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Virginia Concealed Carry Laws (2026)
Conditional: A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun on your person, and you must be 21 or older.
A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun on your person, and you must be 21 or older. Virginia residents get a Concealed Handgun Permit from the circuit court, which must issue it within 45 days unless the applicant is disqualified. Applicants must show handgun competence in person, by a course or other listed proof. Out-of-state permits are honored for visitors for now; that is under review.
Official source: vsp.virginia.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Concealed Carry in states bordering Virginia
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- District of ColumbiaRestricted
The District of Columbia requires a permit to carry concealed, and the minimum age is 21. DC is very restrictive: a DC Concealed Carry Pistol License from MPD is mandatory, you must own a DC-registered pistol and complete 18 hours of training, and the District recognizes no other state's permit.
Verified Jul 2, 2026 · Source: mpdc.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
- KentuckyPermitted
No permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun in Kentucky at 21 or older if you can lawfully possess a firearm. Residency does not matter, so visitors are covered. Under 21 you may not carry concealed without a license. A law effective July 15, 2026 lets Kentucky residents 18 to 20 apply for a provisional license, but the State Police website says the online application portal is still being updated and gives no launch date. Check with State Police before relying on it.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MarylandRestricted
A Maryland Wear and Carry Permit is required to carry, wear or transport a handgun. The minimum age is 21 (active military and National Guard are excepted). Requirements include 16 hours of in-person training, Livescan fingerprints and a background check. Carrying without a permit is a crime; a first offense carries 30 days to 5 years in prison and/or a $250 to $2,500 fine, unless an exception applies.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mdsp.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
- North CarolinaConditional
North Carolina requires a permit to carry concealed, and the minimum age is 21. It is shall-issue through the county sheriff, and North Carolina is not permitless.
Verified Jul 6, 2026 · Source: ncdoj.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
- TennesseePermitted
Tennessee has permitless carry: no permit is required, and anyone 18 and older who lawfully possesses and is lawfully present may carry openly or concealed (a 2025 law formalized ages 18 to 20). Optional permits are available.
Verified Jul 6, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
- West VirginiaPermitted
No permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun in West Virginia if you are 18 or older, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and not barred from having a gun. This covers visitors as well as residents. A West Virginia license is optional. Cities may restrict guns in city-owned buildings and may bar people without a license from other city-owned property.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ago.wv.gov · Full West Virginia rule →
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