In Virginia, a handgun is defined as any pistol or revolver or other firearm, except a machine gun, originally designed, made and intended to fire a projectile by means of an explosion of a combustible material from one or more barrels when held in one hand. [i] State Circuit Court of residence issues license to carry firearms. Any person 21 years of age or older may apply for a license. The applicant should provide proof that s/he demonstrates competence with handgun.
It is unlawful to carry concealed handgun onto the premises of any restaurant or club, private property when prohibited by the owner of the property, or where posted as prohibited, a place of worship, courthouse, and school and air carrier airport terminal.
It is also unlawful to carry loaded firearms in public areas such as street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, or in any public park or places open to public in the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Falls Church, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, or Virginia Beach or in the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, or Prince William.[ii] However, Law-enforcement officers, licensed security guards, military personnel, or any person having a valid concealed handgun permit or to any person actually engaged in lawful hunting or lawful recreational shooting activities at an established shooting range or shooting contest are exempted. Persons violating the provision are guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
The states that recognize license issued in Virginia are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Vermont.
Virginia recognizes licenses from the residents of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
License is granted for a term of five years and cost for obtaining the license is not more than $50.
[i] Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-308
[ii] Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-287.4
