{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-308.02.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-308.02.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-308.02.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-308.02.html"}],"law_id":54280,"edition_id":1,"section_id":54280,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.02","catch_line":"Application for a concealed handgun permit; Virginia resident or domiciliary","history":"2013, cc. 659, 746; 2014, cc. 16, 401, 549; 2017, cc. 99, 237; 2019, c. 624; 2020, cc. 390, 958, 1130; 2023, cc. 93, 94.","full_text":"A\n\nAny person 21 years of age or older may apply in writing to the clerk of the circuit court of the county or city in which he resides, or if he is a member of the United States Armed Forces and stationed outside the Commonwealth, the county or city in which he is domiciled, for a five-year permit to carry a concealed handgun. There shall be no requirement regarding the length of time an applicant has been a resident or domiciliary of the county or city. The application shall be on a form prescribed by the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Supreme Court, requiring only that information necessary to determine eligibility for the permit. Additionally, the application shall request but not require that the applicant provide an email or other electronic address where a notice of permit expiration can be sent pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.010. The applicant shall present one valid form of photo identification issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport). No information or documentation other than that which is allowed on the application in accordance with this section may be requested or required by the clerk or the court.B\n\nThe court shall require proof that the applicant has demonstrated competence with a handgun in person and the applicant may demonstrate such competence by one of the following, but no applicant shall be required to submit to any additional demonstration of competence, nor shall any proof of demonstrated competence expire:1\n\nCompleting any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state;2\n\nCompleting any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course;3\n\nCompleting any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or the Department of Criminal Justice Services;4\n\nCompleting any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;5\n\nPresenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;6\n\nObtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;7\n\nCompleting any in-person firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified, National Rifle Association-certified, or United States Concealed Carry Association-certified firearms instructor;8\n\nCompleting any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or9\n\nCompleting any other firearms training that the court deems adequate.\n\t\t\t\tA photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes; an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document that shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition shall constitute evidence of qualification under this subsection.C\n\nThe making of a materially false statement in an application under this article shall constitute perjury, punishable as provided in § 18.2-434.D\n\nThe clerk of court shall withhold from public disclosure the applicant’s name and any other information contained in a permit application or any order issuing a concealed handgun permit, except that such information shall not be withheld from any law-enforcement officer acting in the performance of his official duties or from the applicant with respect to his own information. The prohibition on public disclosure of information under this subsection shall not apply to any reference to the issuance of a concealed handgun permit in any order book before July 1, 2008; however, any other concealed handgun records maintained by the clerk shall be withheld from public disclosure.E\n\nAn application is deemed complete when all information required to be furnished by the applicant, including the fee for a concealed handgun permit as set forth in § 18.2-308.03, is delivered to and received by the clerk of court before or concomitant with the conduct of a state or national criminal history records check.F\n\nFor purposes of this section, a member of the United States Armed Forces is domiciled in the county or city where such member claims his home of record with the United States Armed Forces.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":199268,"text":"Any person 21 years of age or older may apply in writing to the clerk of the circuit court of the county or city in which he resides, or if he is a member of the United States Armed Forces and stationed outside the Commonwealth, the county or city in which he is domiciled, for a five-year permit to carry a concealed handgun. There shall be no requirement regarding the length of time an applicant has been a resident or domiciliary of the county or city. The application shall be on a form prescribed by the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Supreme Court, requiring only that information necessary to determine eligibility for the permit. Additionally, the application shall request but not require that the applicant provide an email or other electronic address where a notice of permit expiration can be sent pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.010. The applicant shall present one valid form of photo identification issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport). No information or documentation other than that which is allowed on the application in accordance with this section may be requested or required by the clerk or the court.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":199269,"text":"The court shall require proof that the applicant has demonstrated competence with a handgun in person and the applicant may demonstrate such competence by one of the following, but no applicant shall be required to submit to any additional demonstration of competence, nor shall any proof of demonstrated competence expire:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":199270,"text":"Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":199271,"text":"Completing any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":199272,"text":"Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or the Department of Criminal Justice Services;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":199273,"text":"Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":199274,"text":"Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"7":{"id":199275,"text":"Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"8":{"id":199276,"text":"Completing any in-person firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified, National Rifle Association-certified, or United States Concealed Carry Association-certified firearms instructor;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"B8"},"9":{"id":199277,"text":"Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"B8","prefix_anchor":"B8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B7","next_prefix":"B9"},"10":{"id":199278,"text":"Completing any other firearms training that the court deems adequate.