Is the AR-15 legal in Virginia?

Virginia has partial restrictions on assault weapons (Partial (definition-based)). Many standard AR-15 configurations remain legal, but specific features may be prohibited. Verify your build against current state law.

What is the magazine capacity limit in Virginia?

No (20+ makes "assault weapon"). 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. Some federally-regulated items may be restricted at the state level even with a federal tax stamp.

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

Virginia Gun Laws

moderate

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Partial (definition-based)

Mag Capacity Limit

No (20+ makes "assault weapon")

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

Semi-auto rifles with certain features are "assault weapons" requiring age 18+ (long arms) or 21+ (pistols). Mags over 20 rounds make a firearm an assault weapon.

•Partial (definition-based) Assault Weapon Ban — Semi-auto rifles with folding stocks, 20+ round magazine capability, or suppressor-ready features are classified as 'assault weapons' with age restrictions (18+ for long arms, 21+ for pistols).
•No (20+ makes "assault weapon") Mag Limit — There is no outright magazine capacity ban. However, magazines over 20 rounds cause the firearm to be classified as an assault weapon, triggering additional restrictions.
•Machine guns must be registered (NFA) — Machine guns must be registered with the state. SBRs, SBS, suppressors, and destructive devices are legal with the federal tax stamp.
•Shall Issue (Concealed Carry) — Virginia must issue a concealed handgun permit to qualified applicants. Online training is accepted.
•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 January 15, 2026

How Virginia Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

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

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.

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