Getting a Concealed Carry Permit in Virginia
Raw Info — Keep in mind that laws change and that what you see below could change before you apply for a permit. This info was gathered on 11-14-2012. Laws change once per year in VA on July 1st.
- Proof of Training (click here to see the VA State Law on what’s accepted) or see below, you will need three copies of the training certificate. (Click here to view what is considered proof of training in VA) Do not give them your original training certificate, make a copy.
- 2 Additional Copies of the original completed application notarized. Make sure you check out the following link that explains what the common mistakes are that cause applications to be rejected. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/circuit/pdf/cwp-frequent-error-checklist.pdf
- Self-Addressed stamped envelope
- Filing Fee $50.00 for Residents $100 for non-residents (which includes $10 clerk fee, $5 State Police Fee, and $35 Local Law Enforcement fee)
- File in person or by mail to your county clerk for Residents, Non-Residents should file to the State Police. Non-Residents must have a completed fingerprint card in there completed package. It must be a VA State Police approved Fingerprint card. You can request the blank card from the same address below. Make sure that the Law Enforcement officer that takes your prints puts a telephone # so that the State can contact them to verify authenticity.
- Non-residents will need to submit 2- Passport Photos. 2×2 Originals Only
Firearms Transaction Center Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permits Criminal Justice Information Services Division Department of State Police P.O. Box 85141 Richmond, VA 23285-5141
For more on Non-Residents permits click here http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_NonresidentConcealed.shtm
Editorial by Adjunct Lynne Finch Where do you start? That part is easy, you will need proof of training, and two of the best options are a NRA First Steps or a Combat Focus Shooting (CFS) course. If you don’t have a gun yet, don’t know what to look for and want a easily paced introduction that includes how ammunition works, a little bit about cleaning, as well as the basics of shooting and some one on one time at the range with a season instructor…First Steps is the way to go. If you own a gun, maybe have shot on your own or taken some training, or even if you are comfortable enough to borrow a gun from someone you know and really want to learn defensive skills, a Combat Focus Shooting course is for you. Either class is excellent, and the certificate will provide proof of training for your permit application; it depends on it you are dipping your toe or jumping in. However, once you decide to carry regularly, consider a defensive course, such as CFS) that will help prepare you for a life-threatening encounter. For those coming out of the military, often your DD 214 will list your firearms training and that may also be used for documentation, but the skills are different, and I encourage you to take some civilian based training. Next, you need the application, which can be downloaded from the State Police at http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_ResidentConcealed.shtm. Fill it out, take it to a Notary (most banks and UPS stores have notary services, as well as many other places, there may be a $5 fee, which is the maximum they are allowed to charge). IF you are coming to us for training, let us know in advance, we have several Notaries who will be happy to notarize your application for free. Check your county government website for specifics on how many copies, if you need fingerprints, etc. Then, when you have your documents together, I encourage you to go in person to the Clerk of Court for your county to submit your application. That way, you know right away that they got it, and if you need anything else. Virginia is very good about their CCP process, they adjudicate applications within 45 days and mail the permit to you, or let you know the status. If you have not received it in 45 days, or a denial for cause, then you can go back to the Clerk of Court and ask for a temporary permit unless yours in finalized. Once you have a permit, it is critical to keep current with the law on where you can and can not carry. The laws change every July in Virginia, so remember to search the web for changes and updates. Deciding to carry a firearm is a big decision. You need to be more responsible, more alert and always aware of the responsibility that you bear. Practice, take classes, be consistent in how you carry, and remember that a gun is not a lucky charm. Just because you are wearing it doesn’t mean you will never have to use it. Stay Safe!
Make sure if you carry that you know the reciprocity laws when traveling out of your home state or out of the state where you have a Non-Resident permit.
A good example of how the laws can be hairy….VA and FL have a formal reciprocity agreements however, Florida does not allow you to carry in Florida if you have a NON-Resident VA permit. http://www.vsp.state.va.us/
For info specific to your county look below for the proper link for your locale.
Fairfax County http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/circuit/SP-248.htm
Arlington County http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/ClerkofCircuitCourt/CivilCourt/page64985.aspx
Loudon County http://www.loudoun.gov/index.aspx?NID=954
Prince William County http://www.pwcgov.org/government/courts/circuit/Pages/Concealed-Handgun-Permit.aspx