Machine guns require registration via the state police.
Requirements to hold a firearm license
Must be 21 years of age
Complete an application
Have valid photo ID
Must have two safety training courses with proof
Background check will be performed by the circuit court
Permits/license are required for concealed handguns.
More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful
FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.
Does Virginia Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?
Yes, Virginia has a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm.
The state requires background checks for handgun purchases at point of sale and/or for permit to purchase.
Owning a firearm in Virginia
Does Virginia have a Gun Free Zone law?
Yes, Virginia has a defined list of gun free zones:
A Courthouse
Schools
Police stations
Jail
Churches
Hospitals/emergency rooms
Athletic events
Financial institutions
Post offices
Military bases
Airports/planes
Does Virginia Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?
Yes, you are required to take a safety course prior to owning a firearm in Virginia.
The state requires two approved safety training courses for handguns when applying for a permit.
Common Firearm Offenses in Virginia
[18.2-300. Possession or use of "sawed-off" shotgun or rifle.] (https://humbrechtlaw.com/criminal-charges-in-virginia/virginia-weapon-charges/virginia-firearm-charges/)
[18.2-308.1:1. Purchase, possession, or transportation of firearms by persons acquitted by reason of
insanity; penalty.] (https://humbrechtlaw.com/criminal-charges-in-virginia/virginia-weapon-charges/virginia-firearm-charges/)
[18.2-308.1:4. Purchase or transportation of firearm by persons subject to protective orders; penalties.
] (https://humbrechtlaw.com/criminal-charges-in-virginia/virginia-weapon-charges/virginia-firearm-charges/)
[18.2-308.1:5. Purchase or transportation of firearm by persons convicted of certain drug offenses
prohibited.] (https://humbrechtlaw.com/criminal-charges-in-virginia/virginia-weapon-charges/virginia-firearm-charges/)
[18.2-308.2:01. Possession or transportation of certain firearms by certain persons.] (https://humbrechtlaw.com/criminal-charges-in-virginia/virginia-weapon-charges/virginia-firearm-charges/)
[18.2-308.2:1. (Effective July 1, 2021) Prohibiting the selling, etc., of firearms to certain persons.] (https://humbrechtlaw.com/criminal-charges-in-virginia/virginia-weapon-charges/virginia-firearm-charges/)
[18.2-308.4. Possession of firearms while in possession of certain substances.] (https://humbrechtlaw.com/criminal-charges-in-virginia/virginia-weapon-charges/virginia-firearm-charges/)
[18.2-308.5. Manufacture, import, sale, transfer or possession of plastic firearm prohibited.] (https://humbrechtlaw.com/criminal-charges-in-virginia/virginia-weapon-charges/virginia-firearm-charges/)
[18.2-308.7. Possession or transportation of certain firearms by persons under the age of 18; penalty] (https://humbrechtlaw.com/criminal-charges-in-virginia/virginia-weapon-charges/virginia-firearm-charges/)
[18.2-308.8. Importation, sale, possession or transfer of Striker 12's prohibited; penalty] (https://humbrechtlaw.com/criminal-charges-in-virginia/virginia-weapon-charges/virginia-firearm-charges/)
[50-697. * Shooting in or along road or in street] (https://library.municode.com/va/south_hill/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH50OF_ARTXICRINWE_S50-694CADAWEPLREWO)
[50-692. * Willfully discharging firearms in public places] (https://library.municode.com/va/south_hill/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH50OF_ARTXICRINWE_S50-694CADAWEPLREWO)