding a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and non-residents with any valid state license or permit can legally carry concealed firearms. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, complete an approved firearms training course, and demonstrate firearm proficiency. Certain locations, such as airport terminals and places of worship during services, are off-limits. Additionally, municipalities have the authority to restrict firearms in government buildings, public parks, community centers, and outdoor event areas.
Reciprocity
Virginia recognizes all out-of-state concealed carry permits, respecting reciprocity agreements.
Legal Standards for Self-Defense
Virginia case law supports self-defense principles akin to the castle doctrine and stand your ground in certain situations. There’s no obligation to retreat if you are lawfully present.
Defense of Self or Others
Under Virginia law, individuals not initiating aggression may use reasonable force if they believe they are facing imminent danger of unlawful force, serious bodily harm, or death. Deadly force is justified only when there is an immediate threat of great bodily injury.
Defense of Dwelling
Virginia law allows non-deadly force to prevent unlawful entry into a dwelling. Deadly force is justified if a person reasonably believes an intruder intends to cause great bodily harm or death.
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Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?
What is the minimum age in Virginia to get a concealed carry permit? The minimum age to concealed carry in Virginia is 21.
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Virginia with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? No. A concealed carry permit in Virginia does not allow you to carry weapons other than handguns.
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Virginia? Yes, any person may use pepper spray in the protection of person, life or property.
Ammunition Restrictions?
Does Virginia have ammunition restrictions? No. Virginia does not have ammunition restrictions.
Constitutional Carry?
Does Virginia allow constitutional carry? No. Virginia does not allow constitutional carry.
Open Carry Permitted?
Is open carry permitted in Virginia? Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry.
Gun Permit Licensure?
If Virginia requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? Virginia is a shall-issue state.
Tasers or Stun Guns?
Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Virginia? Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. The state prohibits carrying a stun weapon in a secure airport terminal, courthouse, or on school property.
Magazine Limits for Handguns?
Does Virginia have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? No more than 20 rounds for handguns. Although Virginia has no law restricting large capacity ammunition magazines, certain areas and circumstances restrict assault firearms from being loaded and carried in public places.
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Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Virginia? Yes, with a permit. Handguns may be transported in a vehicle without a permit if secured in a container or compartment including a console, glove compartment or any other area of the vehicle or vessel that possesses the ability to be closed. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2–308)
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Virginia? No.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Virginia? Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit. See the National Parks webpage for more details. (4VAC15–40–60(F))
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Virginia? Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit, unless posted and provided you consume no alcohol. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2–308.012)
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Virginia? The granting of a concealed handgun permit pursuant to this article shall not thereby authorize the possession of any handgun or other weapon on property or in places where such possession is otherwise prohibited by law or is prohibited by the owner of private property. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2–308.01(c))
Does Virginia have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? No locality shall adopt any workplace rule, other than for the purposes of a community services board or behavioral health authority as defined in § 37.2–100, that prevents an employee of that locality from storing at that locality’s workplace a lawfully possessed firearm and ammunition in a locked private motor vehicle. There is an exception for any local or regional jail, juvenile detention facility or state-governed entity, department or agency. (Va. Code Ann. § 15.2–915)
Brandishing?
- Does Virginia state law define brandishing? Yes. It is unlawful for any person to point, hold or brandish any firearm or any object similar in appearance, whether capable of being fired or not, in such manner as to reasonably induce fear in the mind of another of being shot or injured. However, this does not apply to any person engaged in excusable or justifiable self-defense. [Va. Code Ann. § 18.2–282] It shall be unlawful for any person to handle recklessly any firearm so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person. [Va. Code Ann. § 18.2–56.1]
Carry While Using Alcohol or Illegal Drugs?
- Does Virginia have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or illegal drugs? Not while consuming or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in a public place. [Va. Code Ann. § 18.2–308.012] As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Non-Resident Permitting?
- Does Virginia issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? Yes. Virginia does issue permits to non-residents.
