Virginia Concealed Carry Permit in Arlington VA

If you live in Arlington, Virginia, and want to take responsibility for your personal safety, obtaining a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), commonly known as a CCW permit, is a major step toward achieving that goal. A concealed carry permit allows you to legally carry a firearm for self-defense while ensuring full compliance with state laws.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about concealed carry in Arlington, from eligibility requirements and application steps to why Open Arms Instruction is the top choice for professional CCW training in Northern Virginia.

What Is A Concealed Carry Permit?

A concealed carry permit (CHP or CCW license) is an official authorization from the state that allows an individual to legally carry a concealed handgun in public. In Virginia, “concealed” means the firearm must not be visible, typically carried in a holster under your clothing, inside a purse, or secured within your vehicle.

Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid permit is prohibited by law and may result in serious penalties. By earning your Virginia concealed carry permit, Arlington residents can exercise their Second Amendment rights safely and responsibly, while staying protected under Virginia’s firearm regulations.

What You Need to Know About A Concealed Carry Permit in Arlington, Virginia

Arlington, Virginia Is a “Shall-Issue” State

Virginia operates under a shall-issue system, which means that the Arlington County Circuit Court must issue your concealed carry permit once all legal qualifications are met. This ensures a fair and consistent process for responsible citizens across the Commonwealth.

Who Can Apply for a Virginia Concealed Carry Permit in Arlington, VA?

Residents of Arlington, VA, can apply for a Virginia CCW permit if they:

• Are 21 years old or older

• Are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

• Reside in Virginia or own property within the state

• Complete an approved firearms safety or concealed carry course

• Have no felony convictions or disqualifying mental health record

• Are not under a protective order or criminal indictment

Permit Validity and Renewal

• The Arlington, Virginia concealed carry permit remains valid for five (5) years

• Renewal can be completed up to 180 days before expiration

• You may not need to retake a class for renewal, but refresher training is recommended to stay current with firearm laws and best practices

Reciprocity with Other States

Arlington Virginia’s concealed carry permit is recognized in over 30 states, allowing you to legally carry when traveling. However, each state has its own regulations, so always confirm local laws before crossing state lines with your firearm.

How to Get A Virginia Carry Permit

Getting your concealed carry permit in Arlington, VA, is straightforward, but accuracy and preparation matter. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application.

Step 1: Take a Concealed Carry Class

Before applying, Virginia law requires completion of an approved firearm safety or concealed carry course. At Open Arms Instruction, we offer Virginia concealed carry classes near Arlington tailored to all experience levels. Students learn:

• Firearm handling and safety fundamentals

• Legal aspects of carrying concealed in Virginia

• The use of deadly force and conflict avoidance

• Situational awareness and safe decision-making

• Firearm storage, transportation, and maintenance

We also provide private classes like AR-15, tactical pistol, and home defense courses for those seeking to advance their defensive training.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

When preparing to apply for your Arlington concealed carry permit, you’ll need:

• A completed Virginia concealed handgun permit application form

• Proof of firearms training certification

• A valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)

• Proof of residency in Arlington (e.g., lease, utility bill, or mortgage)

• Payment for the permit application fee (not to exceed $50)

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit your application and documents to the Arlington County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, either in person or by mail. Review your application thoroughly to avoid rejections or delays.

Step 4: Background Check & Processing

The Circuit Court will conduct a criminal background check to verify eligibility. Once approved, your Arlington Virginia concealed carry permit will be issued within 45 days. If the process exceeds 45 days, Virginia law requires that you be issued a temporary permit until your official one arrives by mail.

Why Should You Get A Virginia Carry Permit in Arlington, VA at Open Arms Instruction?

Choosing the right training center is key to becoming a safe, confident concealed carrier. At Open Arms Instruction, we go beyond meeting the state’s minimum requirements, we prepare you for real-world readiness and decision-making.

1. Certified and Experienced Instructor

Our instructors are certified professionals with law enforcement, military, and civilian defensive training backgrounds. Adam Metcalf is the founder of Open Arms Instruction and an Air Force veteran and retired federal Special Agent.  He served in the United States Secret Service on the Presidential Protective Detail and has been a firearms and tactics instructor for over a decade.  In that time, he has trained hundreds of agents as well as hundreds of private citizens in self-defense, conflict avoidance, and concealed carry skills. We ensure that all participants receive practical, legal, and situational knowledge, not just a generic lecture.

2. Tailored Training for All Skill Levels

Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or an experienced marksman, our concealed carry classes in Arlington are designed to match your background. We emphasize firearm safety, legal awareness, and situational control in every session.

3. Emphasis on Real-Life Scenarios

We believe in learning by doing. Our courses include real-life defensive scenarios, helping you build the judgment and composure necessary to respond effectively under pressure.

4. Small Group and Private Sessions Available

We offer private, small-group, and women-only concealed carry classes throughout Arlington and Northern Virginia, making it easy to schedule a course that fits your lifestyle.

5. Bonus: Continuing Tactical Training

After earning your Arlington, Virginia CCW permit, keep your skills sharp through advanced pistol, AR-15, and home defense training, ideal for building long-term firearm confidence and safety.

Conclusion

Getting your Virginia concealed carry permit in Arlington is not just a legal process, it’s a personal commitment to safety and responsibility. At Open Arms Instruction, we make that process clear, professional, and empowering. Our experienced instructors and structured classes ensure that every participant walks away confident, informed, and prepared to carry responsibly under Virginia law.

Take control of your personal safety today. Register now for your Arlington concealed carry class with Open Arms Instruction, and start your journey toward responsible firearm ownership and concealed carry certification in Virginia.