\n\t\t\t\tA photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes; an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document that shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition shall constitute evidence of qualification under this subsection.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"B9","prefix_anchor":"B9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B8","next_prefix":"C"},"11":{"id":199279,"text":"The making of a materially false statement in an application under this article shall constitute perjury, punishable as provided in § 18.2-434.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B9","next_prefix":"D"},"12":{"id":199280,"text":"The clerk of court shall withhold from public disclosure the applicant’s name and any other information contained in a permit application or any order issuing a concealed handgun permit, except that such information shall not be withheld from any law-enforcement officer acting in the performance of his official duties or from the applicant with respect to his own information. The prohibition on public disclosure of information under this subsection shall not apply to any reference to the issuance of a concealed handgun permit in any order book before July 1, 2008; however, any other concealed handgun records maintained by the clerk shall be withheld from public disclosure.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"13":{"id":199281,"text":"An application is deemed complete when all information required to be furnished by the applicant, including the fee for a concealed handgun permit as set forth in § 18.2-308.03, is delivered to and received by the clerk of court before or concomitant with the conduct of a state or national criminal history records check.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"14":{"id":199282,"text":"For purposes of this section, a member of the United States Armed Forces is domiciled in the county or city where such member claims his home of record with the United States Armed Forces.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13122,"edition_id":1,"name":"Concealed Weapons and Concealed Handgun Permits","identifier":"6.1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12973,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:18","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:18","permalink":{"id":167119,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13122,"identifier":"6.1","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1","url":"\/18.2\/7\/6.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12973,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Involving Health and Safety","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":166501,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12973,"identifier":"7","token":"18.2\/7","url":"\/18.2\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses Generally","identifier":"18.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":164139,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12972,"identifier":"18.2","token":"18.2","url":"\/18.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":85552,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-307.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/18.2-307.1\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-307.1","metadata":false},{"id":56600,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308","catch_line":"Carrying concealed weapons; exceptions; penalty","url":"\/18.2-308\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308","metadata":false},{"id":78687,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.01","catch_line":"Carrying a concealed handgun with a permit","url":"\/18.2-308.01\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.01","metadata":false},{"id":57991,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.010","catch_line":"Renewal of concealed handgun permit","url":"\/18.2-308.010\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.010","metadata":false},{"id":54818,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.011","catch_line":"Replacement permits","url":"\/18.2-308.011\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.011","metadata":false},{"id":56622,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.012","catch_line":"Prohibited conduct","url":"\/18.2-308.012\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.012","metadata":false},{"id":76584,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.013","catch_line":"Suspension or revocation of permit","url":"\/18.2-308.013\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.013","metadata":false},{"id":54156,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.014","catch_line":"Reciprocity","url":"\/18.2-308.014\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.014","metadata":false},{"id":77380,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.015","catch_line":"Inclusion of Supreme Court website on application","url":"\/18.2-308.015\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.015","metadata":false},{"id":77788,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.016","catch_line":"Retired law-enforcement officers; carrying a concealed handgun","url":"\/18.2-308.016\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.016","metadata":false},{"id":54280,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.02","catch_line":"Application for a concealed handgun permit; Virginia resident or domiciliary","url":"\/18.2-308.02\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.02","metadata":false},{"id":73895,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.03","catch_line":"Fees for concealed handgun permits","url":"\/18.2-308.03\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.03","metadata":false},{"id":82888,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.04","catch_line":"Processing of the application and issuance of a concealed handgun permit","url":"\/18.2-308.04\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.04","metadata":false},{"id":60909,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.05","catch_line":"Issuance