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Virginia Concealed Carry Permit in Vienna VA

Get Trained. Get Certified. Carry With Confidence.

What Should You Expect at Open Arms?

At Open Arms Instruction, we’re not just checking boxes — we’re building confident, law-abiding concealed carriers. Led by Adam Metcalf, a seasoned instructor with years of experience in both civilian and tactical training, our courses go beyond the basics.

Shooting Target

Practical, real-world safety training

Sniper Rifle

Friendly, judgment-free learning environment

Handguns

Clear instructions on Virginia concealed carry laws

Weapon Sight and Barrel

Options for beginner and advanced students

Pistol Bullets

Scenario-based situational awareness techniques

Rifle Bullets

Flexible scheduling and fast certification turnaround

What Our Classes Include?

Our Virginia concealed carry classes are certified to fulfill all training requirements for your Virginia CCW permit. These are not just PowerPoints; they're engaging, hands-on sessions with real value.

Each class includes:

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Firearm safety fundamentals

Where you can and cannot carry

Proper storage and transport of firearms

Use of force and self-defense legal principles

De-escalation and threat recognition

Legal overview of Virginia and federal carry laws

Application walkthrough and next steps for submitting your Virginia concealed carry application

​Upcoming Events

Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)

How long does it take to get a concealed carry permit in Virginia?

By law, the court has 45 days to issue your CCW permit after receiving your completed application. In some counties, it may arrive sooner.

Do I need a permit to carry a concealed handgun in Virginia?

Yes. While Virginia allows open carry without a permit, carrying a concealed firearm requires a valid concealed carry permit issued by your local circuit court.

Is online concealed carry training valid in Virginia?

No- it was allowed during COVID but has since been changed to in-person training only. In-person training from trusted providers like Open Arms Instruction is always accepted and preferred for quality and compliance.

Where can I not carry a concealed firearm, even with a permit?

Virginia law prohibits concealed carry in:

  • Courthouses

  • Schools

  • Airport terminals

  • Federal buildings

  • Private property where firearms are banned (with proper signage)

Always check local ordinances and signage to avoid violations.

Can I carry my concealed carry gun in other states?

Virginia has reciprocity agreements with many other concealed carry states. Always verify the local laws before crossing state lines, as some states have additional restrictions.

What happens if my concealed weapons permit expires?

You may apply for renewal up to 180 days before your current permit expires. If you let it lapse, you’ll need to reapply as a new applicant and may need to retake a training course.

Can non-residents apply for a Virginia concealed carry permit?

Yes. Virginia offers non-resident concealed carry permits. The application process is slightly different and handled through the Virginia State Police. Non-residents must still provide proof of training.

Is my Virginia concealed carry permit valid for rifles or shotguns?

No. The Virginia CCW permit only covers handguns. Rifles, shotguns, and other firearms fall under different laws and do not require a concealed carry permit.

What type of training is required for a Virginia CCW permit?

Virginia requires applicants to complete a firearms safety course or concealed carry class by an approved instructor. This may include in-person training or military/law enforcement experience documentation.

What are the benefits of concealed carry vs. open carry?

Concealed carry offers:

  • Greater personal security

  • Less public attention or confrontation

  • Tactical advantage in self-defense scenarios

  • Legal carry across more states via reciprocity

All You Need to Know About The Virginia Concealed Carry Permit in Vienna, VA

If you live in Vienna, Virginia, and want to take the next step toward responsible firearm ownership, earning your Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), commonly called a CCW permit, is the perfect place to start. A concealed carry permit allows you to carry a handgun legally and discreetly for self-defense, giving you both confidence and compliance under Virginia law.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about concealed carry in Vienna, from application requirements and training to why Open Arms Instruction is Northern Virginia’s most trusted choice for firearms education.

What Is A Concealed Carry Permit?

A concealed carry permit, or CCW license, is an official authorization from the Commonwealth of Virginia that allows you to carry a hidden handgun in public. “Concealed” simply means the firearm is not visible to others, typically worn under clothing, inside a purse, or secured in a vehicle compartment.

