Virginia pistol laws let any eligible adult 18 or older openly carry a handgun without a permit, require a concealed handgun permit and a minimum age of 21 to carry one hidden, and allow licensed dealers to sell handguns only to buyers 21 and up after a background check. Beyond those basics, the Commonwealth layers on rules about where you can carry, how to transport a pistol in a car, and who is barred from touching a firearm at all. Getting those details wrong can turn a lawful gun owner into a felon.
Who Can Legally Possess a Handgun
You must be at least 18 years old to possess a handgun in Virginia. Anyone under 18 is prohibited from possessing or transporting one anywhere in the Commonwealth.1Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-308.7 – Possession or Transportation of Certain Firearms by Persons Under the Age of 18; Penalty Buying from a licensed dealer requires an older age, covered below.
A felony conviction wipes out firearm rights. A convicted felon who possesses or transports a firearm commits a Class 6 felony punishable by one to five years in prison, with mandatory minimums if the underlying felony was violent or recent.2Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-308.2 – Possession or Transportation of Firearms by Convicted Felons; Penalties; Petition for Restoration Order Federal law layers on its own prohibited categories: anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year, people under domestic violence restraining orders, misdemeanor domestic violence convicts, fugitives, people involuntarily committed, unlawful drug users, dishonorably discharged veterans, and people who have renounced U.S. citizenship.3Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Identify Prohibited Persons
Protective orders also pull the trigger on firearms bans. Anyone subject to a protective order under Virginia’s family abuse, stalking, or sexual violence statutes cannot purchase or transport a firearm while the order is in effect. A final protective order goes further and prohibits possession entirely; the person has 24 hours after service to surrender or lawfully transfer any firearms already owned.4Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-308.1:4 – Purchase or Transportation of Firearm by Persons Subject to Protective Orders
A conviction for assault and battery against a spouse, former spouse, or someone with whom you share a child blocks you from purchasing, transporting, or possessing a firearm for three years from the conviction date. Violating that three-year ban is a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Buying a Pistol
From a Licensed Dealer
Federal law sets the handgun purchase age at 21.5Virginia State Police. Firearms/Concealed Weapons FAQ At the counter you will need a government-issued photo ID proving identity and Virginia residency. The dealer runs your information through the Virginia State Police on a Firearms Transaction Record (Form SP-65),6Virginia State Police. Virginia Firearms Transaction Record SP-65 which checks state and federal databases to confirm you are not a prohibited person.
If the check comes back clean, the dealer completes the transfer. If the FBI cannot make a determination within three business days, federal law lets the dealer proceed unless state law says otherwise.7Federal Bureau of Investigation. About NICS
Private Sales
Virginia enacted a universal background check law in 2020 requiring all private firearm transfers to run through a licensed dealer. In October 2025 a Virginia circuit court permanently enjoined enforcement of that law (Va. Code ยง 18.2-308.2:5), and the Virginia State Police announced they would not administer or assist with private-sale background checks going forward.8Virginia State Police. Firearms As of early 2026, private sales between individuals do not require a background check. An appellate ruling or new legislation could change that, so check the Virginia State Police firearms page before any private transaction.
Straw Purchases
Buying a pistol on behalf of someone who is prohibited, or lying on the background check form about who the real buyer is, is a federal crime carrying up to 15 years in prison. If the gun is later used in a violent crime or drug trafficking, the penalty can reach 25 years.
Open Carry
Virginia allows open carry for anyone at least 18 who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. No permit is required.5Virginia State Police. Firearms/Concealed Weapons FAQ The handgun must be visible and not hidden from ordinary observation. A pistol in a standard belt holster on the hip is the usual way people satisfy that standard.
One configuration-specific rule narrows open carry in certain places. State law prohibits carrying a loaded semi-automatic centerfire pistol with a magazine holding more than 20 rounds, or one designed to accept a silencer or equipped with a folding stock, in public spaces within the cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Falls Church, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, and Prince William.9Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-287.4 – Carrying Loaded Firearms in Public Areas Prohibited; Penalty A standard pistol with a normal-capacity magazine is unaffected.
Concealed Handgun Permits
Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Virginia issues concealed handgun permits (CHPs) through the circuit court in your county or city of residence. The permit lasts five years. Apply by submitting a written application, the required fee, and proof of handgun competency; you must be at least 21.10Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-308.02 – Application for a Concealed Handgun Permit; Virginia Code 18.2-308.04 – Processing of Application The court has 45 days from receiving a completed application to issue the permit unless it finds you disqualified.
Proving Competency
Virginia accepts a wide range of training and experience as proof of competency, including a hunter education course approved by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency in another state; an NRA-certified, USCCA-certified, or state-certified firearms safety course from a law enforcement agency, college, or private school; current active military duty, an honorable discharge, or organized shooting competition; any firearms course offered for security guards, investigators, or law enforcement divisions; or having previously held a Virginia carry license that was not revoked for cause.
A photocopy of a completion certificate, an instructor affidavit, or any document showing you finished the course satisfies the requirement.11Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-308.06 – Proof of Competence With a Handgun Competency proof does not expire under Virginia law, so a course finished years ago still counts.
Reciprocity With Other States
Virginia recognizes all valid out-of-state concealed carry permits as long as the holder is at least 21 and carries a government-issued photo ID. Not every state returns the favor. Only a limited number of states honor a Virginia CHP, and the list changes. Check the Virginia State Police website or the destination state’s rules before you travel.
