Looking for a quick and easy way to get a concealed carry permit recognized in over half the US? Virginia may have the perfect option just for you, and it doesn’t matter where you live. That’s right Virginia’s concealed carry non-resident permit gives Americans a fast track option to obtaining a concealed carry license recognized in over 28 states in some cases.
Virginia, unlike most other states, has adopted laws that allow for online-only concealed carry handgun safety classes. The Virginia General Assembly amended the state conceal carry law in 2009 to allow the online training, overriding a veto on the measure by then-Governor Tim Kaine. This allows residents from other states all over the US to get around their own state’s sometimes more stringent laws and obtain a concealed carry permit through the State of Virginia as a non resident. The Virginia Non Resident Permit is honored and valid in over 28 states.
The fact that you can obtain this permit without physically being in a classroom with a trainer is certainly a concern for some people, who believe this is not sufficient training and fear that concealed carry permits are being issued to incompetent individuals. All permit applicants must submit fingerprints and pass an FBI background check, so that ensures that permit holders are not dangerous. The course work must adhere to certain guidelines, so although it is an online only option, one can rest assured that the curriculum is sufficient enough for the applicant to be deemed competent with a handgun.
The Virginia and Utah permits are two of the most popular permits in the nation due to both of them having the most state reciprocity. Virginia’s application process is a lot simpler and inexpensive than Utah’s though, which really changes the game for those shopping for their CHLs.
Although laws across the US are always changing and we encourage you to contact the authorities within your state to determine if they will honor Virginia’s Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permit, for informational reference only we have some information below that we update periodically.
The Virginia Non-resident Permit is available to U.S. citizens in all 50 states and allows you to carry concealed in the following states: Alabama*, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana*, Iowa*, Kansas, Kentucky*, Louisiana*, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska*, Nevada*, New Mexico*, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee*, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin*, Wyoming, Georgia*
* These states require their residents to obtain their home state permit if they wish to carry concealed legally in their home state. Without your home state permit you can still travel legally concealed in the other states.
On Wednesday, December 6th 2017, The House of Representative passed a National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill. This bill loosens gun regulations and allows those with permits to carry concealed weapons to legally travel with those firearms to other states. Keep in mind that this bill still needs to pass in the Senate and it is not yet law. If it does pass, the Virginia Non Resident Permit may become one of the most sought after permits in the nation, so it might not be a bad idea to jump on that bandwagon while you’re ahead.
Is Virginia Pioneering the Game in Concealed Carry Laws
