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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>85822</law_id><section_number>18.2-308.09</section_number><catch_line>Disqualifications for a concealed handgun permit</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>18.2-308.010</reference><reference>18.2-308.013</reference><reference>18.2-308.06</reference><reference>18.2-308.08</reference><reference>19.2-11.02</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="18.2">Crimes and Offenses Generally</unit><unit label="chapter" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="7">Crimes Involving Health and Safety</unit><unit label="article" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="6.1">Concealed Weapons and Concealed Handgun Permits</unit></structure><text>
						<section><p>The following persons shall be deemed disqualified from obtaining a permit:</p></section>
						<section id="1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> An individual who is ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms by persons acquitted by reason of insanity; penalty" href="/18.2-308.1_1/">18.2-308.1:1</a>, <a class="law" title="Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm by persons adjudicated legally incompetent or mentally incapacitated; penalty" href="/18.2-308.1_2/">18.2-308.1:2</a>, <a class="law" title="Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm by persons involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment; penalty" href="/18.2-308.1_3/">18.2-308.1:3</a>, <a class="law" title="Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms by persons subject to substantial risk orders; penalty" href="/18.2-308.1_6/">18.2-308.1:6</a>, <a class="law" title="Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm by persons enrolled into the Voluntary Do Not Sell Firearms List; penalty" href="/18.2-308.1_7/">18.2-308.1:7</a>, or <a class="law" title="Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm following an assault and battery of a family or household member; penalty" href="/18.2-308.1_8/">18.2-308.1:8</a> or the substantially similar <span class="dictionary">law</span> of any other state or of the United States. <a id="paragraph-307344" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="2"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> An individual who was ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms by persons acquitted by reason of insanity; penalty" href="/18.2-308.1_1/">18.2-308.1:1</a> and who was discharged from the <span class="dictionary">custody</span> of the Commissioner pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Conditional release; criteria; conditions; reports" href="/19.2-182.7/">19.2-182.7</a> less than five years before the date of his application for a concealed <span class="dictionary">handgun</span> permit. <a id="paragraph-307345" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="3"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> An individual who was ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm by persons adjudicated legally incompetent or mentally incapacitated; penalty" href="/18.2-308.1_2/">18.2-308.1:2</a> and whose competency or capacity was restored pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Petition for restoration, modification, or termination; effects" href="/64.2-2012/">64.2-2012</a> less than five years before the date of his application for a concealed <span class="dictionary">handgun</span> permit. <a id="paragraph-307346" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="4"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> An individual who was ineligible to possess a firearm under &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearm by persons involuntarily admitted or ordered to outpatient treatment; penalty" href="/18.2-308.1_3/">18.2-308.1:3</a> and who was released from commitment less than five years before the date of this application for a concealed <span class="dictionary">handgun</span> permit. <a id="paragraph-307347" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="5"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> An individual who is subject to a restraining <span class="dictionary">order</span>, or to a protective <span class="dictionary">order</span> and prohibited by &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Purchase or transportation of firearm by persons subject to protective orders; penalties" href="/18.2-308.1_4/">18.2-308.1:4</a> from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm. <a id="paragraph-307348" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="6"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> An individual who is prohibited by &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, explosives or concealed weapons by convicted felons; penalties; petition for restoration order; when issued" href="/18.2-308.2/">18.2-308.2</a> from possessing or transporting a firearm, except that a restoration <span class="dictionary">order</span> may be obtained in accordance with subsection C of that section. <a id="paragraph-307349" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="7"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> An individual who has been convicted of two or more <span class="dictionary">misdemeanors</span> within the five-year period immediately preceding the application, if one of the <span class="dictionary">misdemeanors</span> was a Class 1 <span class="dictionary">misdemeanor</span>, but the <span class="dictionary">judge</span> shall have the discretion to deny a permit for two or more <span class="dictionary">misdemeanors</span> that are not Class 1. Traffic infractions and <span class="dictionary">misdemeanors</span> set forth in Title 46.2 shall not be considered for purposes of this disqualification. <a id="paragraph-307350" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="8"><p><span class="prefix-number">8.</span> An individual who is addicted to, or is an unlawful user or distributor of, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, or any controlled substance. <a id="paragraph-307351" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#8"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="9"><p><span class="prefix-number">9.</span> An individual who has been convicted of a violation of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Driving motor vehicle, engine, etc., while intoxicated, etc" href="/18.2-266/">18.2-266</a> or a substantially similar local <span class="dictionary">ordinance</span>, or of public drunkenness, or of a substantially similar <span class="dictionary">offense</span> under the <span class="dictionary">laws</span> of any other state, the District of Columbia, the United States, or its territories within the three-year period immediately preceding the application. <a id="paragraph-307352" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#9"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="10"><p><span class="prefix-number">10.</span> An alien other than an alien <span class="dictionary">lawfully admitted for permanent residence</span> in the United States. <a id="paragraph-307353" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#10"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="11"><p><span class="prefix-number">11.</span> An individual who has been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions. <a id="paragraph-307354" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#11"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="12"><p><span class="prefix-number">12.</span> An individual who is a fugitive from justice. <a id="paragraph-307355" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#12"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="13"><p><span class="prefix-number">13.