Concealed Handgun Permit Information

General Information. Any Wise County resident over the age of 21 may apply in person or by notarized application after submitting proof of sufficient handgun training and application fee of $50.00. Once an application has been received by the Clerk’s Office, a background check will be performed and all documentation will be reviewed. Granted applications will receive notice by mail.

The following are examples of acceptable proof of training:

1. Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of  Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state;  
2. Completing any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association  firearms safety or training course;  
3. Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public  offered by a law–enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public  institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the  National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or the Department of  Criminal Justice Services;  
4. Completing any law–enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security  guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or  security enforcement;  
5. Presenting evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in  organized shooting competition or current military service or proof of an honorable discharge  from any branch of the armed services;  
6. Obtaining or previously having held a license to carry a firearm in the Commonwealth or a  locality thereof, unless such license has been revoked for cause;
7. Completing any other firearms training that the court deems adequate.  Completing any in-person firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state certified, National Rifle Association-certified, or United States Concealed Carry Association certified firearms instructor;
8. Completing any governmental police agency firearms training course and qualifying to carry a  firearm in the course of normal police duties; or
9. Completing any other firearms training that the court deems adequate. 

Where can I find more information? Please reference the Virginia State Police website for more FAQs and for an up-to-date list of states that offer agreements and/or reciprocity for Virginia Permits.