Can I Build an AR-15 in Virginia?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, you can legally build an AR-15 in Virginia for personal use. Virginia allows home assembly of firearms without requiring serialization or registration for personal firearms.
What This Means for You
Virginia follows federal regulations for home builds without adding additional state restrictions on AR-15 assembly. You can manufacture firearms for personal use without an FFL as long as you comply with federal law. The state does not require registration or serialization of personally manufactured firearms.
The Detail
Virginia permits the home assembly of AR-15 rifles under both state and federal law. Federal regulations allow individuals to manufacture firearms for personal use without requiring a Federal Firearms License, and Virginia has not enacted additional restrictions on this practice. You can purchase parts, including 80% lower receivers, and complete the manufacturing process at home.
The key requirement is that the firearm must be for your personal use and cannot be manufactured with the intent to sell or transfer. If you later decide to sell a home-built firearm, federal law requires that it was not originally built with that intent. Virginia does not require you to serialize home-built firearms or register them with state authorities.
You must still comply with all applicable federal regulations regarding the final configuration. This means ensuring your completed rifle meets overall length requirements and does not include any NFA-regulated features without proper federal registration. Virginia has minimal restrictions on rifle features compared to some other states.
One important consideration is that while Virginia allows home builds, you should verify current federal regulations as they can change. The ATF has issued various guidance documents regarding 80% receivers and home manufacturing that you should review before starting your project. Always ensure you are building a legal configuration under both state and federal law.
Build Impact
Virginia's permissive approach to home builds gives you flexibility in your AR-15 project without worrying about state-level registration or serialization requirements. You can focus on federal compliance and building the configuration you want without additional state paperwork.