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?
- Does Virginia allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? No, except for references to the issuance of concealed handgun permits in any order book before July 1, 2008. The law allows disclosure:
- To law enforcement agencies and officers for law enforcement purposes;
- Of records by the State Police concerning permits issued to nonresidents; and
- Of statistical summaries, abstracts or other records containing information in an aggregate form that does not identify any individual permittees.
Duty to Inform Officer You’re Carrying?
- Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Virginia? There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Virginia. [Va. Code Ann. § 18.2–308.01]
Driver’s License Linked to Carry Permit?
- Is my Virginia driver’s license linked to my Virginia carry permit? Yes. Your Virginia driver’s license is linked to your Virginia handgun permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license.
“No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?
- Are “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in Virginia? No. “No Weapons Allowed” signs have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned by the law as being off limits.
Red Flag Law?
- Does Virginia have a red flag law? Yes. An attorney for the Commonwealth or a law-enforcement officer may petition the court to issue an ex parte emergency substantial risk order. The order prohibits the person who is subject to the order from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm for the duration of the order. The person is also required to surrender his concealed handgun permit if he possesses one, and advises the person to voluntarily relinquish any firearm within his custody to the law-enforcement agency that serves the order. The order may be issued for a maximum of 180 days. [Future VCA 19.2–152.13]
Preemption?
- Does Virginia have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? Partial. The state has preemption of firearms laws in Virginia, except effective July 1, 2020, localities may prohibit firearms, ammunition, or components thereof in certain places, provided that notice is properly posted:
- Any building, or portion of a building owned or used by a locality for governmental purposes;
- Public parks;
- Recreation or community centers; or
- Any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or other place that is open to the public that is being used by, or is adjacent to, a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit;
- Prohibit the outdoor shooting of firearms in areas so heavily populated as to make such conduct dangerous to the inhabitants;
- Impose limited prohibitions on possession of a loaded firearm on public highways;
- Prohibit the discharge of firearms; and
- Require the maintenance of safety devices on storage equipment for firearms. In addition, municipalities may adopt local ordinances regulating the possession and storage of firearms, ammunition or components, or combination thereof, in government buildings and areas such as public parks, recreation or community centers, and outdoor areas being used during permitted events. [Va. Code Ann. § 15.2–915][Va. Code Ann. § 15.2–1209]
PURCHASE PERMITS?
- Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Virginia? No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Virginia. Any person who is not a licensed firearms dealer is prohibited from purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period. However, one of the exceptions to the law is for anyone that holds a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?
- Are background checks required for private gun sales in Virginia? Yes. All sales are required to be completed through a dealer who must submit a background check.
VIRGINIA PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK?
- Does my current Virginia concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? No.
WAITING PERIOD?
- Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Virginia? No. There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Virginia.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
- Do handguns need to be registered in Virginia? No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Virginia.
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT?
- What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Virginia? The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Virginia is 18 years old.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT?
- Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? Yes. A permit is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a handgun in a person’s place of abode or the curtilage thereof or in his or her own place of business.
Alabama (at least 21 years old)
Alaska
Arizona (at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (at least 21 years old)
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware (at least 21 years old)
District of Columbia
Florida (handguns only)
Georgia (at least 21 years old)
Hawaii
Idaho (Enhanced permits only and at least 21 years old)
Illinois
Indiana (at least 21 years old)
Iowa (at least 21 years old)
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine (at least 21 years old)
Maryland (at least 21 years old)
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi (at least 21 years old)
Missouri (at least 21 years old)
Montana (at least 21 years old)
Nebraska
Nevada (at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (at least 21 years old)
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York (at least 21 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (Class 1 permits only )
Ohio
Oklahoma (at least 21 years old)
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota (at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (at least 21 years old)
Texas (at least 21 years old)
Utah (at least 21 years old)
Washington
West Virginia (at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin
Wyoming (at least 21 years old)
Virginia honors all valid out-of-state concealed carry permits issued to individuals who are at least 21 years old and are carrying a photo ID issued by a government agency. Residents must have a Virginia Handgun Permit (HP) in order to carry in the state.
