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Virginia is a shall-issue state. For residents, applications are filed with the circuit court in their county of residence, and non-residents must mail their application to the State Police.
There is no permit or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual, provided the buyer and seller are both Virginia residents. However, based on SB70/HB2 being signed into law, as of July 1, 2020, all sales are required to be completed through a dealer who must submit a background check. Additionally, a one handgun per month purchase restriction is now in effect, although concealed carry permit holders are exempt.
Open carry is legal in Virginia without a permit for anyone who is at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm. However, Localities, such as Alexandria and Newport News may ban the open carry of firearms in public buildings, parks and at special events.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and non-residents with any valid state license/permit. Virginia CHPs are issued to both residents and non-residents at least 21 years old and require a state-approved firearms training course and demonstrated competence with the firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including airport terminals and places of worship during services. In addition, municipalities may ban guns in government buildings and areas such as public parks, recreation or community centers, and outdoor areas being used during permitted events. In terms of reciprocity, Virginia honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits.
Although not codified by statute, Virginia case law supports self-defense, a version of the castle doctrine and stand your ground in certain circumstances. There is no duty to retreat, and you can defend yourself at any location you are legally permitted to be.
Defense of Self or Others
Virginia law allows the use of self-defense where a person, who is not the aggressor:
A person may only use deadly force if there was a present danger of great bodily injury. An individual is allowed to defend not only his or her person from harm if the person being defended would have been justified in using self-defense.
Defense of Dwelling
Although Virginia law does not allow deadly force to prevent an entry into a home or dwelling, non-deadly force may be used to prevent an unlawful entry into a dwelling. Deadly force is only justified in circumstances where a person reasonably believes the intruder will commit great bodily injury or death.
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. |
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. |
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 anyone from carrying a stun weapon:
[Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308.1] |
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. |
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, Virginia law defines “assault firearm” as any semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol which expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material and is equipped at the time of the offense with a magazine which will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or designed by the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock. These assault firearms are prohibited from being loaded and carried on or about the person, openly or concealed, on any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, or in any public park or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public in the cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Falls Church, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, or Virginia Beach or in the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, or Prince William. There are exceptions for concealed handgun permit holders and individuals actually engaged in lawful hunting or lawful recreational shooting activities at established shooting ranges or shooting contests. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does Virginia have ammunition restrictions? |
No. Virginia does not have ammunition restrictions. |
Carry in Vehicle?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. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Virginia? |
No. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?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 links to each Park in Virginia. |
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?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. |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?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. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?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. |
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. |
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? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
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. |
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 the following places, provided that notice is properly posted:
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. |
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. |
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. It shall be unlawful for any person to handle recklessly any firearm so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person. |
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:
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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. |
Virginia Gun Laws: What You Need to Know
USCCA — March 25, 2019
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Virginia
USCCA — May 31, 2020
Which states' permits does Virginia honor?
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.
Which states honor permits from Virginia?
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.
Virginia offers resident and non-resident permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Virginia resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
*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.
