Virginia gun laws

Carry

• Permitless (constitutional) carry: No, a permit is required to carry concealed
• A permit is required for concealed handgun carry.
• Open carry: A permit is required only to carry a handgun hidden from common observation (Va. Code 18.2-308). The statute does not cover open carry. Source
• Permits: Virginia permit guide

Vehicle transport

Without a permit, anyone who may lawfully possess a firearm may keep a handgun in a personal vehicle if it is secured in a container or compartment (18.2-308(C)(8)). Source

Places where carry is banned

Schools, child day centers, school-sponsored functions, and school buses (18.2-308.1). A permit does not authorize carry where otherwise prohibited (18.2-308.01(C)). Source

Magazines and assault weapons

• Magazine capacity limit: Yes, 15 rounds
• Assault-weapon restrictions: Yes, a general ban on sale, manufacture and transfer

Duty to inform

Not confirmed. Check with Circuit court (residents); Virginia State Police (non-residents).

Stand your ground and castle doctrine

Not on NCSL's list of states with no duty to retreat. Castle-doctrine rules at home may still apply. Not confirmed. Check with Circuit court (residents); Virginia State Police (non-residents).

Red-flag law

Yes. Courts can issue extreme risk protection orders.

Reciprocity

Virginia currently recognizes valid out-of-state permits for holders 21+; narrower rules take effect July 1, 2027.

Honors permits from every state. Holder must be 21+; narrower rules take effect July 1, 2027.

Official reciprocity information

Check whether Virginia honors your permit

Sources

1. vsp.virginia.gov
2. vsp.virginia.gov
3. giffords.org
4. giffords.org
5. giffords.org
6. www.ncsl.org
7. law.lis.virginia.gov
8. law.lis.virginia.gov

Magazine, assault-weapon and red-flag lists come from Giffords Law Center summaries; stand-your-ground from NCSL. Carry, vehicle, banned-place, duty-to-inform and reciprocity details come from the state's own legislature, attorney general or state police pages.