Is the AR-15 legal in Virginia?

Virginia has an assault weapon ban (Yes (sale/transfer since July 2026, enjoined)). Whether a modified configuration is legal depends on how Virginia defines the weapon. Always verify your specific configuration against current Virginia statute before purchasing.

What is the magazine capacity limit in Virginia?

15 rounds (sale/transfer, enjoined). Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.

Does Virginia require a permit to buy a firearm?

No. Virginia does not require a state-level permit or license to purchase a firearm. Federal background-check requirements still apply at licensed dealers.

Can I conceal carry in Virginia?

Virginia concealed carry status: Shall Issue. The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.

Is open carry legal in Virginia?

Virginia open carry: Yes (some localities restrict semi-autos). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.

Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Virginia?

NFA item status in Virginia: Machine guns must be registered. State law can restrict these items whatever ATF enforces federally. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.

Does Virginia require background checks for private sales?

Yes (since July 2020). Background-check requirements in Virginia extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

All States

English

Virginia Gun Laws

moderate

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Yes (sale/transfer since July 2026, enjoined)

Mag Capacity Limit

15 rounds (sale/transfer, enjoined)

Permit to Purchase

Firearm Registration

Machine guns only

Concealed Carry

Shall Issue

Open Carry

Yes (some localities restrict semi-autos)

Red Flag Law

Yes

Background Check (Private)

Yes (since July 2020)

NFA Weapons

Machine guns must be registered

State Preemption

Yes (most laws)

Key Notes

A 2026 law bans the sale and transfer of assault firearms and magazines over 15 rounds from July 1, 2026, with existing guns grandfathered, but a court has blocked enforcement statewide since July 21, 2026. Under 21s may not buy handguns or assault firearms since April 2026.

•Yes (sale/transfer since July 2026, enjoined) Assault Weapon Ban — HB 217 and SB 749 ban importing, selling, making, buying or transferring assault firearms from July 1, 2026; current owners keep theirs. Enforcement has been blocked statewide since July 21, 2026 while the cases wait on the US Supreme Court. Under 21s may not buy handguns or assault firearms (HB 1525, since April 23, 2026).
•15 rounds (sale/transfer, enjoined) Mag Limit — Sale and transfer of magazines over 15 rounds is banned from July 1, 2026, but enforcement is blocked statewide by the same court order.
•Machine guns must be registered (NFA) — Machine guns must be registered with the state. SBRs, SBS, suppressors, and destructive devices are legal under state law. Federally, ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Machine guns and destructive devices still need ATF approval.
•Shall Issue (Concealed Carry) — Virginia must issue a concealed handgun permit to qualified applicants. Training must be in person (since January 2021).
•Yes (since July 2020) Background Check Private — All private sales require a background check since July 2020.
•Yes (Red Flag Law) — Virginia has a Substantial Risk Order allowing law enforcement and attorneys to petition for temporary firearm removal.

Last updated October 10, 2026

How Virginia Law Affects Your Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Assault Weapon Restrictions Apply

Virginia restricts firearms classified as "assault weapons." Whether a "featureless" configuration helps depends on how Virginia defines the weapon, so check that definition against your exact configuration before you buy.

Magazine Capacity Limit in Litigation

Virginia's magazine limit (15 rounds (sale/transfer, enjoined)) is tied up in court. Whether it can be enforced depends on the current ruling, so check its status before you buy or bring 30-round magazines.

Background Checks on Private Transfers

Virginia extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes (since July 2020)). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

Virginia Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Virginia?: Virginia has an assault weapon ban (Yes (sale/transfer since July 2026, enjoined)). Whether a modified configuration is legal depends on how Virginia defines the weapon. Always verify your specific configuration against current Virginia statute before purchasing.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Virginia?: 15 rounds (sale/transfer, enjoined). Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.
Does Virginia require a permit to buy a firearm?: No. Virginia does not require a state-level permit or license to purchase a firearm. Federal background-check requirements still apply at licensed dealers.
Can I conceal carry in Virginia?: Virginia concealed carry status: Shall Issue. The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.
Is open carry legal in Virginia?: Virginia open carry: Yes (some localities restrict semi-autos). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Virginia?: NFA item status in Virginia: Machine guns must be registered. State law can restrict these items whatever ATF enforces federally. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
Does Virginia require background checks for private sales?: Yes (since July 2020). Background-check requirements in Virginia extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Virginia firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

Giffords Law Center — comprehensive state-by-state firearm law summaries and policy analysis.
NRA-ILA State Gun Laws — state directory with statute references and recent legislative updates.
Everytown Research State Rankings — research-driven scoring and policy explanations across all 50 states.
ATF Firearms — federal regulations on NFA items, FFL transfers, and firearm classifications.

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Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.