In addition, the owner of private property may prohibit the possession of concealed handguns on that property, and other laws may restrict other possession of concealed handguns (such as while in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs).

For more detailed information on laws concerning handguns, visit the Virginia State Police.

To receive a permit to carry a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth of Virginia:

1. Complete the Application for Concealed Handgun Permit (this link requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader) and return it to the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court with an application fee. City of Winchester residents will need to submit $50.00, whereas, Frederick County residents must submit $40.00. Payment may be made by cash, personal check, certified check or money order, and a receipt will be provided. Checks and money orders should be made out to "Clerk of Circuit Court."

2. All applicants must present proof of competency to carry a firearm. Please refer to Virginia Code § 18.2-308(G) to determine the possible courses that are acceptable. Competency may be demonstrated by:

   • Completing an approved hunter education or hunter safety course

   • Completing an approved firearms safety or training course

   • Having participated in approved organized shooting competitions or military service

   • Having previously held a valid license to carry a handgun in Virginia

3. Approved courses include those sanctioned by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the National Rifle Association, law enforcement agencies, colleges, professional academies and any other courses approved by the court.

4. City of Winchester residents, must take their receipt and a copy of the application to the Winchester Police Department for fingerprinting. The Winchester Police Department is located in the Public Safety Building, 231 East Piccadilly Street. Fingerprinting hours are Monday 9:00 A.M. - 12 Noon, Wednesday & Friday 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. You must show two forms of identification. One form must be a valid photo ID issued by a governmental agency that denotes the individual's name, gender, date of birth and current address. If you do not have two forms of ID, you will not be fingerprinted.

5. Frederick County residents must take their receipt and a copy of the application to a Frederick County Sheriff's deputy for fingerprinting. A deputy is located in the Joint Judicial Center, 5 North Kent Street for this purpose. Fingerprinting hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

6. Your application will be reviewed by the judge and if you are granted a permit, you will be notified either by phone or mail to pick up your Concealed Handgun Permit in the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. You must pick up your permit in person and must produce a photo identification card issued by a government agency (eg. driver's license). If your permit is denied, you may appeal within 30 days to the Virginia Court of appeals.

7. The concealed weapons permit shall be issued within fourty-five (45) days of receipt of the completed application usless it is determined that the applicant is disqualified.

8. The duration of the permit is for a period of five (5) years.