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. In compliance with the injunction and final order entered by the Circuit Court for the City of Lynchburg, the State Police are now prohibited from running, or assisting in the running, of private sale background checks pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-308.2:5. 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.
Where can I carry with my Virginia permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
public access to concealed carry registry?
No, except for references to the issuance of concealed handgun permits in any order book before July 1, 2008. The law allows disclosure:
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Virginia.
non-resident permitting?
Yes. Virginia does issue permits to non-residents.
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?
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.
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
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?
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.
driver's license linked to 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.
red flag law?
Yes. An attorney for the Commonwealth or a law-enforcement officer may petition the court to issue a 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.
"assault weapons" ban?
Yes. Starting July 1, 2026, Virginia will prohibit the buying, selling, transferring, importation, and manufacturing of:
Any semi-automatic, centerfire rifle or pistol that:
***In June of 2026, Judge John Martin of the Lancaster County Circuit Court granted a preliminary injunction in Crump v. Katz. The injunction temporarily blocks enforcement of the law while the court considers whether it violates the Virginia Constitution (and related constitutional protections). It is not a final ruling on the merits. The Attorney General has appealed.
Carry Basics
minimum age for concealed carry?
The minimum age to concealed carry in Virginia is 21.
open carry permitted?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry.
constitutional carry?
No. Virginia does not allow constitutional carry.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No. A concealed carry permit in Virginia does not allow you to carry weapons other than handguns.
ammunition restrictions?
No. Virginia does not have ammunition restrictions.
magazine limits for handguns?
As of July 1, 2026, magazines that hold over 15 rounds will be prohibited from purchasing, selling, or transferring.
byrna's?
Yes, these are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Virginia law.
gun permit licensure?
Virginia is a shall-issue state.
non-lethal weapons?
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][Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-287.01][Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-283.1]
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Virginia imposes no restrictions on size or concentration. Prohibited in schools, government buildings, and other restricted areas.
TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense but subject to general misuse laws.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. No specific state restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry in Virginia. Batons are not classified as "prohibited weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.
Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Yes — but only under limited circumstances.
Virginia law prohibits selling, trading, furnishing, or possessing brass knuckles (or “metal knucks”) with intent to distribute — that is, the statute treats mere possession as prima facie (i.e. presumed) evidence of intent to distribute (unless you’re a conservator of the peace).
Here is the relevant statute: Virginia Code § 18.2‑311
Handgun Purchase & Possession
minimum age to possess and transport?
The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Virginia is 18 years old.
handgun registration?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Virginia.
virginia permit exempts from background check?
No.
purchase permits?
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.
possess a handgun on my private property 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.
waiting period?
No. There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Virginia.
background checks for private gun sales?
Yes. All sales are required to be completed through a dealer who must submit a background check. In compliance with the injunction and final order entered by the Circuit Court for the City of Lynchburg, the State Police are now prohibited from running, or assisting in the running, of private sale background checks pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-308.2:5. [SB 70]. Which means that the law cannot currently be enforced.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Virginia Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
hunter harassment law?
Yes. It is unlawful to willfully and intentionally impede the lawful hunting or trapping of wild birds or wild animals.
carry while bow hunting?
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]
carry while gun hunting?
Yes, with a valid concealed handgun permit, provided the handgun is not used to hunt or take wildlife.
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?
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.
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 nonrespermit@vsp.virginia.gov, and pay a $10 fee.
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 nonrespermit@vsp.virginia.gov or writing to them at the following address:
Firearms Transaction Center Nonresident Concealed Handgun PermitsCriminal Justice Information Services DivisionDepartment of State PoliceP.O. Box 85141 Richmond, VA 23285-5141
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.
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
Processing Time:
45 days
Please note, as of June, 2021, the Virginia State Police website indicates the following. ** DUE TO A HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS, THE CURRENT PROCESSING TIME FOR NONRESIDENT CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMITS IS 5 TO 6 MONTHS.**
Valid For:
5 years
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.
Residency Changes:
Moving to Virginia and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Virginia issues resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time. If you have a permit issued by a state in which Virginia has established concealed handgun permit reciprocity or recognition, it will be honored in Virginia as long as the permit remains valid regardless of the change of address. However, you should confirm the validity of the permit with the issuing agency based on the change of address.
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?If a person with a Virginia handgun permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid in Virginia until it expires, provided you submit the above referenced Name/Address change form.
Application:
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.
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.
carry/possess at a hotel?
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.
carry in vehicle?
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?
No.
store in a vehicle 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.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit, unless posted and provided you consume no alcohol.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Virginia. You cannot carry in some state parks depending on municipality. It is best to check with the park for guidance.
[4VAC15-40-60(F)]
Self-Defense
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 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.
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.
Virginia Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2026-03-19
Added new Assault Weapons ban information under Key State Laws Section.
2025-04-09
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
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 the city of Roanoke properties to the locations where you can’t carry
2021-03-17
Added info about HB 2310 signed by the Governor in the Summary section
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
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