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FAQ

Who is the ideal candidate for this class?

  • Residents of a locale where a firearm is on the premises.
  • Anyone interested in handgun safety best practices.
  • Anyone who owns or may transfer ownership of a firearm in California.
  • Anyone in another state where a Handgun Certificate of Safety is applicable.

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.

In how many states can I legally carry a concealed weapon once I acquire a multi-state non-resident CCW permit?

In over 29 states.

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.

What are the photo requirements?

Applicants for a non-resident concealed handgun permit must submit one photo of the applicant which will appear on the permit. The photo must be:
  • 2 x 2 inches.
  • Taken within the last 6 months.
  • Color or b&w.
  • Centered frontal full-face view against a plain white or off-white background.
  • No uniforms, no hats, no sunglasses. If you wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, or wig, they should be worn in your photo.
  • A medical certificate may be requested upon review of your submitted photo.
  • Digital photos must be reproduced without visible pixels or dot patterns.
  • A photocopied photo is unacceptable.
  • If your application is denied, your photograph will not be returned.

Is proof of ID required?

Yes. A legible photocopy of a valid photo-ID issued by a governmental agency must be submitted.

Who is NOT eligible to obtain a permit?

  • Anyone ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to §§ 18.2-308.1:1, 18.2-308.1:2 or § 18.2-308.1:3 or similar law of any other state or of the United States of America.
  • Anyone ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to § 18.2-308.1:1 and who was discharged from the custody of the Commissioner pursuant to § 19.2-182.7 less than five-years before the date of his/her application for a concealed handgun permit.
  • Anyone ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to § 18.2-308.1:2 and whose competency or capacity was restored pursuant to former § 37.1-134.1 or § 37.2-1012 less than five-years before the date of his application for a concealed handgun permit.
  • Anyone who was ineligible to possess a firearm under § 18.2-308.1:3 and who was released from mental commitment less than five-years before the date of this application.
  • An individual subject to a restraining order or protective order and prohibited by § 18.2-308.1:4 from purchasing or transporting a firearm.
  • An individual prohibited by § 18.2-308.2 from possessing or transporting a firearm.
  • Anyone convicted of two or more misdemeanors within the five-year period preceding the application. Traffic infractions shall not be considered for purposes of this disqualification.
  • Anyone addicted to, or is an unlawful user or distributor of, marijuana or controlled substances.
  • Anyone convicted of a violation of § 18.2-266 or similar local ordinance, or of public drunkenness, or similar offense under the laws of any other state, the District of Columbia, the United States, or its territories within the three-year period immediately preceding the application, or who is a habitual drunkard as determined pursuant to § 4.1-333.
  • An alien other than an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States
  • A dishonorably discharged individual from the Armed Forces of the United States.
  • A fugitive from justice.
  • Anyone who it is alleged in a sworn written statement submitted by any law enforcement authority who has been determined to likely use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others.
  • Anyone who has been convicted of any assault, assault and battery, sexual battery, discharging of a firearm in violation of § 18.2-280 or § 18.2-286.1 or brandishing of a firearm in violation of § 18.2-282 within the three-year period immediately preceding the application.
  • Anyone convicted of stalking.
  • Anyone who has a felony charge pending.
  • Anyone who has received mental health treatment or substance abuse treatment in a residential setting within five-years prior to the date of his/her application for a concealed handgun permit.
  • Anyone not otherwise ineligible pursuant to this section, who, within the three-year period immediately preceding the application for the permit, was found guilty of any criminal offense set forth in Article 1 (§ 18.2-247et seq.) of Chapter 7 of this title or of a criminal offense of illegal possession or distribution of marijuana or any controlled substance, under the laws of any state, the District of Columbia, or the United States or its territories.
  • Anyone not otherwise ineligible pursuant to this section, with respect to whom, within the three-year period immediately preceding the application, upon a charge of any criminal offense set forth in Article 1 (§ 18.2-247 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of this title or upon a charge of illegal possession or distribution of marijuana or any controlled substance under the laws of any state, the District of Columbia, or the United States or its territories, the trial court found that the facts of the case were sufficient for a finding of guilt and disposed of the case pursuant to § 18.2-251 or the substantially similar law of any other state, the District of Columbia, or the United States or its territories.

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.

If I need to replace the permit, what do I do?

As of the publishing of this website, you can request a replacement permit in writing, addressed to the FTC at P.O. Box 85141, Richmond, VA, 23285-5141. Include a cashier’s check or money order for $5.00 payable to the Virginia State Police, a photo, and one of the following:
  • permit file number
  • photocopy of permit
  • photocopy of valid photo-ID issued by a governmental agency

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.