Virginia law requires new applicants provide documentation of handgun competency through a live, in-person class. Online classes are no longer accepted. Live fire is not required and there is no shooting qualification. Prior Virginia permits may be accepted as proof of competency for renewals.

Qualifying classes may include:

1. Any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or a similar agency of another state

2. Completing any National Rifle Association (NRA) or US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) or Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS) firearms safety or training course

3. Veterans and active duty military can submit a DD214 to demonstrate competence.

What you should know

• Virginia permits last for 5 years. No classes or continuing education are required for renewal.

• Fill out your application in dark ink in its entirety, writing NA or not applicable where needed.

• Do not sign the application until directed by the county clerk.

• Virginia permits are issued by the office of the county clerk in the county in which you reside.

• The Permit Application is issued by the Virginia State Police

• Non-resident permit information and applications

Counties

Arlington County (Arlington and City of Falls Church)

• Valid photo ID

• 1 copy of certificate

• 1 copy of completed application

• $50 cash, credit card, check or money order

Circuit Court Clerk’s Office

Civil Division
1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 6700
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-7010

Application Information

Clarke County

• Valid photo ID

• Application

• Copy of certificate

• $40 cash or check

Clarke County Circuit Court
102 N. Church St
Berryville, VA
(540) 955-5188

Application Information

Fairfax County

• Valid form of photo ID

• 2 Copies of completed application

• 1 self-addressed-stamped envelope

• 2 copies of your certificate

• $50 cash, money order, visa or Mastercard (no personal checks)

  
  

Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
4110 Chain Bridge Road, 3rd floor
Civil Intake Division
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 691-7320

Application Information

Fauquier County

• Valid photo ID

• 1 signed original application

• 1 copy of certificate

• $15 no credit cards

29 Ashby Street
Warrenton, VA 20186

Application Information

Frederick County

• Valid photo ID

• Application

• Copy of certificate

• Winchester residents: $50

• Frederick County residents: $40

• Cash, personal check, certified check, money order, Visa / Mastercard

Judicial Center
5 North Kent St.
Winchester VA 22601
(540) 667-5770

Application Information

Loudoun County

• Valid photo ID

• 1 copy of a valid photo ID

• 1 copy of completed application

• 1 copy of certificate

• $40 credit card, check or money order

Clerk of the Circuit Court
Civil Division
18 E Market St
Leesburg, VA 20178
(703) 771-5644

Application Information

Prince William County

• Valid photo ID

• 1 copy of your application

• 1 copy of your certificate

• $15 cash, check, credit card, money order

Clerk of the Circuit Court
Room 314
1 County Complex Court
Prince William VA 22192
(703) 792-6000

Application Information

Stafford County

• Valid photo ID

• Completed application

• Copy of your certificate

• $43 cash, check or money order

  
  

Clerk of the Circuit Court
1300 Courthouse Rd
Stafford, VA 22554
(540) 658-8750

Application Information

Warren County

• Valid Photo ID

• 1 copy of completed application

• 1 copy of your certificate

Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
1 E Main Street
Front Royal, VA 22630
(540) 635-4107

Application Information