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Louisiana
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nevada
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (non-resident permits only)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
- Initial and renewals for residents $50 ($15 for King William County residents)
- Initial permit for non-residents $100
- Retired law enforcement officers with 15 years of service have no fees.
- 5 years
- 45 days for residents
- As of June 2021, non-resident processing time is 5 to 6 months due to high application volume.
- Applicants who do not reside in Virginia can apply by mail. Contact the Virginia State Police at [email protected] or by mail at Firearms Transaction Center, Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permits, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Department of State Police, P.O. Box 85141, Richmond, VA 23285–5141.
- Application package includes requirement and qualification information, a Virginia State Police fingerprint card, return envelope, and checklist.
- Virginia State Police Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permit webpage
- Processing time for non-resident permits can be 3 to 6 months.
- Apply for a replacement permit if destroyed, mutilated, stolen, or lost through your county sheriff. Some counties offer online replacement applications for $5.
- Moving to Virginia: Resident and non-resident permits are available at any time.
- Moving from Virginia: Virginia resident permits remain valid until expiration if moving to a state with reciprocity. Verify validity with the issuing agency.
- Complete this form and submit to Firearms Transaction Center, P.O. Box 85141, Richmond, VA 23285–5141, or email to [email protected] with a $10 fee.
- Age: 21 years or older
- Residency: Must reside in the county of application
- Competence: Demonstrate handgun competence
- Legal Status: U.S. permanent resident
- Disqualifications: Includes dishonorable discharge, fugitive status, and various legal prohibitions
- Criminal History: Restrictions based on convictions, mental health history, and substance abuse
- Additional Requirements: Consult federal law requirements
- July 1, 2021 Amendment: Enroll in the Voluntary Do Not Sell Firearms List
Consult with an attorney for eligibility questions.
- Complete a state-approved firearms training course.
- Download the application or pick one up from the circuit court or sheriff’s office.
- File the application along with a copy of a firearms training certificate in person or by mail with the clerk of the circuit court of the county or city where you reside. Non-residents must mail their application to the State Police.
- You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.
- Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or a similar agency of another state;
- Completing any National Rifle Association (NRA) firearms safety or training course;
- Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, junior college, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or the Department of Criminal Justice Services;
- Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
- Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;
- Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in this Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;
- Completing any in-person firearms training or safety course or class, conducted by a state-certified or NRA-certified firearms instructor;
- Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or
- Completing any other firearms training which the court deems adequate.
- Step 1: You will receive a notification by mail 90 days before the permit expires. The renewal application can be submitted up to 180 days after the expiry date.
- Step 2: Download the renewal application or pick one up from the circuit court or sheriff’s office.
- Step 3: File the application by mail with the clerk of the circuit court of your county or city.
- Step 4: You will receive notification by mail within 45 days regarding the approval or denial of your renewal application.
- Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
- Yes, unless posted and provided you consume no alcohol.
- Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license?
- Yes, with a permit or without a permit if it is secured in a container or compartment.
- Carry in roadside rest areas?
- No.
- Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and WMAs?
- Yes, with a permit, except for Hog Island WMA, Buggs Island or upon the water on Gaston Reservoir.
Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- Any child day center or public, private or religious elementary, middle or high school, including buildings and grounds (except for a person with a valid permit can carry in their vehicle and unloaded firearms in closed containers in or upon a motor vehicle);
- That portion of any property open to the public and exclusively used for school-sponsored functions or extracurricular activities while such functions or activities are taking place; and
- Any school bus.
