VIRGINIA

Virginia Firearm Code (via ATF)
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/virginia-firearms-statutes-and-codes

VA SP-248 (Concealed Handgun Permit Application) (UPDATED November 24, 2025)
https://vsp.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SP-248-11.24.2025.pdf

VA Non Resident Application Information
https://vsp.virginia.gov/services/firearms/nonresident-concealed-handgun-permits/

Virginia Legislative Tracker
https://lis.virginia.gov/

 

VA County Crime Reports

Alexandria City
https://www.alexandriava.gov/ClerkofCourt#ConcealedHandgunPermits

Fairfax County
https://www.fcpod.org/pages/crime-data

Loudoun County
https://www.loudoun.gov/4727/Daily-Incident-Report

Prince William County
https://www.pwcva.gov/policedir

 

Local VA Counties- How and Where to Apply

Alexandria City
https://www.alexandriava.gov/courts/clerk-of-the-circuit-court-concealed-carry-permits

Arlington County
https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Courts/Circuit-Court/Concealed-Handgun-Permits

Clarke County
https://www.clarkecounty.gov/government/sheriff-s-office/frequently-asked-questions

Culpepper County
https://web.culpepercounty.gov/circuit/page/concealed-handgun-permit

Fairfax County
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/civil-case-information/concealed-handgun-permit

Fauquier County
https://www.fauquiercounty.gov/government/departments-a-g/circuit-court-clerk/concealed-handgun-permits

Loudoun County
https://sheriff.loudoun.gov/954/Concealed-Handgun-Permits

Prince William County
https://www.pwcva.gov/department/circuit-court/concealed-handgun-permit

Rappahannock County
https://www.rappahannockcountyva.gov/how_do_i/apply_for__obtain/index.php

Shenandoah County
https://www.shencosheriff.com/personal-safety

Stafford County
https://staffordcountyva.gov/government/courts/circuit_court/concealed_handgun_permit.php

Warren County
https://warrencountysheriff.org/345/How-to-Obtain-a-Concealed-Handgun-Permit

City of Winchester – Frederick County
https://winfredclerk.com/handgun-permits/

The Assault Weapon Ban takes effect 7/1/2026.

2026 HB 217 and SB 749 (Assault Weapon Ban) Definition

1. Semi-Automatic Centerfire Rifles

Any semi-automatic center-fire rifle that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine (excluding an attached tubular device designed to accept and capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition) and has one or more of the following characteristics:

  • A folding, telescoping, or collapsible stock

  • A thumbhole stock or pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the rifle

  • A second handgrip or a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand

  • A grenade launcher

  • A threaded barrel capable of accepting a muzzle brake, muzzle compensator, sound suppressor, or flash suppressor

2. Semi-Automatic Center-fire Pistols

Any semi-automatic center-fire pistol that has two or more of the following characteristics:

  • A second handgrip or a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand

  • The capacity to accept a magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol grip

  • A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the pistol with the non-trigger hand without being burned

  • A threaded barrel capable of accepting a sound suppressor, flash suppressor, barrel extender, or forward handgrip

  • A buffer tube, arm brace, or other part that protrudes horizontally behind the pistol grip and is designed or redesigned to allow or facilitate the firing of a firearm from the shoulder

3. Semi-Automatic Shotguns

Any semi-automatic shotgun that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material that has one of the following characteristics:

  • A folding, telescoping, or collapsible stock

  • A thumbhole stock or pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the shotgun

  • The ability to accept a detachable magazine

  • A fixed magazine capacity in excess of 15 rounds

  • Any characteristic of like kind as enumerated in the clauses above

4. Large-Capacity Ammunition Feeding Devices (Semi-Automatic Center-Fire Rifles or Pistols)

  • Any semi-automatic center-fire rifle or pistol with a fixed magazine capacity in excess of 15 rounds.

 

 

Bills & Laws

2026 Important Dates
(At this time there is no additional outstanding firearm related legislation remaining.)

Jan 14, 2026 – 2026 General Assembly convenes
Jan 17, 2026 – Inauguration Day in the Commonwealth
Jan 23, 2026 – Last day bills can be filed
Feb 18, 2026 – Transfer day. All bills that have been into and voted approved out of committee must have been voted on, and changed chambers. Meaning a House bill must have moved to the Senate, or have a version in the Senate by this date. Anything not moved is considered passed over for this year and doesn’t continue
Mar 14, 2026 – End of the 2026 session. All bills must have been voted on by both Chambers and sent to the Governor for signature or veto
April 13, 2026 – Governor must have signed or vetoed bills; else they become law without a signature
April 22, 2026 – “Veto” session. Any bills that the Governor vetoes can go back to vote for an override
May 22, 2026 – Any bills returned to the General Assembly with Executive modifications that aren’t approved by the GA are returned to the Governor to Veto.

Any bills not signed by the Governor automatically become law if the signing deadline passes.

2026 Firearm-related Bills 

Last updated May 15th @ 11am.

