• Background Check Required?
  • Private Sale: No, Virginia law does not currently require a background check for a private firearm sale.
  • Licensed Dealer: Yes, federally licensed dealers must conduct a background check before completing the transfer.
• Waiting Period: None.
• Registration Requirement: None.
• Permit Required (to purchase): None.
• Concealed Carry Permit: Yes, a permit is generally required to carry a concealed handgun.
• Magazine Capacity Limits: Limited. State law restricts loaded carry in certain public places/localities for some firearms equipped with a magazine holding more than 20 rounds.
• Assault Weapons Limits: Limited. State law restricts loaded carry of certain “assault firearms” in specified public places/localities and also prohibits possession or transportation of an assault firearm by a person under 18.

SP-65 – Virginia Firearms Transaction Record

Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2-308.01, 18.2-308.02, 18.2-308.2:01, 18.2-308.7, 18 U.S.C. § 922(t)

• Aliens illegally in the country or admitted under a non-immigrant visa.
• Anyone subject to a qualifying court order restraining them from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child.
• Convicted felons.
• Minors.
• Unlawful users of or persons addicted to controlled substances.
• Anyone dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Anyone adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution.
• Anyone who renounced U.S. citizenship.
• Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor offense of domestic violence.
• Fugitives from justice.

Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2-308.1:1, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)