Virginia Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in Virginia, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
Virginia is a shall-issue state.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Virginia?
No. There is no waiting period to purchase firearms in Virginia to purchase a firearm.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Virginia?
No. A purchase permit is not required in Virginia.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) in Virginia?
Any resident who is 21 years of age or older may obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit in Virginia. Any domestic-violence conviction or active warrants for misdemeanors or felonies will disqualify.
Is there a firearms-training requirement in Virginia for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)?
Yes. An applicant must complete a state-approved firearms-training course and demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety prior to being issued a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).
What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) in Virginia?
Applicants for a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a resident of the county in which you are applying
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a suitable person to be licensed
- Pass a criminal-history background check
- Complete a handgun-competency course
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) in Virginia?
- Obtain an application from the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which you reside and fill out the form. Or, to download a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit application, go to virginia.gov. (Procedures may vary. Check with your clerk to verify.)
- Compete a handgun-competency course
- Submit the application to local circuit court in your county with the fee. Typically, a permit is issued within 45 days.
How much does a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) cost?
A Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) costs about $50, depending on the circuit court where you reside. There may be additional processing fees. Your local circuit court will provide details.
Does Virginia recognize pistol permits from other states?
Yes. Virginia honors all out-of-state concealed-carry permits.
Is Virginia a Constitutional Carry state?
No. Virginia does not allow permitless carry.
Is Virginia an Open Carry state?
Yes. Virginia is an Open Carry state that allows any person at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm to open carry. However, there are localities that prohibit open carry in public buildings, parks and at certain events.
Is Virginia a Stand Your Ground state?
Not technically. But Virginia is a Castle Doctrine state and case law supports self-defense. You do not have to retreat in Virginia. You can defend yourself in your home or in any location you are legally permitted to be. In a defense-of-dwelling circumstance, deadly force is only justified when you reasonably believe the intruder will commit great bodily injury or death.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Virginia?
Yes. Semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in Virginia, but there are state laws that define so-called “assault weapons.”
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Virginia?
Yes. There are no state laws restricting magazine capacities in Virginia.
Does Virginia have gun-storage laws?
Yes. Virginia law states it is unlawful to recklessly leave a loaded firearm in a manner that would endanger a child under the age of 14.
Is Virginia a Red Flag state?
Yes. Virginia has a red-flag law that allows a judge to issue an extreme-risk protective order that enables police to temporarily confiscate firearms from a person deemed to be at high risk of harming themselves or others.
