Virginia Gun Laws in Plain English
In Virginia, you can buy most firearms without a waiting period, but you must pass a background check for every purchase, including private sales. You are limited to buying one handgun a month unless you have a concealed carry permit. You can carry a loaded handgun in your car's glove box without a permit. While you can own AR-15s and standard magazines, be careful carrying them openly in cities like Alexandria or Richmond, as specific restrictions apply.
Critical: Virginia Gun Law Gotchas
These are the most important things to know that could get you arrested or charged with a crime:
- #1If you don't have a Concealed Handgun Permit, you cannot open carry a loaded semi-auto rifle or pistol with a magazine holding more than 20 rounds in Northern Virginia or major cities (Va. Code § 18.2-287.4).
- #2Private sales require a background check at a dealer if anything of value is exchanged. 'I'll trade you this for that' requires a check (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2:5).
- #3You are limited to purchasing one handgun every 30 days unless you have a valid Concealed Handgun Permit (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2:2(R)).
- #4Localities (cities/counties) can ban guns in parks and at permitted events. Watch for signs in places like Alexandria or Arlington (Va. Code § 15.2-915).
- #5Machine guns must be registered with the Virginia State Police within 24 hours of acquisition (Va. Code § 18.2-295).
- #6If your firearm is lost or stolen, you MUST report it to law enforcement within 48 hours or face a fine (Va. Code § 18.2-287.5).
- #7Vehicle carry without a permit requires the handgun to be in a 'secured container' (glove box/console). Leaving it under the seat or in a door map pocket is illegal concealed carry (Va. Code § 18.2-308).
- #8Airport terminals (Richmond, Dulles, Reagan) are off-limits for carry, even with a permit (Va. Code § 18.2-287.01).
- #9A conviction for misdemeanor assault and battery of a family member (after July 1, 2021) prohibits you from owning firearms (Va. Code § 18.2-308.1:8).
- #10It is illegal to carry a concealed handgun while under the influence of alcohol in a public place (Va. Code § 18.2-308.012).
- #11Non-citizens cannot possess 'assault firearms' (defined by features/mag capacity) even if they are legal permanent residents (Va. Code § 18.2-308.2:01).
Read these carefully - they cover common mistakes that lead to felony charges.