Buy a Firearm in Virginia

Federal law has strict guidelines for purchasing firearms. However, each state has the right to create their own gun purchasing laws and requirements that work in tandem with federal law. Virginia implemented the Virginia Firearms Transaction Program (VFTP) in 1989 to facilitate the purchase of firearms and other things in that state.

Steps

  1. Visit a licensed and registered firearms dealer in the state of Virginia if you are over the age of 18.
  2. Determine the firearm you want to purchase. The Virginia age requirement for purchase of handguns is 21, and 18 for rifles and shotguns. If you want to purchase more than one firearm in one month, you must apply for a Multiple Handgun Purchase Certificate with the Virginia State Police first. ** the multiple purchase law has been repealed, as of Feb 29, 2012.
  3. Discuss your firearm selection with the dealer and provide 2 proofs of identity.
    • The main proof of identity must be an unexpired vehicle operator's license with photo or any other identification that has been provided by the government.
    • The ancillary means of identification must match the identity of the person that appears on the photo ID. An example of an acceptable ancillary form of ID is a current passport, a utility bill, or a current voter registration card.
  4. Agree to a background check by signing the necessary consent form.
  5. Pay a small processing fee if you are a Virginia resident. The fee is slightly higher for out-of-state residents.
  6. Wait for the dealer to enter your information in the computerized National Instant Background Check System (NICS). If the dealer does not have access to the Internet, the dealer will call NICS directly. NICS will investigate your criminal history (if any) in as little as 2 minutes by accessing state and national criminal databases. If approved, the purchase of the firearm will be completed. If you do not receive approval, the purchase will be delayed until further review of your profile.

Tips

  • A permit is not required to own or purchase a handgun, rifle, or shotgun in Virginia, although a concealed handgun permit is required if you wish to carry a concealed handgun.
  • Other acceptable ancillary forms of identification when purchasing firearms in Virginia include an active lease, a recently paid property tax bill or real estate tax bill for your existing address, a recent utility bill, a recent, cancelled bank check, a recent vehicle registration and a recent hunting or fishing license.

Warnings

  • A birth certificate or a social security card will not be accepted as an ancillary form of identification.
  • Federal law prohibits the following from purchasing firearms: fugitives from justice, those dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, citizens who have renounced their citizenship and illegal aliens.
  • Do not lie on the consent form. The offense is punishable by law.
  • Virginia state law prohibits any person involved in a protective order for domestic abuse and/or stalking from purchasing firearms.
  • Virginia state law prohibits any person convicted of a felony from purchasing firearms if they have not had their rights restored.
  • A Virginia non-resident may not purchase a firearm until a state police approval report has been received or 10 days have passed.
  • Virginia state law prohibits the legally incompetent or mentally incapacitated from purchasing firearms.
  • Virginia state law prohibits the carrying of a concealed handgun without a Concealed Handgun Permit.

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Sources and Citations

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