Signed by the Governor – Unless otherwise noted – these will all take effect on 7/1/26

  • SB-749 / HB-217 – AWB. Defines “assault weapons” and make purchase, transfer, or sale of anything manufactured after 7/1/26 illegal. Also bans high-cap (>15 round) mags. Anything you own on 6/30 will be legal. Also establishes as a Class 1 misdemeanor anyone under the age of 21 in possession of an “assault” weapon, regardless of acquisition date.
    • Governor submitted a substitute version that stipulates anything with magazine capability greater than 15 rounds to be illegal. Fixed or detachable. (General Assembly rejected the amendment)
  • SB-173 / HB-229 – Can not carry a weapon (firearm or knife longer than 3.5″) into a mental health services or developmental services facility. (This includes hospitals ERs or Urgent Care facilities.)
    • Governor submitted a substitute version with language tweaks. (General Assembly rejected the amendment)
  • HB-1071 – Requires public and secondary schools, and public institutions of higher education provide training on red flag laws to staff. Increases SRO coverage as well.
  • HB-201 – Identical to SB-109
  • SB-109 – Requires that schools to notify parents that they must have their firearms secured from their children.
  • HB-916 – Changes the wording of the training requirements for a CHP. Removes NRA and USCCA as the only certified instructors. *note* this bill must be passed again by the 2027 General Assembly before it can be enacted as law – so not effective until next year at earliest.
  • HB-110 – / SB-496 – $500 civil penalty and subjects vehicle to being impounded for a visible handgun being left in an unattended vehicle. HB110 states “firearm visible in a vehicle.” SB496 removes the “secure storage” stipulation in glove boxes, holsters, and center consoles.
  • HB-40 / SB-323 – Makes unfinished firearm frames and receivers and un-serialized commercially made firearms unlawful to possess, sell or transfer.
    • Note – the provision of possessing an un-serialized firearm takes effect on 7/1/27; every other part of the bill takes effect on 1/1/27.
  • HB-19 / SB-160 – Battery in a “dating relationship” is a misdemeanor, and removes right to purchase, possess or transport a firearm for 3 years.
  • SB-115 – Requires the Superintendent of the VASP along with the office of the Attorney General to review reciprocity with all other states to determine if they meet VA’s guidelines. Recommendations will take effect on 7/1/27.
  • SB-27; HB-21  –  Liability of firearm community member (manufacturer) regarding sale/straw-purchase/etc of firearms, accountability.
  • SB-38; HB-93 – Transfer from a prohibited person to a non-prohibited person.
  • SB-272 / HB-626 – Changes the exemption on the prohibition of carrying any firearm within any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, to requiring that it only be available if it’s part of a training or program happening in the building. Specifically Higher Education.
  • HB-901 – Expands red-flag laws by allowing additional categories of people to petition for someone to be red-flagged.

Returned by the Governor with amendments, and the GA Accepted the requested changes, so they’ve passed for 2026, and will take effect (unless otherwise noted) on 7/1/26.

  • HB-1524/SB-727 – Public Carry Ban. Prevents open carry of AW’s in public areas, include public streets, roads and sidewalks; public parks; any place open to the public. CHP exemption. (This already existed in Northern VA and certain other large cities. This ban makes it state-wide.
    • Governor amended this to remove the CHP exemption, and changed the verbiage to state carrying any “assault firearm” as defined in https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-308.2:2/
  • HB-1525 – SB-643 and SB-797 both were absorbed into this bill. 18-20 illegal to purchase, possess or transport any assault firearm or handgun.
    • Governor submitted a substitute version moving the definitions of firearms to 18.2-308.2:2 and 18.2-307.1 (Took effect on 4/22/26.)
  • HB-1015 – Possession, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, stun weapons or explosives by anyone convicted of a hate crime will be a misdemeanor.
    • Governor submitted a substitute version with adjusted language
  • HB-969 – Creation of Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center – establishes the “Office of Safer Communities.”
    • Governor submitted a substitute version with adjusted language providing more stringent requirements for who can be appointed to serve on the commission.
  • HB-871 – Storage of firearms where a minor or prohibited person is present; penalty. Requires that all firearms in a home where either a minor or prohibited person resides, must be unloaded and stored in a locked container. They may only be stored loaded if stored in a locked safe.
    • Governor submitted a substitute version with slight language tweaks
  • HB-101 – Eliminates requirement that a CHP be requested in writing (welcome to 2000, means it must be submitted digitally). Should also be noted that this may be the precursor to creating a state wide CHP registry.
    • Governor submitted substitute to modify bill so that in writing is still acceptable. Applications can be submitted via paper or digitally.
  • HB-702 – Requires VASP to establish the Virginia Firearm Give-Back Program to allow for individuals to voluntarily give back firearms that MAY be destroyed by the department.
    • Governor submitted a substitute that renamed buy-back to sell-back – optics. So instead of a department buying it from you, you are selling it to them
  • HB-909 – Expands the 40 foot rule at polling locations to 100′
    • Governor submitted a substitute that changes from entrances of polling locations to the building that’s being used.