Alcohol and Concealed Carry
Carrying concealed while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in a public place is a Class 1 misdemeanor, CHP or no CHP. Separately, you can carry concealed into a restaurant or club that serves alcohol, but you cannot drink while on the premises. Consuming alcohol while carrying concealed in such an establishment is a Class 2 misdemeanor.12Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-308.012 – Prohibited Conduct That distinction catches people out: carry is allowed, drinking while carrying is not.
Carrying a Pistol in Your Vehicle
With a valid CHP, you can keep a loaded handgun on your person or anywhere in your vehicle. Without a permit, you can still transport a handgun, but it must be stored in a container or compartment within the vehicle.13Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-308 – Carrying Concealed Weapons; Exceptions; Penalty A glove box, center console, or similar enclosed compartment qualifies. The compartment does not have to be locked; it just needs to be closed so the pistol is not in plain view.
Carrying a concealed handgun outside a container without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.14Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-11 – Punishment for Conviction of Misdemeanor A pistol tucked under a seat or sitting loose on the passenger seat, without a permit, risks that charge.
Where You Cannot Carry
Schools and Child Day Centers
Possessing a firearm on the property of any child day center or public, private, or religious K-12 school is a Class 6 felony. The prohibition covers school buildings, grounds, school buses, and portions of public property being used exclusively for school-sponsored activities while those activities are occurring.15Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-308.1 – Possession of Firearm, Stun Weapon, or Other Weapon on School Property Prohibited; Penalty Displaying the firearm in a threatening manner or attempting to use it inside a school building adds a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence.
Courthouses and State Buildings
Bringing any firearm into a Virginia courthouse is a Class 1 misdemeanor.16Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-283.1 – Carrying Weapon Into Courthouse A separate statute prohibits firearms inside the Capitol, Capitol Square and the surrounding area, any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, and any office where state employees perform their duties.17Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 18.2-283.2 – Carrying a Firearm or Explosive Material Within Capitol Square and the Surrounding Area, Into a Building Owned or Leased by the Commonwealth; Penalty That sweeps in DMV offices, state agency headquarters, and any leased space where state employees work.
Federal Buildings
Federal law separately bars firearms from federal facilities, meaning any building or portion of a building owned or leased by the federal government where federal employees regularly work. Simple possession carries up to one year in prison, up to two years in a federal courthouse, and up to five years if you bring the firearm in with intent to commit a crime.18Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 18 USC 930 – Possession of Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in Federal Facilities Post offices, Social Security offices, VA hospitals, and federal courthouses all fall under this rule.
Places of Worship
Virginia does not flatly ban firearms in places of worship. Carrying a firearm to a place of worship during a religious meeting without “good and sufficient reason” is a Class 4 misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $250 and no jail time. The statute does not define good and sufficient reason, and courts evaluate it case by case. Personal protection has generally been accepted, but the lack of a bright-line rule means you are relying on a judge’s interpretation if the issue arises.
Private Property
A CHP does not override a property owner’s wishes. Owners can post signs or give verbal notice banning firearms. Entering or staying after being told firearms are not allowed can lead to trespassing charges.
Local Ordinances
Virginia’s preemption law generally stops cities and counties from passing their own firearms regulations. Localities cannot adopt ordinances governing the purchase, possession, carrying, storage, or transport of firearms beyond what state law expressly allows.19Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia 15.2-915 – Control of Firearms; Applicability to Authorities and Local Governmental Entities
The exceptions are real. Localities can ban firearms in government-owned buildings, public parks, recreation and community centers, and public streets or sidewalks adjacent to permitted events. Several Virginia localities have done exactly that, so the rules in your hometown do not necessarily apply everywhere else in the state. Before carrying in an unfamiliar city or county, check whether local ordinances reach the specific location you plan to visit.
Traveling With a Pistol
Driving through another state is covered by the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act. You can transport a firearm between any two places where you may lawfully possess it, as long as the firearm is unloaded and neither the gun nor ammunition is readily accessible from the passenger compartment. In a vehicle without a separate trunk, the firearm must be in a locked container other than the glove box or console.20Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 18 USC 926A – Interstate Transportation of Firearms This covers transit only, not extended stays in a state where possession is illegal.
Flying out of a Virginia airport, TSA requires the firearm to be unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and transported in checked baggage only. You must declare it at the airline ticket counter every time you check it.21Transportation Security Administration. Transporting Firearms and Ammunition Firearms in carry-on bags are never permitted. TSA considers a firearm loaded if both the gun and ammunition are accessible to the passenger, even if no round is chambered.
Restoring Firearm Rights After a Felony
A felony conviction strips firearm rights, but restoration is possible through a multi-step process. The Governor must first restore your civil rights through a simple pardon that returns voting and other political rights. That step alone does not restore firearm rights. After the civil rights restoration, you must petition the circuit court in your county of residence or the county of conviction for a separate order restoring your right to possess firearms.22Virginia State Police. Restoration of Firearm Rights
Virginia’s process cannot undo a federal firearms disability. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that federal convictions require federal restoration, handled through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A felony conviction in another state similarly requires that state to restore your rights before Virginia will recognize them. Once rights are restored, provide the documentation to the Virginia State Police Firearms Transaction Center so their records reflect your current eligibility.