Is a North Carolina Non-Resident Permit Valid in Virginia?

Why

• North Carolina does not issue carry permits to non-residents (applicant must have been a north carolina resident for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (g.s. 14-415.12(a)); no non-resident permits).

Va. Code § 18.2-308.014: the holder of a valid concealed handgun or concealed weapon permit or license issued by ANY other state may carry in Virginia provided the holder is at least 21, carries government-issued photo ID, displays the permit and ID upon demand by law enforcement, and has not previously had a Virginia permit revoked. No requirement that the permit be a resident permit of the issuing state.

Carry rules in Virginia

Recognition is only half the question. Once you're inside Virginia, its carry rules apply to you exactly as they do to locals.

• Virginia law does not require volunteering that you are armed; Va. Code § 18.2-308.01 requires having the permit in possession when carrying and displaying it with photo ID upon demand by a law-enforcement officer (VSP FAQ).
• Virginia sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Virginia is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit Virginia recognizes.
• No permit is needed to carry a handgun (loaded or unloaded) in a personal, private motor vehicle or vessel if it is secured in a container or compartment — the compartment need not be locked (Va. Code § 18.2-308(C)(8); VSP FAQ, citing OAG opinion 11-111). Permit holders may carry loaded and concealed on their person.

Off-limits places in Virginia

• Public, private or religious K-12 school property (Va. Code § 18.2-308.1; permit holders may keep the handgun in a vehicle in the school parking lot)
• Courthouses (Va. Code § 18.2-283.1)
• Places of worship while a religious meeting is being held, without good and sufficient reason (Va. Code § 18.2-283)
• Air carrier airport terminals (Va. Code § 18.2-287.01)
• Private property where prohibited by the owner or posted (Va. Code § 18.2-308.01)

Frequently asked questions

Is a North Carolina non-resident permit valid in Virginia?

No such permit is issued. North Carolina restricts its carry permits to residents (applicant must have been a North Carolina resident for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (G.S. 14-415.12(a)); no non-resident permits), so this page exists to say exactly that and point you to alternatives that Virginia does recognize.

Do I have to tell police in Virginia that I am carrying?

Virginia law does not require volunteering that you are armed; Va. Code § 18.2-308.01 requires having the permit in possession when carrying and displaying it with photo ID upon demand by a law-enforcement officer (VSP FAQ).

Does Virginia limit magazine capacity?

Virginia sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Does North Carolina issue non-resident carry permits?

No. North Carolina issues carry permits to residents only (applicant must have been a North Carolina resident for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (G.S. 14-415.12(a)); no non-resident permits). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.