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Virginia Statewide Rule

Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit Rules and Statewide Standards

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Virginia (2026)

Key Facts

Shall
Shall-issue permits administered by circuit courts
Minimum Age
Minimum age 21 with training requirement
Permits Valid Five
Permits valid five years statewide
Bars Carry While
Bars carry while consuming alcohol
Localities Preempted From
Localities preempted from extra rules

Summary

Virginia issues concealed handgun permits under Code 18.2-308.01 through 18.2-308.014, with shall-issue standards administered by circuit courts; localities cannot impose additional concealed carry requirements.

§ 18.2-308.01 . Carrying a concealed handgun with a permit. A. The prohibition against carrying a concealed handgun in clause (i) of subsection A of § 18.2-308 shall not apply to a person who has a valid concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to this article. The person issued the permit shall have such permit on his person at all times during which he is carrying a concealed handgun and shall display the permit and a photo identification issued by a government agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport) upon demand by a law-enforcement officer. A person to whom a nonresident permit is issued shall have such permit on his person at all times when he is carrying a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth and shall display the permit on demand by a law-enforcement officer. A person whose permit is extended due to deployment shall carry with him and display, upon request of a law-enforcement officer, a copy of the documents required by subsection B of § 18.2-308.010 . B. Failure to display the permit and a photo identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer shall be punishable by a $25 civil penalty, which shall be paid into the state treasury. Any attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which the alleged violation occurred may bring an action to recover the civil penalty. A court may waive such penalty upon presentation to the court of a valid permit and a government-issued photo identification.

Source: Virginia Legislative Information SystemView official code

Full Breakdown

Virginia is a shall-issue state for concealed handgun permits. Applicants 21 or older apply at the circuit court of residence, demonstrate firearms competency, and pass disqualifier checks under Code 18.2-308.09. Permits are valid five years and recognized statewide. Code 18.2-308.012 prohibits concealed carry while consuming alcohol in restaurants and bars. Code 15.2-915 prevents localities from adding licensing or training requirements beyond state law, though restrictions in courthouses, schools, and Capitol grounds remain enforceable.

Violations & Penalties

Carrying a concealed handgun without a permit violates Code 18.2-308 and is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense; subsequent offenses escalate to Class 6 felonies. Carrying in prohibited places like courthouses is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virginia honor out-of-state concealed permits?
Virginia recognizes valid permits from states with reciprocity agreements; check the Attorney General's current list before traveling.
Can I carry concealed in a Virginia restaurant?
Yes if you hold a valid permit, but you may not consume alcohol while carrying concealed in restaurants or clubs.

Sources

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