How do I get a concealed carry permit in Virginia?

Q: How do I get a concealed carry permit in Virginia?

Virginia's Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is governed by Va. Code § 18.2-308.02 et seq. and issued by the circuit court of the applicant's county or city of residence. 1. Eligibility (§ 18.2-308.09) - At least 21 years old . - Virginia resident or member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Virginia. - No felony conviction. - No misdemeanor conviction involving violence or drugs in past 3 years. - No two or more convictions for DUI in past 3 years. - Not subject to a protective order. - Not adjudicated mentally incapacitated. 2. Training Requirement (§ 18.2-308.02(G)) - Virginia accepts a wide range of competency proof: - 1-hour basic firearms safety course (NRA Basic Pistol, hunter ed, online courses with certificates). - Active or honorable military discharge with firearms qualification. - Concealed handgun permit (current or expired within 5 years) from another state. - Certificate from a law enforcement agency. - This is one of the most flexible training requirements in the U.S. 3. Application - Apply in person or by mail to the circuit court clerk in your jurisdiction. - Submit Form SP-248, training certificate, and ID. 4. Fees - $50 maximum ($35 to clerk + $15 to local law enforcement for background check, per § 18.2-308.03). 5. Processing - 45 days by statute (§ 18.2-308.04). 6. Restricted Locations (§ 18.2-283.1) - Courthouses, K-12 schools, places of worship during services (with limited exceptions), polling places, the State Capitol grounds, and any premises posted by the owner. 7. Reciprocity - Virginia CHP honored in ~30 states ; Virginia recognizes most other state permits with mutual recognition. 8. Renewal - Valid 5 years ; renewal by mail with $50 fee; no re-training required. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Virginia's Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is governed by Va. Code § 18.2-308.02 et seq. and issued by the circuit court of the applicant's county or city of residence.

1. Eligibility (§ 18.2-308.09)

At least 21 years old.

Virginia resident or member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Virginia.

No felony conviction.

No misdemeanor conviction involving violence or drugs in past 3 years.

No two or more convictions for DUI in past 3 years.

Not subject to a protective order.

Not adjudicated mentally incapacitated.

2. Training Requirement (§ 18.2-308.02(G))

Virginia accepts a wide range of competency proof:

- 1-hour basic firearms safety course (NRA Basic Pistol, hunter ed, online courses with certificates).

- Active or honorable military discharge with firearms qualification.

- Concealed handgun permit (current or expired within 5 years) from another state.

- Certificate from a law enforcement agency.

This is one of the most flexible training requirements in the U.S.

3. Application

Apply in person or by mail to the circuit court clerk in your jurisdiction.

Submit Form SP-248, training certificate, and ID.

4. Fees

$50 maximum ($35 to clerk + $15 to local law enforcement for background check, per § 18.2-308.03).

5. Processing

45 days by statute (§ 18.2-308.04).

6. Restricted Locations (§ 18.2-283.1)

Courthouses, K-12 schools, places of worship during services (with limited exceptions), polling places, the State Capitol grounds, and any premises posted by the owner.

7. Reciprocity

Virginia CHP honored in ~30 states; Virginia recognizes most other state permits with mutual recognition.

8. Renewal

Valid 5 years; renewal by mail with $50 fee; no re-training required.

This is legal information, not legal advice.