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#Virginia State Police

Frequently Asked Questions

Are law enforcement officers subject to the background check when purchasing firearms?

Law enforcement offices are not exempt from the federal misdemeanor crime of domestic violence disqualification and therefore, must consent to a background check when purchasing firearms. The exception to this requirement is the purchase of a duty weapon from a licensed firearms dealer on behalf of an Employer s Certification Letter.

Is a concealed handgun permit issued in another state valid or recognized in Virginia?

States with which Virginia has entered into concealed handgun permit reciprocity agreements, or which Virginia will grant recognition, are listed on our Reciprocity and Recognition page.

Are Virginia concealed handgun permits issued to non-Virginia residents?

Virginia Code Section 18.2-308.06 authorizes the issuance of concealed handgun permits to non-Virginia residents. Please refer to Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permits in this web site.

The address on my Resident Concealed Handgun Permit is no longer correct. Is my permit still valid?

Yes, but you may request a replacement permit if you wish. The clerk of a circuit court that issued a valid concealed handgun permit shall, upon presentation of the valid permit and proof of a new address of residence by the permit holder, issue a replacement permit specifying the permit holder's new address. See 18.2-308.011.

The address on my Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permit is no longer correct. Is my permit still valid?

Yes. Virginia Code Section 18.2-308.06. which governs the issuance of nonresident concealed handgun permits, makes no provisions for changes of address. A permit once issued remains valid until the expiration date is met, or upon suspension or revocation, regardless of the change of address. However, the Virginia State Police will issue change of address cards upon request. Holders of nonresident permits are requested to notify the Virginia State Police, Firearms Transaction Center (FTC) in writing at P.O. Box 85141, Richmond, VA, 23285-5141 or on-line at nonrespermit@vsp.virginia.gov. Additional information is available at http://www.vsp.virginia.gov/Firearms_NonresidentConcealed.shtm.

Are military personnel considered residents or nonresidents for the purpose of a concealed handgun permit?

Active military personnel, 21 years of age and older, assigned to a Virginia duty post or the Pentagon may apply for a Virginia resident permit, which are issued by the circuit court of the county or city in which the applicant resides. Virginia Code Section 18.2-308.02 (B.5.) authorizes current military service to be considered proof that the applicant has demonstrated competence with a handgun.

I am a new resident to Virginia and possess a concealed handgun permit issued by a permit-reciprocal state. Will my permit still be honored in Virginia?

A permit issued by a state in which Virginia has established concealed handgun permit reciprocity or recognition will be honored in Virginia as long as the permit remains valid regardless of the change of address. It is suggested that you confirm the validity of the permit with the issuing agency in this instance.

In the instance of a traffic stop, should I advise the police officer that I have a concealed handgun permit?

Virginia law does not require you to notify the officer that you have a permit. However, Section 18.2-308.01. of the Code of Virginia, requires you to be in possession of the permit whenever you are carrying a concealed handgun and to display the permit and a government-issued photo-identification upon demand by a law-enforcement officer .