of a de facto permit","url":"\/18.2-308.05\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.05","metadata":false},{"id":67217,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.06","catch_line":"Nonresident concealed handgun permits","url":"\/18.2-308.06\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.06","metadata":false},{"id":71655,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.07","catch_line":"Entry of information into the Virginia Criminal Information Network","url":"\/18.2-308.07\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.07","metadata":false},{"id":73002,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.08","catch_line":"Denial of a concealed handgun permit; appeal","url":"\/18.2-308.08\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.08","metadata":false},{"id":85822,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.09","catch_line":"Disqualifications for a concealed handgun permit","url":"\/18.2-308.09\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.09","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":77788,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.016","catch_line":"Retired law-enforcement officers; carrying a concealed handgun","url":"\/18.2-308.016\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.016","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":73895,"structure_id":13122,"section_number":"18.2-308.03","catch_line":"Fees for concealed handgun permits","url":"\/18.2-308.03\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.03","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/18.2-308.02\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2013. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 659<\/a> and 746<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 5 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2014, chapters 16<\/a>, 401<\/a>, and 549<\/a>; in 2017, chapters 99<\/a> and 237<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 624<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 390<\/a>, 958<\/a>, and 1130<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 93<\/a> and 94<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":57991,"section_number":"18.2-308.010","catch_line":"Renewal of concealed handgun permit","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.010\/"},{"id":76584,"section_number":"18.2-308.013","catch_line":"Suspension or revocation of permit","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.013\/"},{"id":67217,"section_number":"18.2-308.06","catch_line":"Nonresident concealed handgun permits","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.06\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":57991,"section_number":"18.2-308.010","catch_line":"Renewal of concealed handgun permit","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.010\/"},{"id":73895,"section_number":"18.2-308.03","catch_line":"Fees for concealed handgun permits","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.03\/"}],"permalink":{"id":167161,"object_type":"law","relational_id":54280,"identifier":"18.2-308.02","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.02","url":"\/18.2-308.02\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-308.02\/","token":"18.2\/7\/6.1\/18.2-308.02","dublin_core":{"Title":"Application for a concealed handgun permit; Virginia resident or domiciliary","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-308.02","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Any person 21 years of age or older may apply in writing to the clerk of the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> of the county or city in which he resides, or if he is a member of the United States Armed Forces and stationed outside the Commonwealth, the county or city in which he is domiciled, for a five-year permit to carry a concealed handgun<\/span>. There shall be no requirement regarding the length of time an applicant has been a resident or domiciliary of the county or city. The application shall be on a form prescribed by the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Supreme Court<\/span>, requiring only that information necessary to determine eligibility for the permit. Additionally, the application shall request but not require that the applicant provide an email or other electronic address where a notice of permit expiration can be sent pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.010<\/a>. The applicant shall present one valid form of photo identification issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport). No information or documentation other than that which is allowed on the application in accordance with this section may be requested or required by the clerk or the court<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The court<\/span> shall require proof that the applicant has demonstrated competence with a handgun<\/span> in person and the applicant may demonstrate such competence by one of the following, but no applicant shall be required to submit to any additional demonstration of competence, nor shall any proof of demonstrated competence expire: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Completing any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law<\/span>-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or the Department of Criminal Justice Services; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Completing any law<\/span>-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law<\/span> enforcement or security enforcement; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Presenting evidence<\/span> of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Completing any in-person firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified, National Rifle Association-certified, or United States Concealed Carry Association-certified firearms instructor; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Completing any other firearms training that the court<\/span> deems adequate.\n\t\t\t\tA photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes; an affidavit<\/span> from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document that shows completion of the course or class or evidences<\/span> participation in firearms competition shall constitute evidence<\/span> of qualification under this subsection. