FrequentlyAsked Questions

Don’t you have to fire a gun to qualify for a Concealed Handgun Permit?
No. Virginia law calls for taking a firearms training OR a safety class. Learning handgun safety does not entail live fire, shooting for a minimum score, or even touching a gun. This course satisfies Virginia law in that it teaches firearms safety. For anyone who wants to develop or improve marksmanship skills, we recommend learning firearms training from a professional instructor using live fire and shooting for a minimum score. This class provides a strong foundation for one to begin live fire training.

How long does the test take and what is its level of difficulty?
The test consists of 20 questions of different types: True/False, Multiple Choice, and Fill-In-The-Blank. No two tests are alike. Test completion times have ranged from as little as 5 minutes to as many as 12 minutes. Speed is not important; reading and understanding what is being asked is. Take as little or as much time as you think necessary. If you watch the video and immediately take the test, the higher your score will tend to be.

What if I fail the test? 
Better than 99% of everyone who has taken the class has passed the test on the first attempt.  This does not mean that the test is easy; we feel it reflects the quality of instruction given here.  As part of the price you pay for the class, those who do not pass the first time are given another opportunity to retake the test at no additional charge.  The cost to retake the test a third time is $9.99.          

How do I apply for my Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit?
Apply through the clerk’s office of the circuit court in the city or county you reside. Some localities require fingerprinting, some don’t. By law, the court must issue your permit within 45 days from the acceptance of your application. Localities set the fee for the permit they issue, but under no circumstance may they charge more than $50.00.

Where do I get the Concealed Handgun Permit application form?
Right here. It is possible to download the application from this site, from the Virginia State Police web site, or in person at any circuit court clerk’s office. If filling out the form at home, do not sign it until you are in front of a clerk at the circuit court, since it is necessary for them to notarize your signature.

My friend got his permit in 10 days in his city of residence and mine took 6 weeks in a different city. Why the difference?
There is no reason why there should be such a difference. Each clerk’s office works at its own speed, and you must apply in the city in which you reside, so you can’t “shop around” for the most efficient clerk’s office. Virginia law does require that the permit be issued within 45 days.

Concealed Handgun Permits are issued for five years.  When should I apply for its renewal? We suggest that a renewal application be submitted 90 days prior to the expiration of your current permit.  Unlike DMV and driver's license renwals, the circuit court is not required to send a renewal notification. Once expired, you must undergo fingerprinting again (in some localities) and re-submit your certificate to the court.  Ninety days provides more than enough time for renewal, and the courts are required by law to re-issue a permit within 45 days.  The renewal date will pick up from the date your old permit expires.

Is this class accepted to qualify for a Virginia non-resident Concealed Handgun Permit?  Yes. Non-resident permits are issued by the Virginia State Police.  Visit their website, www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms.shtm for details and application.