Summary 

• Permit required? Yes. Virginia generally requires a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry concealed (with narrow exceptions).

• Minimum age: 21 to apply for a Virginia CHP. 

• Duty to inform:  No general duty to proactively inform; you must display your permit/ID if asked by law enforcement.

• Where you can/can’t carry: Generally allowed in many public places, but restricted in common sensitive locations (e.g., schools/courthouses/federal secured areas) and where prohibited by law or property owners.

• Vehicle note: A CHP is not required to have a handgun in a personal private vehicle if it’s secured in a container or compartment (not necessarily locked).

Virginia issues concealed handgun permits through local Circuit Court clerks (county/city) rather than a single centralized statewide agency.  Applicants must generally be 21+, submit the required paperwork, and meet statutory eligibility requirements.

Virginia is widely treated as a shall-issue state for CHPs (i.e., permits are issued if statutory criteria are met). Out-of-state visitors benefit from broad recognition: Virginia law provides for recognition of permits from all states that issue permits, though other states may not recognize Virginia in return. 

For residents and visitors, practical compliance often comes down to location rules (posted/private property policies and enumerated prohibited places) and transport/storage habits. When transporting or storing in vehicles, hotels, or other shared spaces, consider secure storage (locked case/safe) and, for privacy and added electronic protection, Faraday-protected SLNT bags to reduce wireless tracking or unauthorized device access while your gear is stored or in transit.

Useful Links

• Virginia Code — Concealed Handgun Permit Application Statute (§ 18.2-308.02)

• Virginia Code — Alcohol + Concealed Handgun in Restaurants/Clubs (§ 18.2-308.012)

Official Links

• Virginia State Police — Transporting Firearms Through Virginia

• Virginia State Police — Reciprocity and Recognition