State Laws · VA
Virginia Gun Laws
Effective as of July 1, 2024 (most recent legislative session changes). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
Virginia requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) for concealed carry, issued by the circuit court of the applicant's county or city of residence. Virginia is a shall-issue state. Applicants must demonstrate firearms competence through one of several approved methods (including completion of a firearms safety course, military service, or law enforcement training). The permit is valid for five years.
Key statute: Virginia Code § 18.2-308 — defines carrying concealed weapons offense and permit exemptions. § 18.2-308.02 through 308.014 — governs CHP application and issuance.
Open Carry
Open carry is legal in Virginia without a permit for anyone who can legally possess a firearm, with the exception of certain locations. Virginia does restrict open carry of certain firearms (assault-style weapons) in some localities under local ordinance authority granted by the state legislature.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons acquitted by reason of insanity, persons adjudicated legally incompetent, persons involuntarily committed to a mental health facility, persons subject to protective orders, persons convicted of certain drug offenses, persons convicted of assault and battery of a family member within three years, persons convicted of two or more DUI offenses within five years, and persons under 21.
Prohibited Locations
Virginia prohibits concealed carry in: places of religious worship during a service (without good and sufficient reason), courthouses, school property (K-12), Capitol Square, the Governor's mansion, and air carrier airport terminals. Virginia also prohibits carrying in any establishment licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption while consuming alcohol.
Purchase Requirements
Virginia enacted universal background checks in 2020, requiring a background check for all firearms sales including private transfers. There is no waiting period. Virginia has a red flag law (substantial risk order) enacted in 2020. There is no state assault weapons ban, though some localities may regulate certain firearms under authority granted by the legislature. There is no state firearms registry and no magazine capacity restriction.
Citations
Virginia Code Title 18.2, Chapter 7 (crimes involving health and safety); Virginia Code § 18.2-308 series (concealed weapons).
Look up statutes at Virginia General Assembly →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Virginia statutes
Virginia General Assembly →This link goes to Virginia's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.