Concealed Carry in Virginia

No for concealed carry. Carrying a pistol, revolver or other firearm hidden from common observation without a concealed handgun permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor (higher for repeat violations), subject to listed exceptions, such as a person who may lawfully possess a firearm carrying a handgun secured in a container or compartment in a personal, private vehicle or boat. Open carry without a permit is generally not prohibited by state law (see open_carry).

Concealed handgun permit, issued by the circuit court of the county or city where the applicant lives (applications go to the clerk). It is shall-issue in practice: the court 'shall issue the permit' within 45 days of a completed application unless the applicant is disqualified. Minimum age 21. Applicants must show competence with a handgun 'in person' by one of several listed means (for example, a hunter safety course, an NRA or USCCA course, a course by a certified instructor, law-enforcement training, military service or honorable discharge, organized shooting competition, or other training the court deems adequate). Fees: clerk $10, local law-enforcement background investigation up to $35, State Police up to $5, with the total capped at $50. Valid five years. Nonresident permits are also available (§ 18.2-308.06).

Virginia honors a valid concealed handgun or weapon permit from any other state for holders at least 21, provided the issuing state offers instant (24-hour where available) verification of its permits, the holder carries government photo ID and shows both on demand, and the holder has not had a Virginia permit revoked; the State Police enters into agreements with states that require them. Under an amended version effective July 1, 2027, recognition will be limited to states whose permit requirements the Attorney General finds substantially similar to Virginia's, published by the State Police, and Virginia residents without a Virginia permit may not use another state's permit (except active-duty service members and spouses).

Main places: (1) property of child day centers and public, private or religious preschools and K-12 schools, including buildings, grounds and school buses, and areas used for school functions while they occur (Class 6 felony, with listed exceptions); (2) courthouses; (3) the Capitol, Capitol Square and surrounding area, any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, and offices where state employees regularly work; (4) within 100 feet of a polling place while polls are open, ballots are counted, or within one hour of opening or after closing; (5) air carrier airport terminals; (6) hospitals providing mental health or developmental services; (7) places of religious worship without good and sufficient reason. Permit holders may not carry while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs in a public place, and may not drink alcohol while carrying concealed in a licensed restaurant or club.

A person who may lawfully possess a firearm may carry a handgun without a permit in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel if the handgun is secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle; otherwise a hidden handgun requires a concealed handgun permit. Since 2026, a handgun left in an unattended vehicle (on public property or in a commercial or retail parking area, where no occupant can observe the vehicle) must be out of plain view in a locked hard-sided container, such as a locked glove compartment or center console (Class 4 misdemeanor).