Virginia carry status overview
Virginia requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) for concealed carry. The CHP is issued by the circuit court of the applicant's city or county of residence — not the police — on a shall-issue basis. Open carry of a loaded handgun is broadly permitted in Virginia without any permit.
Virginia is notable for its strong open carry tradition. Many Virginians open carry legally without any permit. The CHP is only required if you wish to carry concealed.
| Concealed carry | CHP required — Code of Virginia § 18.2-308 |
| Minimum age | 21 years old |
| Open carry | Broadly permitted without a permitSome localities may have regulations — verify locally |
| Vehicle carry (concealed) | CHP required for loaded, concealed handgun in a vehicle |
| Issuing authority | Circuit court of applicant's city or county of residence |
| Process | Shall-issue — court must issue if requirements are met |
Your glove box does not need a permit
This page said a CHP was required to carry loaded and concealed in a vehicle. § 18.2-308 allows anyone who may lawfully own a handgun to carry it in a vehicle without any permit, provided it is secured in a container or compartment — and the Supreme Court of Virginia has held that a glove box, locked or unlocked, or a centre console qualifies.
The permit governs carrying concealed on your person. That is a meaningful difference, and we had it collapsed into a single wrong answer. Localities may separately regulate transport of a loaded rifle or shotgun.
Since 2020, “Virginia law” is not the whole answer
Under § 15.2-915, Virginia localities may adopt ordinances prohibiting open carry and concealed carry by CHP holders in government buildings, public parks, recreation and community centres, and on streets and sidewalks adjacent to permitted events. Alexandria, Arlington and Richmond are among the localities that have done so.
Your permit does not override a local ordinance in those places. Virginia joins Colorado, Illinois, Montana and North Carolina on the short list of states where a statewide carry map gives you the floor rather than the answer. See how the five compare →
Virginia honours every state’s permit today. That ends on 1 July 2027.
Right now § 18.2-308.014 recognises a valid concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit from any other state, provided the holder is at least 21 and carries government photo ID with it. That is among the broadest recognition in the country.
SB 115 (Chapter 879), signed 13 April 2026, narrows it to states whose requirements are “substantially similar” to Virginia’s, with the Attorney General determining which qualify. The amended section takes effect 1 July 2027. If you carry in Virginia on an out-of-state permit, this is the date to watch, and the Virginia State Police reciprocity page is where the list will live.
One rule that applies already: a Virginia resident without a Virginia CHP may not use another state’s permit to carry concealed in the Commonwealth.
Virginia CHP — permit details
| Issuing authority | Circuit court of applicant's city or county of residence |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Fee | $50 (no more than $50 by law) |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Training required | Yes — must submit documentation of handgun safety or trainingAccepted: DD-214, prior CHP, hunter education, NRA course, range qualification, or law enforcement training |
| Background check | Yes — VSP conducts background check |
| Processing time | 45 days maximum by law |
| Application info | vsp.virginia.gov — CHP Program ↗ |
How to apply: Submit the completed VSP application form (SP-248) along with training documentation and the $50 fee to the circuit court clerk in your jurisdiction. The court forwards the application to VSP for a background check. No in-person hearing is generally required for initial applications.
Non-resident CHP: Virginia issues non-resident CHPs to persons from states that have no permit reciprocity with Virginia. Apply through VSP by mail. The process and requirements are the same as for residents.
Vehicle carry in Virginia
A CHP is required to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in a vehicle in Virginia. Without a CHP, a handgun in a vehicle must be in a closed container, secured container, or compartment — or openly visible (which is subject to open carry rules).
Open carry in a vehicle — where the handgun is visible — is generally permitted in Virginia without a CHP. However, carrying a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle in certain circumstances may be restricted. Verify current rules with Va. Code § 18.2-308 for the specific situation.
Prohibited locations in Virginia
- K–12 school property and school buses
- Courthouses
- Places of religious worship during worship services
- Polling places on election day
- Juvenile and domestic relations courts
- Air carrier terminals
- Places of amusement (if posted)
- Government offices (where government business is conducted)
- Any location prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted notice
Recent changes: Virginia's legislature has been active in this area. Always verify the current list of prohibited locations at Va. Code § 18.2-308.012.
Frequently asked questions — Virginia
How do I get a Virginia CHP?
Submit VSP form SP-248 (Application for a Concealed Handgun Permit) along with training documentation and a $50 fee to the circuit court clerk in your city or county of residence. The court forwards the application to VSP for a background check. You should receive your CHP within 45 days. Forms are available at vsp.virginia.gov.
Can I open carry in Virginia without a permit?
Generally yes. Virginia broadly permits open carry of handguns without a permit in most public places. However, localities such as Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and others have enacted some restrictions on open carry in public areas. Check local ordinances if you are in Northern Virginia or other urban areas.
Does Virginia honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Virginia recognizes valid concealed carry permits from states that have a reciprocity agreement with Virginia. Check the current list at the VSP website — Virginia's reciprocity agreements can change based on whether other states' standards are deemed to meet Virginia's requirements. Verify before relying on your out-of-state permit in Virginia.
Does Virginia issue non-resident CHPs?
Yes. Virginia issues non-resident CHPs to persons who hold a valid out-of-state permit from a state that has no reciprocity with Virginia. Apply by mail to VSP using the same form and process as residents. The $50 fee applies.