Virginia Gun Laws

Shall-issue concealed carry. Assault weapon/magazine ban enacted but currently enjoined. Castle doctrine and stand your ground. Red flag law.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Virginia requires a shall-issue permit for concealed carry. The state recognizes both castle doctrine and stand your ground. Virginia has a red flag law. A 2026 law banning the sale of assault weapons and magazines over 15 rounds is currently blocked statewide by a court injunction pending Supreme Court review, so it is not enforced right now. A separate 2026 law (HB 1525, effective on signing in April 2026) bars anyone under 21 from purchasing a handgun or assault firearm. Background checks required for all sales.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Shall-issue permit required (Va. Code § 18.2-308.01)
• Open Carry: Permitted without a permit
• Permit to Purchase: Not required
• Assault Weapon Ban: No ban currently enforced (2026 sales ban enjoined pending Supreme Court review) (Va. Code § 18.2-287.4:1)
• Magazine Limit: No limit currently enforced (2026 law capping magazines at 15 rounds is enjoined) (Va. Code § 18.2-309.1)
• Waiting Period: None
• Universal Background Check: Required for all sales and transfers (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2:5)
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Emergency Substantial Risk Order (Va. Code § 19.2-152.13)
• Castle Doctrine: Yes
• Stand Your Ground: Yes
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Honors valid permits from every other state for holders 21+ (narrower 'substantially similar' test starts July 1, 2027) (Va. Code § 18.2-308.014)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia requires a shall-issue concealed handgun permit. Open carry is generally allowed without a permit.

Does Virginia require background checks for private sales?

Yes. Virginia requires universal background checks for all firearm sales and transfers, including private sales.

Does Virginia have a red flag law?

Yes. Virginia has an Emergency Substantial Risk Order law allowing law enforcement and attorneys to petition for temporary firearm removal.

Are there magazine limits in Virginia?

Not currently. A 2026 law (SB 749/HB 217) would ban the sale of assault firearms and magazines over 15 rounds, but a statewide court injunction has blocked enforcement pending the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on similar bans in other states. Existing owners would be grandfathered if the ban takes effect.

Does Virginia recognize concealed carry permits from other states?

Yes, for now. Virginia honors a valid concealed carry permit issued by any other state to a holder 21 or older. Starting July 1, 2027 (SB 115), Virginia will only honor permits from states whose requirements are substantially similar to its own, and Virginia residents will no longer be able to carry on an out-of-state permit.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.