- Most public colleges & universities have promulgated regulations prohibiting carry in buildings and at events;
- Places of religious worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held, without “good and sufficient reason” (although this may seem vague and ambiguous, there is no statutory definition);
- Anywhere while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs;
- Courthouses;
- As of July 1, 2021, Capitol Square and the surrounding area, any building owned or leased by the State, or any office where State employees are regularly present performing their official duties provided the areas are posted conspicuously (exceptions include property owned or operated by a public institution of higher education and state parks);
- Regional jails or juvenile detention facilities;
- Offices Owned or Occupied by Executive Branch Agencies;
- Private property when prohibited by the owner of the property or where posted as prohibited;
- Non-secure areas of airport terminals;
- Day-use areas, campgrounds and other developed recreational Tennessee Valley Authority lands;
- As of July 1, 2021, within 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place, including one hour before and one hour after its use as a polling place;
- City property and streets where special events are being held in the city of Alexandria;
- Public buildings, meetings and town-held events in the town of Blacksburg;
- City buildings, recreation centers and city parks in the cities of Richmond and Winchester;
- City buildings, parks, recreation and community centers and other municipal property in the city of Roanoke;
- City parks, buildings, recreational/community centers and on public streets or in the right-of-way adjacent to a city park that is being used for a permitted event in the city of Charlottesville;
- City buildings, facilities, parks and in streets when used for public events in the city of Falls Church;
- Public buildings, parks and events in the city of Petersburg as well as public streets, roads, alleys, rights-of-way or sidewalks that are “adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit”;
- County buildings, community centers, parks and recreation centers in Fairfax County (guns and ammunition);
- County buildings, offices and parks in Loudoun County (although concealed carry permit holders are exempt when visiting county parks);
- County owned or operated buildings, parks, and recreation or community centers (although there is an exception for firearms secured in a container or vehicle compartment) in Albemarle County;
- Government buildings, parks, recreation, or community center owned or used by County government and events with county-issued permits in Arlington County;
- As of January 1, 2022, municipally-owned buildings in the Town of Herndon;
- That portion of Hog Island Wildlife Management Area bordering on the James River and lying north of the Surry Nuclear Power Plant, except while hunting deer or waterfowl in conformity with a special permit issued by the department;
- Buggs Island or upon the water on Gaston Reservoir (Roanoke River) from a point beginning at High Rock and extending to the John H. Kerr Dam; and
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
- Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Virginia?
- Yes, with a valid concealed handgun permit, except not on any waterway or on property where such possession is otherwise prohibited by law or is prohibited by the owner of private property. Furthermore, the possession of a concealed handgun permit does not authorize the use of the concealed handgun for hunting. [VA Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries Genl Info & Hunting Regs]
- Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Virginia?
- Yes. It is unlawful to willfully and intentionally impede the lawful hunting or trapping of wild birds or wild animals. [Va. Code Ann. § 29.1–521.1]
- The possession of throwing stars, switchblades, ballistic knives or like weapons is illegal in Virginia. It is legal to openly carry any legal knife in Virginia. It is illegal to conceal carry a dirk, Bowie knife, machete, razor or any knife of a like kind. Possession of any knife with the exception of a pocket knife having a folding metal blade of less than 3 inches is prohibited in schools. [Va. Code Ann. §§ 18.2–311, 18.2–308(A) and 18.2–308.1]
- On March 11, 2022, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed HB 758 into law, which eliminates the prohibition for selling, bartering, giving, furnishing or possessing with the intent of selling, bartering, giving or furnishing a switchblade. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
- I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Virginia, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
- There is no known statute in Virginia making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. A state statute was identified, making it illegal to wear a mask with the intent to conceal an individual’s identity, however the law does not apply in the case of a declaration of a disaster or state of emergency by the Governor in response to a public health emergency where the emergency defines the mask appropriate for the emergency, and provides for the duration of the waiver.
- Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Virginia?
- Yes, with a valid concealed handgun permit, provided the handgun is not used to hunt or take wildlife. [Va. Code Ann. § 18.2–308(C)(6)]
