Virginia permit process

How To Get Your Virginia Concealed Carry Permit

Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Virginia's concealed carry laws. Applying for a HP varies by state.

Read about the process for getting a Virginia Handgun Permit below.

Steps To Get A Virginia Concealed Carry Permit

1

COMPLETE a state-approved firearms training course

2

DOWNLOAD the application or pick one up from a circuit court or sheriff’s office.

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. Non-residents must mail their applications to the state police.

4

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved.

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What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Virginia?

An applicant must demonstrate competence with a handgun by one of the following:

  • 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 NRA 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previously having held a license to carry a firearm in this Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause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
  • Completing any other firearms training which the court deems adequate


What Are the Virginia License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 21 years old;
  • Reside in the county in which the application is submitted;
  • Demonstrate competence with a handgun;
  • Be an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States;
  • Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States;
  • Not be a fugitive from justice;
  • Not be ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to Section 18.2-308.1:118.2-308.1:2, 18.2-308.1:3, 18.2-308.1:6, 18.2-308.1:7, 18.2-308.1:8 or a similar law of any other state;
  • Not be ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to Section 18.2-308.1:1 and who was discharged from the custody of the Commissioner less than 5 years before the date of this application;
  • Not be ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to Section 18.2-308.1:2 and whose competency or capacity was restored less than 5 years before the date of this application;
  • Not be ineligible to possess a firearm under Section 18.2-308.1:3 and who was released from commitment less than 5 years before the date of this application;
  • Not be subject to a restraining order, a protective order, an emergency substantial risk order or substantial risk order and prohibited by Section 18.2-308.1:4 or Section 18.2-308.1:6 from purchasing or transporting a firearm;
  • Not be prohibited by Section 18.2-308.2 from possessing or transporting a firearm, except that a permit may be obtained in accordance with subsection C of that section;
  • Not have been convicted of two or more misdemeanors within the 5-year period immediately preceding the application, if one of the misdemeanors was a Class 1 misdemeanor, but the judge shall have the discretion to deny a permit for two or more misdemeanors that are not Class 1;
  • Not be addicted to, or an unlawful user or distributor of, marijuana or any controlled substance;
  • Not have been convicted of a violation of Section 18.2-266 or a substantially similar local ordinance, or of public drunkenness, anywhere in the United States, or its territories within the 3-year period immediately preceding the application;
  • Not be an individual who the court finds is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others (The sheriff, chief of police, or attorney for the Commonwealth may submit to the court a sworn written statement indicating that the applicant is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others. The statement shall be based upon personal knowledge of such individual or of the specific acts);
  • Not have been convicted of, or have a charge pending of any assault, assault and battery, sexual battery, discharging of a firearm in violation of Section 18.2-280, Section 18.2-286.1 or brandishing of a firearm within the 3-year period preceding the application;
  • Not be an individual who has been convicted of, or have a charge pending of stalking;
  • Not be an individual whose previous convictions or adjudications of delinquency were based on an offense which would have been at the time of conviction a felony if committed by an adult;
  • Not have received mental health treatment or substance abuse treatment in a residential setting within 5 years of this application;
  • Not be otherwise ineligible pursuant to this section, who, within the 3-year period prior to the application, found guilty of any criminal offense set forth in Section 18.2-247 or of a criminal offense of illegal possession or distribution of marijuana or any controlled substance;
  • Not have been found guilty of any criminal offense set forth in Section 18.2-247 or a charge of illegal possession or distribution of marijuana or any controlled substance, or a substantially similar law of any other state within the 3-year period immediately preceding the application; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.

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.

What are the Fees and Terms?

$50-100 for Initial Permit Pending Resident or Non-Resident. No Fees for Retired LEO's With 15+ Years of Service

Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue

45 Day Processing TIme

$50 Permit Renewals

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

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.

How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Virginia?

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.

1

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

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.

2

DOWNLOAD the application or pick one up from the circuit court or sheriff’s office.

3

FILE the application by mail with the clerk of the circuit court of your county or city.

4

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

You will be notified within 45 days by mail if your application has been approved or denied.

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Do Your Homework!

Make sure you understand Virginia Gun Laws and Virginia concealed carry reciprocity with other states.