</span> An individual who the <span class="dictionary">court</span> finds, by a <span class="dictionary">preponderance of the evidence</span>, based on specific acts by the applicant, is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others. The sheriff, chief of police, or attorney for the Commonwealth may submit to the <span class="dictionary">court</span> a sworn, written statement indicating that, in the <span class="dictionary">opinion</span> of such sheriff, chief of police, or attorney for the Commonwealth, based upon a disqualifying <span class="dictionary">conviction</span> or upon the specific acts set forth in the statement, the applicant is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others. The statement of the sheriff, chief of police, or the attorney for the Commonwealth shall be based upon <span class="dictionary">personal knowledge</span> of such individual or of a deputy sheriff, police officer, or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth of the specific acts, or upon a written statement made under <span class="dictionary">oath</span> before a notary public of a competent person having <span class="dictionary">personal knowledge</span> of the specific acts. <a id="paragraph-307356" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#13"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="14"><p><span class="prefix-number">14.</span> An individual who has been convicted of any <span class="dictionary">assault</span>, <span class="dictionary">assault</span> and <span class="dictionary">battery</span>, sexual <span class="dictionary">battery</span>, discharging of a firearm in violation of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Willfully discharging firearms in public places" href="/18.2-280/">18.2-280</a> or <a class="law" title="Shooting from vehicles so as to endanger persons; penalty" href="/18.2-286.1/">18.2-286.1</a> or brandishing of a firearm in violation of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Pointing, holding, or brandishing firearm, air or gas operated weapon or object similar in appearance; penalty" href="/18.2-282/">18.2-282</a> within the three-year period immediately preceding the application. <a id="paragraph-307357" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#14"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="15"><p><span class="prefix-number">15.</span> An individual who has been convicted of stalking. <a id="paragraph-307358" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#15"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="16"><p><span class="prefix-number">16.</span> An individual whose previous <span class="dictionary">convictions</span> or adjudications of delinquency were based on an <span class="dictionary">offense</span> that would have been at the time of <span class="dictionary">conviction</span> a <span class="dictionary">felony</span> if committed by an adult under the <span class="dictionary">laws</span> of any state, the District of Columbia, the United States or its territories. For purposes of this disqualifier, only <span class="dictionary">convictions</span> occurring within 16 years following the later of the date of (i) the <span class="dictionary">conviction</span> or adjudication or (ii) release from any incarceration imposed upon such <span class="dictionary">conviction</span> or adjudication shall be deemed to be &#x201C;previous <span class="dictionary">convictions</span>.&#x201D; Disqualification under this subdivision shall not apply to an individual with previous adjudications of delinquency who has completed a term of service of no less than two years in the Armed Forces of the United States and, if such person has been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States, received an honorable discharge. <a id="paragraph-307359" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#16"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="17"><p><span class="prefix-number">17.</span> An individual who has a <span class="dictionary">felony</span> charge pending or a charge pending for an <span class="dictionary">offense</span> listed in subdivision 14 or 15. <a id="paragraph-307360" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#17"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="18"><p><span class="prefix-number">18.</span> An individual who has received <span class="dictionary">mental health treatment</span> or <span class="dictionary">substance abuse treatment</span> in a residential setting within five years prior to the date of his application for a concealed <span class="dictionary">handgun</span> permit. <a id="paragraph-307361" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#18"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="19"><p><span class="prefix-number">19.</span> An individual not otherwise ineligible pursuant to this article, who, within the three-year period immediately preceding the application for the permit, was found guilty of any criminal <span class="dictionary">offense</span> set forth in Chapter 11 (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Possession, etc., of marijuana and marijuana products by persons 21 years of age or older lawful; penalties" href="/4.1-1100/">4.1-1100</a> et seq.) of Title 4.1, Article 1 (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Use of terms &quot;controlled substances,&quot; &quot;marijuana,&quot; &quot;Schedules I, II, III, IV, V, and VI,&quot; &quot;imitation controlled substance,&quot; and &quot;counterfeit controlled substance&quot; in Title 18.2" href="/18.2-247/">18.2-247</a> et seq.), or former &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Repealed" href="/18.2-248.1_1/">18.2-248.1:1</a> or of a criminal <span class="dictionary">offense</span> of illegal <span class="dictionary">possession</span> or distribution of marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, or any controlled substance, under the <span class="dictionary">laws</span> of any state, the District of Columbia, or the United States or its territories. <a id="paragraph-307362" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#19"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="20"><p><span class="prefix-number">20.</span> An individual, not otherwise ineligible pursuant to this article, with respect to whom, within the three-year period immediately preceding the application, upon a charge of any criminal <span class="dictionary">offense</span> set forth in Chapter 11 (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Possession, etc., of marijuana and marijuana products by persons 21 years of age or older lawful; penalties" href="/4.1-1100/">4.1-1100</a> et seq.) of Title 4.1, Article 1 (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="Use of terms &quot;controlled substances,&quot; &quot;marijuana,&quot; &quot;Schedules I, II, III, IV, V, and VI,&quot; &quot;imitation controlled substance,&quot; and &quot;counterfeit controlled substance&quot; in Title 18.2" href="/18.2-247/">18.2-247</a> et seq.), or former &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Repealed" href="/18.2-248.1_1/">18.2-248.1:1</a> or upon a charge of illegal <span class="dictionary">possession</span> or distribution of marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, or any controlled substance under the <span class="dictionary">laws</span> of any state, the District of Columbia, or the United States or its territories, the <span class="dictionary">trial</span> <span class="dictionary">court</span> found that the <span class="dictionary">facts</span> of the case were sufficient for a <span class="dictionary">finding</span> of guilt and disposed of the case pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Persons charged with first offense may be placed on probation; conditions; substance abuse screening, assessment treatment and education programs or services; drug tests; costs and fees; violations; discharge" href="/18.2-251/">18.2-251</a> or the substantially similar <span class="dictionary">law</span> of any other state, the District of Columbia, or the United States or its territories. <a id="paragraph-307363" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/18.2-308.09/#20"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>2013, c. 746; 2014, cc. 674, 719; 2016, cc. 48, 49, 337; 2019, c. 203; 2020, cc. 150, 887, 888, 1173; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551, 555.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