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The making of a materially false statement in an application under this article shall constitute perjury<\/span>, punishable as provided in § 18.2-434<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The clerk of court<\/span> shall withhold from public disclosure the applicant’s name and any other information contained in a permit application or any order<\/span> issuing a concealed handgun<\/span> permit, except that such information shall not be withheld from any law<\/span>-enforcement officer<\/span> acting in the performance of his official duties or from the applicant with respect to his own information. The prohibition on public disclosure of information under this subsection shall not apply to any reference to the issuance of a concealed handgun<\/span> permit in any order<\/span> book before July 1, 2008; however, any other concealed handgun<\/span> records maintained by the clerk shall be withheld from public disclosure. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> An application is deemed complete when all information required to be furnished by the applicant, including the fee for a concealed handgun<\/span> permit as set forth in § 18.2-308.03<\/a>, is delivered to and received by the clerk of court<\/span> before or concomitant with the conduct of a state or national criminal history records check. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> For purposes of this section, a member of the United States Armed Forces is domiciled in the county or city where such member claims his home of record with the United States Armed Forces. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAPPLICATION FOR A CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMIT; VIRGINIA RESIDENT OR DOMICILIARY (\u00a7\n18.2-308.02)\n\nA. Any person 21 years of age or older may apply in writing to the clerk of the\ncircuit court of the county or city in which he resides, or if he is a member of\nthe United States Armed Forces and stationed outside the Commonwealth, the\ncounty or city in which he is domiciled, for a five-year permit to carry a\nconcealed handgun. There shall be no requirement regarding the length of time an\napplicant has been a resident or domiciliary of the county or city. The\napplication shall be on a form prescribed by the Department of State Police, in\nconsultation with the Supreme Court, requiring only that information necessary\nto determine eligibility for the permit. Additionally, the application shall\nrequest but not require that the applicant provide an email or other electronic\naddress where a notice of permit expiration can be sent pursuant to subsection C\nof § 18.2-308.010. The applicant shall present one valid form of photo\nidentification issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the\nU.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport). No information\nor documentation other than that which is allowed on the application in\naccordance with this section may be requested or required by the clerk or the\ncourt.\n\nB. The court shall require proof that the applicant has demonstrated competence\nwith a handgun in person and the applicant may demonstrate such competence by\none of the following, but no applicant shall be required to submit to any\nadditional demonstration of competence, nor shall any proof of demonstrated\ncompetence expire:\n\n 1. Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the\n Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state;\n\n 2. Completing any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry\n Association firearms safety or training course;\n\n 3. Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the\n general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher\n education, or private or public institution or organization or firearms\n training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle\n Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or the Department\n of Criminal Justice Services;\n\n 4. Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class\n offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division\n or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;\n\n 5. Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through\n participation in organized shooting competition or current military service or\n proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;\n\n 6. Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the\n Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for\n cause;\n\n 7. Completing any in-person firearms training or safety course or class\n conducted by a state-certified, National Rifle Association-certified, or\n United States Concealed Carry Association-certified firearms instructor;\n\n 8. Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and\n qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or\n\n 9. Completing any other firearms training that the court deems adequate.\n \t\t\t\tA photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or\n classes; an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or\n group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the\n completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document\n that shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in\n firearms competition shall constitute evidence of qualification under this\n subsection.\n\nC. The making of a materially false statement in an application under this\narticle shall constitute perjury, punishable as provided in § 18.2-434.\n\nD. The clerk of court shall withhold from public disclosure the\napplicant’s name and any other information contained in a permit\napplication or any order issuing a concealed handgun permit, except that such\ninformation shall not be withheld from any law-enforcement officer acting in the\nperformance of his official duties or from the applicant with respect to his own\ninformation. The prohibition on public disclosure of information under this\nsubsection shall not apply to any reference to the issuance of a concealed\nhandgun permit in any order book before July 1, 2008; however, any other\nconcealed handgun records maintained by the clerk shall be withheld from public\ndisclosure.\n\nE. An application is deemed complete when all information required to be\nfurnished by the applicant, including the fee for a concealed handgun permit as\nset forth in § 18.2-308.03, is delivered to and received by the clerk of\ncourt before or concomitant with the conduct of a state or national criminal\nhistory records check.\n\nF. For purposes of this section, a member of the United States Armed Forces is\ndomiciled in the county or city where such member claims his home of record with\nthe United States Armed Forces.\n\nHISTORY: 2013, cc. 659, 746; 2014, cc. 16, 401, 549; 2017, cc. 99, 237; 2019, c.\n624; 2020, cc. 390, 958, 1130; 2023, cc. 93, 94.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}