Concealed Handgun Permits

Instructions For Processing

• Applications are available at the Virginia State Police website.
• Applicant must be 21 years of age or older
• First time applicants must apply in person at the Clerk’s Office in the County or City of their residence.
• Every new applicant for a concealed handgun permit shall demonstrate competency in the use of a handgun by presenting a certificate issued from a handgun safety and training course or presenting an Honorable Discharge Certificate (DD-214 form) from the Military. Please refer to 18.2-308 (G) of the 1950 Code of Virginia as amended.
• Completed applications should be returned to the Clerk’s Office in the jurisdiction in which you live accompanied by a $50 non-refundable processing fee. Payment may be made by cash, check, money order (payable to Clerk, Henrico Circuit Court), or credit card. Do not send cash in the mail. A 2% convenience fee is charged for credit card transactions.
• Be sure to include your eye and hair color. If you were born in a country other than the United States, you will need to attach the necessary paperwork confirming United States Citizenship or showing that you are a legal alien.
• If applicants appear in person to have their signatures acknowledged, they must present a valid picture ID. Applicants shall present the following to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 4309 E. Parham Road, room 240:
  1. Completed original application.
  2. Proof of competency with a handgun or previous handgun permit
  3. The applicant shall present one valid form of photo identification issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport).
  4. $50 fee payable to Clerk, Henrico Circuit Court.
• To expedite the process, applicants should provide a self addressed stamped envelope for return of issued permits
• Hours for processing Concealed Handgun Permits:
  • Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, Room 240: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Processing of these applications can take up to 45 days. The Police Department performs background checks and then forwards this information to the Circuit Court Judge who enters an order either granting or denying the permit.
• Please remember that all applicants must provide accurate and complete information in the application. It is recommended that all applications be submitted typewritten to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the application. The making of a materially false statement on an application for a Concealed Handgun Permit constitutes perjury, punishable as provided in Section 18.2-434 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended.

How to Renew a Concealed Handgun Permit

• Applicants who are renewing a concealed handgun permit must apply in the City or County of their residence.
• Applications are available through the State Police website
• The applicant shall present one valid form of photo identification issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport).
• Renewals may be submitted in person or may be mailed to the Henrico Circuit Court Clerk at P. O. Box 90775, Henrico, Virginia 23273-0775. If appearing in person to have your signature acknowledged, you must provide a valid picture ID.
• Applicants must provide a copy of their existing permit.
• Applicants must provide a photocopy of a valid photo identification (including renewals by mail)
• The processing fee is $50 non-refundable, payable in cash, check or money order payable to Clerk, Henrico Circuit Court. Debit and credit cards are not accepted (do not send cash in the mail). Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with the application for the mailing of the permit when it is issued.
• If a new five year permit is issued while an existing permit remains valid, the new five year permit shall become effective upon the expiration date of the existing permit, if the application is received by the Court at least 90 days but no more than 180 days prior to the expiration of the existing permit.
• The Police Department performs background checks and then forwards this information to the Circuit Court Judge who enters an order either granting or denying renewal of the permit. Applicants will be notified by mail once the permit has been granted or denied.

How to Obtain a Replacement Concealed Handgun Permit

• The applicant shall present one valid form of photo identification issued by a governmental agency of the Commonwealth or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport).
• Permit Lost or Destroyed – Applicant must submit to the Clerk’s Office a notarized statement explaining why a replacement permit is needed. Applicant should also provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for use in forwarding the replacement. The processing fee is $5.00. Payment may be made by cash, check or money order (payable to the Henrico Circuit Court Clerk).Debit and credit cards are accepted for the payment of such fees. A 2% convenience fee will be charged for credit card transactions.
• Address Change – Applicant may submit a notarized statement to the issuing court requesting an address change. Applicants may also appear in person to request an address change. Whether the request is in person or by mail, the applicant must also provide a copy of the current concealed handgun permit, proof of address change (e.g., driver’s license), and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The processing fee is $10.00. Payment may be made by cash, check or money order (payable to the Henrico Circuit Court Clerk). Debit and credit cards are accepted. A 2% convenience fee will be charged for all credit card transactions.
• Processing of replacement permits can take up to 10 days.
• The Clerk’s Office will mail the replacement permit to the applicant in the self-addressed, stamped envelope previously provided by the applicant.