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
In addition, as of July 1, 2021:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Virginia. |
Fees: |
Initial and renewals for residents $50 ($15 for King William County residents) Initial permit for non-residents $100 There are no fees for retired law enforcement officers with 15 years of service |
Valid For: |
5 years |
Processing Time: |
45 days Please note, as of June, 2021, the Virginia State Police website indicates the following. |
Application: |
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Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Applicants who do not reside in Virginia can apply by mail. An application package can be obtained by emailing the Virginia state police at [email protected] or writing to them at the following address: Firearms Transaction Center The application package will provide requirement and qualification information, a Virginia State Police fingerprint card, a return envelope for the completed application and a checklist to ensure that all necessary information is provided. Further information can be viewed on the Virginia State Police Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permit webpage. The processing time for nonresident concealed handgun permits can be 3 to 6 months. |
Name/Address Changes: |
You must complete this form and submit it to the Firearms Transaction Center (FTC) at P.O. Box 85141, Richmond, Virginia, 23285-5141, or submit it by email to [email protected], and pay a $10 fee. |
Lost/Stolen Permits: |
If your concealed handgun permit has been destroyed, mutilated, stolen or lost, you may apply for a replacement permit. Contact your county sheriff. Some counties have replacement applications online. The cost is $5. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to Virginia and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Moving from Virginia and have a Virginia resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Virginia permit remains valid? |
How to Apply for a Virginia Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete a state-approved firearms training course. |
Step 2: |
Download the application or pick one up from the circuit court or sheriff’s office. |
Step 3: |
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 in which the applicant resides, or non-residents must mail their application to the State Police. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. |
An applicant must demonstrate competence with a handgun by one of the following:
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew a Virginia Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
You will be notified by mail 90 days before the permit expires. You can submit a renewal application up to 180 days after the permits expiry date. |
Step 2: |
Download the 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 be notified within 45 days by mail if your application has been approved or denied. |
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Per Code of VA § 18.2-308.016, RLEOs with proof of service may annually participate and meet the training and qualification standards to carry firearms as is required of active LEOs in the Commonwealth. If the RLEO meets the training and qualification standards, the chief law-enforcement officer shall issue the RLEO certification, valid one year from the date of issuance, indicating that the RLEO has met the standards of the Commonwealth to carry a firearm.
Per the Virginia State Police (VSP) LEOSA webpage, to qualify for the nationwide carry privilege, a VSP retiree must receive authorization from the VSP. To do so, the VSP retiree must first submit the following to the Virginia State Police Firearms Transaction Center:
When all items have been completed and submitted as a complete package, the sworn VSP retiree will be issued an Authorization card, an annual qualification sticker and a letter from the superintendent detailing the conditions of the nationwide carry privilege. These items are mailed directly to the applicant.
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Virginia? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Virginia?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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What Are the Knife Laws in Virginia? |
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. |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?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 individuals 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. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?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. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?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] |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?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. |
Date | Details |
---|---|
2022-03-21 | Added HB 758, which eliminates the prohibition for selling, bartering, giving, furnishing or possessing with the intent of selling, bartering, giving or furnishing a switchblade |
2021-10-07 | Added various municipal locations where you can’t carry |
2021-07-01 | Updated all sections for new laws taking effect on July 1, 2021 |
2021-05-19 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
2021-04-01 | Added locations where you can’t carry per HB 2295 |
2021-04-01 | Updated info regarding permit requirements per new legislation |
2021-03-17 | Added info about HB 2310 signed by the Governor in the Summary section |
2021-03-17 | Added the city of Roanoke properties to the locations where you can’t carry |
2021-03-03 | Added Loudoun County properties to the locations where you can’t carry |
2021-03-01 | Added Town of Blacksburg properties to the locations where you can’t carry |
2021-01-04 | Updated info on in-person training required as of January 1, 2021 |
2020-11-02 | Updated city and county locations where you can’t carry |
2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
2020-07-03 | Updated information on universal background checks in At A Glance table based on new legislation |
2020-07-02 | Updated information on preemption in At A Glance table based on new legislation |
2020-07-02 | Added locations where you can’t carry per new legislation |
2020-07-02 | Updated information on red flag laws in At A Glance table based on new legislation |
2020-07-01 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
2020-06-26 | Added link to National Parks to At A Glance table |
2020-06-22 | Added City of Alexandria locations where you can’t carry per new legislation |
2020-04-20 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
2020-04-10 | Updated info on new law on universal background checks in At A Glance table |
2020-04-10 | Added info on the new red flag law in At A Glance table |
2020-04-10 | Updated info on new law on one handgun purchase per month in At A Glance table |
2020-04-07 | Added info on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
2020-02-24 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
2020-02-20 | Added related blog posts with links |
2020-02-18 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
2020-01-31 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
2020-01-13 | Updated info on carry while using alcohol or controlled substances in At A Glance table |
2020-01-13 | Added the Capitol Square in can’t carry locations per new joint House-Senate rules committee policy |
2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
2019-11-22 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
2019-11-04 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-16 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
2019-09-09 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
2019-07-26 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
2019-05-10 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
2019-04-19 | Links checked |
2019-04-03 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
2019-02-22 | Added info to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
2019-02-08 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.