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Concealed Handgun Permits
Obtaining a Concealed Handgun Permit
Application
Applications are available on the Virginia State Police’s website.
Requirements
- Applicants must apply in the City or County of their residence (i.e., only Chesterfield residents may apply through the Chesterfield Circuit Court).
- Applications may be submitted by mail or in person (between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding holidays)
- Be sure to include a copy of your government-issued photo ID issued by
- a governmental agency of the Commonwealth
- U.S Department of Defense or
- U.S State Department (passport)
- The Court requires proof of residency so if the photo ID presented does not list a Chesterfield address, other proof should be submitted (e.g., deed, lease, voter registration card, etc.).
- First-time applicants are required to provide proof of competency with a handgun. Online classes are not acceptable with applications received after January 1, 2021 as the law requires in-person attendance.
- Individuals who hold a permit from another state and who wish to obtain a permit from this Court must provide proof of competency with a handgun as well.
Process
- Applicants should provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for use in forwarding the permit.
- Processing can take up to 45 days.
- The Clerk’s Office will mail the permit (or notice of denial) to the applicant.
- Concealed handgun permits are valid for five years from the date of issuance.
Fees
The processing fee is $30
Payments
For questions relating to the enforcement of the law governing concealed handgun permits, please contact the Virginia State Police at 804-674-2676.
Replacement Permit
Process
Applicants are encouraged to provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for use in forwarding the replacement, for faster processing.
Original documents are required and emailed forms cannot be accepted. Items may be presented in person or by mail, whichever the permit holder prefers.
Forms and Fees
Address Change - $10
- Address changes are processed by the issuing Court. Contact information for Virginia Circuit Courts
- Permit holder must present the Virginia State Police’s form SP-248A and
- if appearing in person, their driver’s license and existing permit for review
- if sending the form by mail, a copy of their driver's license and a copy of the existing permit
Lost/Destroyed Permit or Legal Name Change - $5
Payments
Competency Requirements
Online classes are not acceptable as of January 1, 2021.
Required
1. Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state;
2. Completing any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course;
3. Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or the Department of Criminal Justice Services;
4. Completing any law-enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
5. Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services;
6. Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the Commonwealth or a locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;
7. Completing any firearms training or safety course or class, including an electronic, video, or online course, conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor;
8. Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a firearm in the course of normal police duties; or
9. Completing any other firearms training which the court deems adequate.
Proof
- A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes;
- An affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught such course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant;
- A copy of any document which shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition must be provided.
Renewing an Active Permit
Application
Applications are available in the Clerk’s Office and are also available on the Virginia State Police’s website. The application for renewal is the same as for first-time applicants.
Requirements
- Applicants who are renewing a concealed handgun permit must apply in the City or County of their residence regardless of where in Virginia the original permit was issued.
- Applicants must include a copy of their existing permit.
- Renewal applications must include photocopy of the applicant’s valid photo identification issued by
- a governmental agency of the Commonwealth
- U.S Department of Defense or
- U.S State Department (passport)
- The Court requires proof of residency so if the photo ID presented does not list a Chesterfield address, other proof should be submitted (e.g., deed, lease, voter registration card, etc.).
- Renewal applications may be submitted in person (between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding holidays) or by mail to
Chesterfield Circuit Court
P.O. Box 125
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Process
- Renewal applications should be submitted no sooner than 180 days prior to the expiration date of the current permit.
- For faster processing, applicants are encouraged to provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for use in forwarding the permit.
- Within 45 days, the Clerk’s Office will mail the permit (or notice of denial) to the applicant in the self-addressed, stamped envelope provided by the applicant.
Fees
The processing fee is $30
Renewing an Expired Permit
- The above procedures for renewal can still be followed.
- Applicants are not required to produce proof of competency with a handgun again.
Payments
For questions relating to the enforcement of the law governing concealed handgun permits, please contact the Virginia State Police at 804-674-2676.