Is training required for a Virginia CHP?

Yes. Virginia requires firearms training to obtain the CHP. Applicants must demonstrate competence with a handgun in person (§ 18.2-308.02) through any one of several approved methods — a hunter education/safety course; an NRA or USCCA firearms safety course; a firearms safety/training course offered by a law-enforcement agency, an institution of higher education, or a state-certified private instructor; documented equivalent experience (organized shooting competition or current/past military service); a current or prior valid firearms license not revoked for cause; or other training the court deems adequate. No fixed number of hours is set by statute.

Can non-residents get a Virginia CHP?

Yes. Virginia issues a CHP to qualifying non-residents.

How much does the Virginia CHP cost, and how long is it valid?

The application fee is $50. The total resident application fee is capped at $50 by § 18.2-308.03 — up to $10 to the clerk of court, up to $35 for the law-enforcement/FBI background investigation, and up to $5 to the State Police. The Department of State Police nonresident CHP costs up to $100 and requires fingerprints (§ 18.2-308.06). The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

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Virginia CHP Requirements

How to get a Virginia Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.

How to apply

Application fee: $50 — The total resident application fee is capped at $50 by § 18.2-308.03 — up to $10 to the clerk of court, up to $35 for the law-enforcement/FBI background investigation, and up to $5 to the State Police. The Department of State Police nonresident CHP costs up to $100 and requires fingerprints (§ 18.2-308.06).
Minimum age: 21
Training: Required — Applicants must demonstrate competence with a handgun in person (§ 18.2-308.02) through any one of several approved methods — a hunter education/safety course; an NRA or USCCA firearms safety course; a firearms safety/training course offered by a law-enforcement agency, an institution of higher education, or a state-certified private instructor; documented equivalent experience (organized shooting competition or current/past military service); a current or prior valid firearms license not revoked for cause; or other training the court deems adequate. No fixed number of hours is set by statute.
Fingerprints: Not required
Processing time: See official source
Validity / renewal: 5 years, then renewal
Residency: Open to non-residents
Non-resident permit: Available

Applications are processed by Clerk of the Circuit Court (of the applicant's county or city of residence); nonresident permits issued by the Virginia Department of State Police.

Steps to get a Virginia CHP

Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
Complete the required firearms training. Applicants must demonstrate competence with a handgun in person (§ 18.2-308.02) through any one of several approved methods — a hunter education/safety course; an NRA or USCCA firearms safety course; a firearms safety/training course offered by a law-enforcement agency, an institution of higher education, or a state-certified private instructor; documented equivalent experience (organized shooting competition or current/past military service); a current or prior valid firearms license not revoked for cause; or other training the court deems adequate. No fixed number of hours is set by statute.
Submit your application to Clerk of the Circuit Court (of the applicant's county or city of residence); nonresident permits issued by the Virginia Department of State Police. File your Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) application with Clerk of the Circuit Court (of the applicant's county or city of residence); nonresident permits issued by the Virginia Department of State Police. See the official page for forms and instructions.
Pay the application fee. Pay the CHP application fee of $50. The total resident application fee is capped at $50 by § 18.2-308.03 — up to $10 to the clerk of court, up to $35 for the law-enforcement/FBI background investigation, and up to $5 to the State Police. The Department of State Police nonresident CHP costs up to $100 and requires fingerprints (§ 18.2-308.06).
Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CHP is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.

Last verified 2026-07-09 against Virginia State Police — Resident Concealed Handgun Permits.

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Virginia CHP FAQ

What are the requirements for a Virginia CHP?: Applicants must be at least 21 years old. The application is processed by Clerk of the Circuit Court (of the applicant's county or city of residence); nonresident permits issued by the Virginia Department of State Police.
Is training required for a Virginia CHP?: Yes. Virginia requires firearms training to obtain the CHP. Applicants must demonstrate competence with a handgun in person (§ 18.2-308.02) through any one of several approved methods — a hunter education/safety course; an NRA or USCCA firearms safety course; a firearms safety/training course offered by a law-enforcement agency, an institution of higher education, or a state-certified private instructor; documented equivalent experience (organized shooting competition or current/past military service); a current or prior valid firearms license not revoked for cause; or other training the court deems adequate. No fixed number of hours is set by statute.
How long does it take to get a Virginia CHP?: Virginia has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CHP — check with Clerk of the Circuit Court (of the applicant's county or city of residence); nonresident permits issued by the Virginia Department of State Police for current wait times.
Can non-residents get a Virginia CHP?: Yes. Virginia issues a CHP to qualifying non-residents.
How much does the Virginia CHP cost, and how long is it valid?: The application fee is $50. The total resident application fee is capped at $50 by § 18.2-308.03 — up to $10 to the clerk of court, up to $35 for the law-enforcement/FBI background investigation, and up to $5 to the State Police. The Department of State Police nonresident CHP costs up to $100 and requires fingerprints (§ 18.2-308.06). The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.

Sources

Virginia State Police — Resident Concealed Handgun Permits (2026-07-09)