Virginia
Shall-issueVirginia concealed carry & gun laws.
Open carry, sensitive places, vehicle carry, reciprocity, and recent law changes — all in one place, with official sources cited.
Key facts
Open carry in Virginia
Open carry is legal for 18+ in most areas without a permit. Localities including Alexandria, Fairfax County, Falls Church, and a few others have local ordinances restricting open carry in government buildings and certain public spaces.
Vehicle carry
Loaded handgun in a vehicle requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). Without a CHP, the handgun must be in a 'secured container' or compartment. Long guns are generally unrestricted in vehicles for lawful purposes.
Where you can't carry — sensitive places
These are the statutory locations where Virginia prohibits carry regardless of permit status. Federal facility bans (post offices, federal courthouses, etc.) apply on top of these.
- K-12 schools and school property
- Higher-education campuses (varies by institution)
- Courthouses
- Polling places
- Capitol Square and General Assembly buildings
- Government offices and meetings (per 2020 HB 11/12 enabling localities)
- Daycare facilities (per 2020)
- Hospitals (when posted)
- Places of worship with posted restrictions
City-specific rules
These are major local-government carve-outs that override the statewide default. Always verify before carrying in the named cities.
- Alexandria. Restricts open carry in city government buildings and within 500 feet of permitted events under enabling state legislation (2020).
- Fairfax County. Similar local restrictions on open carry in county facilities.
Self-defense law
- Castle doctrine: Virginia recognizes castle doctrine — no duty to retreat in your home (and typically vehicle/workplace).
- Stand your ground: Virginia has limited stand-your-ground principles, often through case law rather than a clean statute. Consult a firearms attorney for specifics.
- Duty to inform on traffic stops: Not required by statute.
Recent law changes
- 2022-04-11 — One-handgun-per-month law REPEALED. Virginia repealed its one-handgun-per-month purchase limit (originally enacted 1993, briefly repealed 2012, reinstated 2020, repealed 2022).
- 2020-07-01 — Universal background check + locality authority (HB 11/12). Required background checks on most private firearm sales. Authorized localities to prohibit firearms in government buildings, parks, and permitted events. Source →
Reciprocity — your Virginia permit elsewhere
A Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is honored in approximately 37 states. See the full list and travel-route planning on our Can I Carry tool.
Reciprocity — other states' permits in Virginia
Virginia honors permits from many states. Online training courses accepted for the VA permit. Verify reciprocity list with VA State Police.
How to get a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)
See our Virginia permit guide for full process details: required class, fingerprinting, application form, fee, and processing time.
Next step
See where your permit travels.
Use our interactive Can I Carry map to plan trips across state lines — including states that recognize your permit, states that don't, and states with permitless carry for visitors.
Check reciprocity →Sources
Frequently asked
Is Virginia a permit-required state?
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Yes. Virginia requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry concealed. Circuit court of applicant's county/city issues the permit. See the permit guide for the full process.
Is open carry legal in Virginia?
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Open carry is legal for 18+ in most areas without a permit. Localities including Alexandria, Fairfax County, Falls Church, and a few others have local ordinances restricting open carry in government buildings and certain public spaces.
Can I keep a loaded handgun in my car in Virginia?
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Loaded handgun in a vehicle requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). Without a CHP, the handgun must be in a 'secured container' or compartment. Long guns are generally unrestricted in vehicles for lawful purposes.
Where am I prohibited from carrying in Virginia?
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Statutory sensitive places in Virginia include: K-12 schools and school property, Higher-education campuses (varies by institution), Courthouses, Polling places, Capitol Square and General Assembly buildings, and others. Federal facility bans (post offices, federal buildings, schools under GFSZA) apply on top.
Does Virginia have stand-your-ground or castle doctrine?
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Castle doctrine: yes. Stand your ground: qualified (varies by case law). Duty to inform on traffic stops: not required.
What's the most recent Virginia gun law change?
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2022-04-11: One-handgun-per-month law REPEALED. Virginia repealed its one-handgun-per-month purchase limit (originally enacted 1993, briefly repealed 2012, reinstated 2020, repealed 2022).
Where can I carry my Virginia permit?
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A Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is honored in approximately 37 other states. See our Can I Carry interactive map for the full state-by-state breakdown plus travel-route planning.