Firearms in Virginia (2026)

4 rules on the books across Virginia. Select a rule to read the full details.

Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions

Local Firearms Preemption

Whether your state expressly bars cities from passing their own firearms ordinances, and what (if anything) cities can still regulate.

Virginia preempts most local firearm regulation under Code 15.2-915, but a 2020 amendment lets localities restrict…

State concealed carry licensing, reciprocity with other states, and where concealed carry is prohibited statewide regardless of local rules.

Virginia issues concealed handgun permits under Code 18.2-308.01 through 18.2-308.014, with shall-issue standards…

State rules on visibly carrying a firearm in public, including who may open carry and where open carry is prohibited statewide.

Virginia generally permits open carry of firearms by adults without a permit, though Code 18.2-287.4 restricts certain…

State rules on transporting firearms in private vehicles, locked-case requirements, loaded vs unloaded, and whether locals can add restrictions.

Virginia Code 18.2-308 lets adults transport firearms in personal vehicles, with concealed handguns in a closed…