Can I Carry a Concealed Weapon 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, Virginia is a shall-issue state that allows concealed carry with a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). You can also carry openly without a permit as Virginia is an open carry state.
What This Means for You
Virginia's permissive carry laws make it practical for builders to carry their custom firearms once completed. The state recognizes both permitted concealed carry and constitutional open carry, giving you flexibility in how you carry your builds. Understanding the permit process is essential since it expands where you can legally carry compared to open carry alone.
The Detail
Virginia operates under a shall-issue concealed carry system, meaning if you meet the statutory requirements, the issuing authority must grant your Concealed Handgun Permit. The permit is issued by your local circuit court clerk and requires completing an approved firearms training course, passing a background check, and meeting residency requirements. Training can include NRA courses, military service, law enforcement training, or hunter safety courses that include handgun safety.
The state also allows constitutional open carry without a permit for anyone legally allowed to possess firearms. This means you can openly carry a handgun in most public places without additional licensing. However, the CHP provides significant advantages, including access to locations where open carry is prohibited and reciprocity with other states.
Virginia has specific restrictions on where you cannot carry regardless of permit status. These include courthouses, airports beyond security checkpoints, K-12 schools, and certain government buildings. Private property owners can also prohibit carry on their premises. Some locations like restaurants that serve alcohol have specific rules about carrying while consuming alcohol.
Reciprocity agreements allow Virginia CHP holders to carry in many other states, though you must follow the laws of whatever state you're visiting. Virginia also recognizes permits from many other states, but the specific list can change. Always verify current reciprocity agreements before traveling with your firearm.
Build Impact
Your custom builds are subject to the same carry laws as factory firearms once completed. If you're building something unusual or with modifications that affect concealability, consider how it fits your intended carry method and local restrictions before finalizing your design.