Is a Wisconsin Non-Resident Permit Valid in Virginia?

Why

• Wisconsin does not issue carry permits to non-residents (issued only to wisconsin residents (valid wi driver's license or id required) or active-duty military stationed in wisconsin (wi doj ccw faq)).

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

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Virginia, these rules replace the ones you know from Wisconsin.

• 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 Wisconsin non-resident permit valid in Virginia?

None issued, so none recognized. Wisconsin keeps its permits resident-only (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)). Your route to carrying in Virginia runs through a permit you are eligible to obtain elsewhere.

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 Wisconsin issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Wisconsin issues carry permits to residents only (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)). 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.