Without a valid permit, carrying a concealed firearm is illegal in most cases. With a Virginia concealed carry permit, however, Vienna residents can exercise their right to self-defense while remaining compliant with state firearm laws.

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

Vienna, Virginia Is a “Shall-Issue” State

Virginia operates under a shall-issue policy, meaning the Fairfax County Circuit Court, which serves Vienna, must issue a permit once the applicant meets all legal qualifications. This ensures a consistent and transparent process statewide.

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

To qualify for a Virginia CCW permit in Vienna, applicants must:

  • Be 21 years of age or older

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

  • Live in Virginia or own property in the Commonwealth

  • Complete a state-approved firearms safety or concealed carry course

  • Have no felony convictions or disqualifying mental health record

  • Not be subject to a protective order or active indictment

Permit Validity and Renewal

  • A Virginia concealed carry permit is valid for five (5) years

  • You can renew it up to 180 days before expiration

  • Renewal does not always require retaking a class, but continuing training is recommended to keep skills sharp and stay up to date on Virginia laws

Reciprocity with Other States

Virginia’s CCW permit is recognized in over 30 states, allowing Vienna gun owners to carry legally while traveling. Always check each state’s current firearm laws before doing so.

How to Get A Virginia Carry Permit

The process for obtaining your concealed carry permit in Vienna, VA is simple, but it’s important to follow every step carefully to prevent delays.

Step 1: Take a Concealed Carry Class

Before applying, you must complete an approved firearm safety or concealed carry course.

At Open Arms Instruction, our Virginia concealed carry classes near Vienna are led by expert instructors and designed for all experience levels. In class, you’ll learn:

  • Gun safety fundamentals and safe handling

  • Virginia firearm laws and self-defense statutes

  • The legal use of deadly force and conflict avoidance

  • Defensive mindset and real-world scenario training

  • Proper firearm maintenance and storage

For students seeking additional experience, we also offer other private classes such as advanced pistol, AR-15, and home-defense courses.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To apply for your Vienna concealed carry permit, you’ll need:

  • Completed Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit application form

  • Training certificate from your approved class

  • A valid government-issued ID

  • Proof of residence in Vienna (e.g., lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement)

  • Payment of the permit fee (Virginia law caps it at $50)

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit your documents to the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, either in person or by mail. Make sure all information is accurate to avoid processing delays.

Step 4: Background Check & Processing

After submission, the Circuit Court conducts a background check. If you meet all requirements, your Virginia concealed carry permit will be mailed to you within 45 days. If the process exceeds 45 days, the court must issue a temporary permit until your official one arrives.

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

Finding a qualified instructor makes all the difference in your firearms education. At Open Arms Instruction, we offer professional, certified training focused on legal knowledge, safety, and real-world readiness trusted by students throughout Vienna and Fairfax County.

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

Our Vienna concealed carry classes are ideal for beginners and experienced shooters alike. Each session emphasizes firearm safety, situational awareness, and confident, lawful carry.

3. Emphasis on Real-Life Scenarios

We go beyond classroom theory with realistic defensive simulations, helping students learn how to respond under stress and make smart, legal decisions in self-defense situations.

4. Small Group and Private Sessions Available

We offer small-group, private, and women-only concealed carry classes throughout Vienna and other cities in Virginia, ensuring comfort and convenience for every participant.

5. Bonus: Continuing Tactical Training

After earning your Virginia concealed carry permit, you can build on your foundation with our tactical pistol, AR-15, and home-defense training courses for long-term confidence and readiness.

Conclusion

Obtaining your Virginia concealed carry permit in Vienna is more than a legal requirement, it’s a commitment to responsibility, awareness, and personal safety. At Open Arms Instruction, we make that journey simple and professional. You’ll gain the skills, confidence, and legal understanding necessary to carry your firearm safely anywhere in Virginia.

Don’t wait to take control of your safety. Register today for your Vienna concealed carry class with Open Arms Instruction, trusted across Northern Virginia for expert firearms and defensive training.

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