Virginia concealed handgun permit fee, cap and renewal.

The fee breakdown

Virginia Code 18.2-308.03(A) says the clerk charges $10 for processing an application or issuing a permit. The local law-enforcement agency conducting the background investigation may charge up to $35 to cover the investigation, and that amount includes any fee the FBI assesses for criminal history record information, which the agency forwards to the State Police along with fingerprints from a nonresident applicant. The State Police may charge up to $5 for its costs of processing the application. The total amount assessed for processing an application shall not exceed $50, paid in one sum to the person who receives the application. Payment may be made by any method that court accepts for other fees or penalties, and no payment is required until the application is complete.

Term and renewal

Residents apply to the clerk of the circuit court for a five-year permit (18.2-308.02). Under 18.2-308.010, a person who previously held a permit is issued, on application, a new five-year permit unless disqualified, and does not have to appear in person; the application, with a photocopy of valid photo identification, may be sent by mail. The circuit court notifies an applicant if the fee submitted is incorrect. If a new permit is issued while the old one remains valid, it takes effect on the old permit's expiration date, provided the application is received at least 90 days but no more than 180 days before expiration. Nonresidents who are 21 or older apply in writing to the Virginia Department of State Police for a five-year permit.

No fee for some retirees

Section 18.2-308.03(B) lists people who pay no fee for the permit, including retirees from service as a Virginia magistrate and certain retired law-enforcement officers after the service or age thresholds in the statute. Read the full list in the Code if you might qualify.

Worked example

A resident is charged $10 by the clerk and $35 by the local agency, and the State Police add $5. The total is $50, which is exactly at the cap. A total of $55 would be over the statutory limit.

Limits

The Code of Virginia is amended often, including 2026 acts that touch this article. Check the current text on the Virginia Law site and the clerk's office for the amount in your county.

Sources

Primary sources opened and checked on November 2, 2026. This page has no affiliation with any agency; confirm with the agency before you rely on an amount or date.

• Code of Virginia, Title 18.2, Chapter 7, Article 6.1: 18.2-308.02, 18.2-308.03, 18.2-308.010 (Virginia Law). Read November 2, 2026.