Virginia Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permit Required No Castle Doctrine Red Flag Law

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Virginia Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permit Required
Permit Required	Yes - required
Permit Cost	$50
Permit Validity	5 years
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✕ No
Stand Your Ground	✕ No
Red Flag Law	✕ Yes (ERPO exists)
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in Virginia

Open carry is legal in Virginia for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in Virginia

Concealed carry in Virginia requires a valid permit. Virginia issues Concealed Handgun Permits through circuit courts. Must be 21+, complete an approved safety course, no disqualifying record. Shall-issue state.

Where You Cannot Carry in Virginia

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Virginia. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Houses Of Worship During Services
Permitted Events
Air Carrier Terminals

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Getting a Virginia CCW Permit

Virginia issues Concealed Handgun Permits through circuit courts. Must be 21+, complete an approved safety course, no disqualifying record. Shall-issue state.

Official Virginia Permit Information

CCW Reciprocity for Virginia

States that honor your Virginia permit (29)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SC SD TN TX UT WV WY

Virginia honors permits from (30)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK PA SC SD TN TX UT WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

🔒

Virginia Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Virginia gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Virginia Gun Laws

Does Virginia have a red flag law?

Yes. Virginia enacted an Extreme Risk Protection Order law in 2020.

Is Virginia a shall-issue state?

Yes. Virginia is a shall-issue state - courts must issue a permit if all legal requirements are met.

Can I open carry in Virginia?

Yes. Open carry is legal in Virginia without a permit for those 18+ who can legally possess a firearm. Local governments may restrict this in certain places.

Shooting Ranges in Virginia

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in Virginia. Filter by type, features, and location.

Find Ranges in Virginia

Neighboring State Gun Laws