Defeated

  • SB-643 (SB-797) – Possession under 21 illegal. Permit to purchase. Requires a permit to purchase a firearm. 5 year license, specific class must be taken. Under 21 provision will take effect on 7/1/26, permit to purchase will take effect 7/1/27, if signed.
  • SB-13 / HB-241 / HB-1198 – Remove front license plate requirement (not firearm related, but fun!)
  • SB-78 – Raises mandatory minimum sentence for a *repeat* offender of a violent crime
  • SB-79 / HB-696 – Removes Rest Areas from state agency gun ban
  • SB-208 / HB-208 – Creates a procedure for issuing an anti-harassment order. This AH order is not a restraining order, and therefore does not impact the capability to acquire a CHP
  • HB-7 – Restrict LEO from wearing facial coverings while engaged in the performance of official duties.
  • HB-24 – Limits CHP reciprocity with many states. Opens the door for VA residents to lose carry capability in other states as officials see fit.
  • HB-106 / HB-692– Lowers maximum CHP fee
  • HB-207 – $500 STATE tax for suppressors
  • HB-540 – Provides that the prohibition on carrying a firearm in certain restricted locations does not apply to any woman who is a current victim of family abuse and has an active protective order against a family or household member. (It’s interesting that this bill specifically states “woman” not “person.”)
  • HB-623 – Allows for a Commonwealth Atty to petition the court for the return of a weapon to the proper owner if it was used in the commission of a criminal offense, and surrendered to the Commonwealth
  • HB-691 – Control of firearms by localities. (This repeals language that allows for localities to institute more restrictive firearm laws than at the state level.)
  • HB-694 – Removes need for CHP. (This allows for any person eligible to obtain a CHP to be able to carry without a CHP. Not Constitutional Carry, but close.)
  • HB-696 / SB-79 – Removes Rest Areas from state agency gun ban
  • HB-700 – Requires 5 day waiting period for purchases AND rentals of firearms
  • HB-907 – Requires firearm dealers with an FFL to meet building and storage security requirements to be agreed upon in the bill. Currently listed as 24×7 video cameras recording, and bars across windows to rooms that will contain firearms.
  • HB-919 – Dealers must pay 11% firearm and ammunition tax
  • HB-926 – Permits localities to impose an ordinance requiring outdoor shooting be conducted on properties of at least 5 acres, and applied with reasonable care to ensure the projectiles will not leave the property. Any berm must be at least 10 feet from the property line. Additionally, if a projectile leaves your property, you failed to exercise the “reasonable care” and open property owner to civil and criminal liability.
  • HB-1094 – Individuals must pay 11% firearm and ammunition tax
  • HB-1359 – Firearm Purchaser License – would require a potential firearm purchaser to have taken a class by a DCJS certified instructor, and pass a full background + fingerprint in order to be able to purchase a firearm

2025 Bills Vetoed by Gov Youngkin

  • SB848 – would have barred people under the age of 21 from purchasing certain popular semiautomatic rifles and shotguns.
  • SB880 – would have expanded “no gun” zones by outlawing the carry of popular rifles and shotguns in most public places including streets, roads, allies, sidewalks, public rights-of-way, or in any public park or any other place that is open to the public.
  • SB886 – would have banned “trigger activators,” a proposal written so vaguely that it could bar many popular upgraded trigger packs.
  • SB891 / HB1607 – would have installed an arbitrary five-day waiting period before a law-abiding citizen could take possession of a legally purchased firearm – even if they already owned other firearms.
  • SB1134 – mandatory gun lock law that would have required guns and ammo to be stored in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet.
  • SB1181 – would have banned law-abiding adults under the age of 21 from owning many popular semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and pistols while also installing a magazine capacity limit.
  • SB1450 / HB1608 – would have instituted murky new laws and red tape on the already heavily regulated firearms industry.
  • HB1736 – would have established a taxpayer-funded state office to promote gun control.

2024 Laws Added

  • HB22/SB210: Auto-sears now illegal at the state level. Otherwise known as “Glock switches” these are drop in pieces of hardware to make a semi-auto, have full-auto capabilities. This was already illegal at the Federal level.  These are NFA controlled items now.
  • SB44: Parental (or guardian) responsibility for the actions of a minor with access to a firearm. For example, if a child commits a felony with a firearm that they should not have access to, the guardian or parent will be charged with the crime.
  • SB363: Intentionally removing the serial number from any firearm, knowingly, is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
  • HB2015: Roadkill “ownership”. During hunting season, if your vehicle strikes the animal, it’s yours.

OTHER STATES (Non-Resident Permits)

Florida
https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Concealed-Weapon-License

Maine (to get Delaware)
https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses-permits/concealed-carry-maine

Pennsylvania (Adams County) – VA currently has reciprocity with PA (5/25).
https://adamspa.permitium.com/entry

VA Voter Registration Information

View Your Info: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/view-your-info/

View your polling location: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup/