Does this course make me eligible for a California or other state Firearm Safety Certificate?
No. Our educational course is offered for those interested in learning more about firearm safety.
Can I take the test again if I don’t pass it?
Yes. But we have a 99% pass rate, so the prospect of you failing is highly unlikely.
Why do I need a VA non-resident concealed handgun permit?
Because a Virginia State non-resident concealed handgun permit is unique in that it is the only state that lets applicants show competence with a handgun by completing an online firearms safety class.
Does my state recognize the Virginia State non-resident concealed handgun permit?
In order to determine this, you will need to contact the authorities within your state of residence to find out if they will honor Virginia’s non-resident concealed handgun permit.
After I finish the course, will I receive documentation showing competence with a handgun?
Once you complete the online training and safety course taught by an NRA-certified firearms instructor, you can download a certificate of completion.
What are the fingerprint requirements?
Upon completion of the online training and safety course and subsequent application for a Virginia State non-resident concealed handgun permit, the package provided contains a Police Fingerprint Card used to obtain your state or national criminal history record. An additional fingerprint card will be provided upon request or applicant may request a law enforcement agency to obtain his or her fingerprint impressions on Applicant Fingerprint Card FD-258.
Is proof of ID required?
Yes. A legible photocopy of a valid photo-ID issued by a governmental agency must be submitted.
What are the carry/notification requirements?
Whoever the permit is issued to must have it on them at all times when he/she is carrying a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth of VA and shall display the permit on demand by a law enforcement officer. Said individual shall also present, upon request, a valid photo-ID issued by a government agency or by the U.S. Department of Defense or United States State Department.
How do I renew my permit?
With the exception of proof of competence with a handgun, the process for renewal is the same as the processes and costs associated with the original permit. New photos and fingerprints are required.
What happens if the permit is revoked?
In the case of revocation for any reason, the person to whom a permit was issued shall return the permit after being so notified by the Department of State Police.
What conduct is prohibited and where is it unlawful to carry?
The entire statute is as follows: Section 18.2-308.012:
Any person permitted to carry a concealed handgun who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while carrying such handgun in a public place is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Conviction of any of the following offenses shall be prima facie evidence, subject to rebuttal, that the person is “under the influence” for purposes of this section: manslaughter in violation of Section 18.2-36.1, maiming in violation of Section 18.2-51.4, driving while intoxicated in violation of Section 18.2-266, public intoxication in violation of Section 18.2-388, or driving while intoxicated in violation of Section 46.2-341.24.
No person who carries a concealed handgun onto the premises of any restaurant or club as defined in Section 4.1-100 for which a license to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption has been granted by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board under Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia; may consume an alcoholic beverage while on the premises. A person who carries a concealed handgun onto the premises of such a restaurant or club and consumes alcoholic beverages is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, nothing in this subsection shall apply to a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer.
Section 18.2-308.01: Private property when prohibited by the owner of the property, or where posted as prohibited.
Section 18.2-283: To a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such place, without good and sufficient reason.
Section 18.2-283.1: Courthouse.
Section 18.2-308.1: School property. Exemptions to this statute include a person who has a valid concealed handgun permit and possesses a concealed handgun while in a motor vehicle in a parking lot, traffic circle, or other means of vehicular ingress or egress to the school.
Section 18.2-287.01: Carrying weapon in air carrier airport terminal.
What is the policy for the Virginia State concealed handgun permit reciprocity and recognition?
AS OF JULY 1, 2016, any individual who holds a valid concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by another state may carry concealed in Virginia provided that::
- the holder is at least 21 years of age; AND
- the holder carries a photo-ID issued by a government agency of any state or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department; AND
- the holder displays the permit or license AND such ID will be displayed upon demand by a law-enforcement officer; AND
- the permit or license holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked.
Even though the law requires Virginia to grant recognition to all states that issue permits, said states cannot authorize Virginia permit holders the legal right to possess a firearm in their home state.