Virginia Concealed Carry Permit in Virginia Beach VA

If you’re a firearm owner or new gun enthusiast living in Virginia Beach, Virginia, obtaining your Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), commonly known as a CCW permit, is the key step toward carrying your handgun legally and responsibly. A concealed carry permit allows you to protect yourself, your family, and others while staying fully compliant with Virginia law.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to apply for your Virginia concealed carry permit in Virginia Beach, who qualifies, and why Open Arms Instruction is one of Virginia’s most respected firearms training providers for concealed carry and handgun safety classes.

What Is A Concealed Carry Permit?

A concealed carry permit, also known as a CCW license, is a legal authorization that allows you to carry a handgun hidden from public view. “Concealed” means your firearm must not be visible. It’s typically carried under clothing, inside a purse, or securely stored in your vehicle.

Carrying a concealed handgun without a permit is illegal in Virginia and can result in criminal charges. By earning your Virginia concealed carry permit, Virginia Beach residents can lawfully carry for self-defense, ensuring their right to personal protection under state law.

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

Virginia Beach, Virginia Is a “Shall-Issue” State

Virginia operates as a shall-issue state, which means the Virginia Beach Circuit Court must issue your concealed carry permit once you meet all eligibility requirements. This ensures every qualified resident can exercise their legal right to carry without arbitrary denials.

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

To qualify for a Virginia concealed carry permit in Virginia Beach, you must:

• Be 21 years or older

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

• Reside in Virginia or own property in the Commonwealth

• Successfully complete a state-approved concealed carry or firearm safety class

• Have no felony convictions or disqualifying mental health issues

• Not be under any protective order or active criminal indictment

Permit Validity and Renewal

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

• You can renew your permit up to 180 days before it expires

• Renewal may not require a new class, but ongoing training is highly recommended

Reciprocity with Other States

Virginia has concealed carry reciprocity agreements with over 30 states, allowing Virginia Beach permit holders to legally carry across much of the U.S. Always verify local firearm regulations before traveling outside Virginia.

How to Get A Virginia Carry Permit

Applying for your concealed carry permit in Virginia Beach, VA, is simple when you follow the required steps.

Step 1: Take a Concealed Carry Class

All applicants must complete a state-approved firearms safety or concealed carry training course. At Open Arms Instruction, our Virginia concealed carry classes near Virginia Beach are taught by certified instructors with decades of law enforcement and military experience. Our courses are beginner-friendly and designed to equip you with both knowledge and confidence. You’ll learn:

• Firearm safety and operation

• Virginia carry laws and use-of-force guidelines

• Safe storage and transportation practices

• Situational awareness and de-escalation

• The defensive mindset and responsible firearm ownership

For those seeking more advanced instruction, we also offer additional gun training, including AR-15, tactical pistol, and home-defense courses.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need to include the following with your application:

• Completed the Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit application form

• Certificate of completion from your approved training course

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)

• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or mortgage)

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

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit your application to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, either in person or by mail. Ensure all documents are accurate and legible to prevent delays.

Step 4: Background Check & Processing

The court will process your background check and issue your Virginia concealed carry permit within 45 days if approved. If processing takes longer, Virginia law requires a temporary permit be issued, allowing you to legally carry until your permanent one arrives.

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

When it comes to concealed carry and firearm safety, Open Arms Instruction stands apart for its professionalism, experience, and hands-on approach to defensive training.

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 Virginia Beach concealed carry classes are perfect for both new and experienced gun owners. Whether it’s your first time handling a firearm or you’re refreshing your skills, we tailor every session to your comfort and ability.

3. Emphasis on Real-Life Scenarios

We go beyond the textbook. Our classes include real-world defensive scenarios that teach you how to safely and legally respond under pressure, building judgment, confidence, and readiness.

4. Small Group and Private Sessions Available

We offer small-group, private, and women-only concealed carry classes across Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, ensuring you train in a comfortable, supportive setting.

5. Bonus: Continuing Tactical Training

After earning your Virginia concealed carry permit, you can continue your training with tactical pistol, AR-15, and home-defense programs to keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up-to-date.

Conclusion

Getting your Virginia concealed carry permit in Virginia Beach is more than a legal requirement. It’s a commitment to safety, skill, and personal responsibility. At Open Arms Instruction, we make that journey simple and empowering. You’ll leave our class with the knowledge, confidence, and certification to carry responsibly and legally anywhere in Virginia.

Take control of your safety today and register for your Virginia Beach concealed carry class with Open Arms Instruction, the most trusted firearms training provider in Hampton Roads and across the Commonwealth.