Virginia Gun Laws
2026 Virginia General Assembly — Status as of June 10, 2026
Last updated: June 10, 2026 · General Assembly adjourned March 14, 2026
- 1.July 1, 2026 is the date. Starting then, “assault firearms” and magazines over 15 rounds can no longer be bought, sold, or transferred in Virginia. What you lawfully own before July 1 stays yours.
- 2.Under 21? You already cannot purchase a handgun or assault firearm — that took effect April 23.
- 3.Private-sale background checks are OFF again (court order, June 3) — so private-party transfers are on hold statewide for now.
- 4.Lawsuits are underway to block the assault firearm ban before July 1 — but as of today, nothing has been blocked. Plan as if the law takes effect.
- 5.Carry, storage, and vehicle rules also change July 1 — covered firearms cannot be carried in public, safe storage becomes mandatory around minors, and visible guns in unattended cars draw a fine.
Details on every bill below. Not sure if your firearm is covered? Use the interactive check →
Prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, and transfer of defined “assault firearms” — semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns identified primarily by features (pistol grip, threaded barrel, folding stock, etc.) — and bans the sale or transfer of “large capacity ammunition feeding devices” holding more than 15 rounds. Items lawfully owned before July 1, 2026 are grandfathered with several specific carve-outs (see below). The bill does not add a possession ban for adults — and contrary to some early summaries, does not extend possession restrictions for under-21s (the under-21 piece is HB1525, which is purchase-only).
Sale, transfer, manufacture, import, and purchase of covered firearms is banned effective July 1, 2026. Items lawfully owned before that date may still be possessed indefinitely, and the bill carves out limited transfer paths even for grandfathered items: sale to an FFL (or out-of-state buyer who can lawfully possess), temporary transfer to an FFL or gunsmith for service, inheritance, and gifts to an immediate family member (spouse, children, parents, grandparents, siblings) who is not prohibited. The same general structure applies to large-capacity magazines.
After July 1, 2026, a covered "assault firearm" cannot be transferred to a Virginia resident. For that reason, Outdoor Arms will not accept incoming transfers of covered firearms intended for a Virginia customer. The statute keeps limited exceptions — for example, transfers between FFLs, to law enforcement or the military, or to an out-of-state buyer through their FFL. Covered items already on consignment with us can still be sold to an eligible buyer (out-of-state via their FFL, or another dealer); they are not simply pulled, but they can no longer be sold to a Virginia resident. We can even accept covered firearms for consignment after July 1 — but once consigned they cannot be returned to you, so read our Consignment page first. Contact us about any covered firearm.
July 1, 2026 — no emergency clause; standard effective date applies.
Signed by Governor Spanberger on May 14, 2026. The version signed is the original enrolled bill — the legislature rejected the Governor’s April 14 amendments (which had attempted to broaden the ban by removing “fixed” from the magazine-capacity definition) at the April 22 reconvened session. Virginia becomes the 11th state to enact an assault weapons ban. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Outdoor Arms is adapting operations in response to this legislation. Effective July 1, we will no longer accept incoming transfers of covered “assault firearms” for Virginia customers, and all transfers will require prior authorization. Covered firearms can still move through the limited paths the law allows (out-of-state buyers via their FFL, dealers, law enforcement) — ask us. See our Transfers page for the updated process and our Services page for new offerings. Not sure if a specific firearm is covered? Try our interactive AWB legality check →
- Black v. Hook (Fauquier County Circuit Court): NSSF-backed suit by Erick Black, Britton Condon, Clark’s Gun Shop, Optimus Arms LLC, and Hexmag USA. Plaintiffs filed an emergency motion for a preliminary injunction with a hearing requested by June 19, 2026 to block enforcement before the law takes effect July 1.
- McDonald v. Katz (U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia): federal lawsuit filed jointly by the Firearms Policy Coalition, the NRA, the Second Amendment Foundation, and two private citizens.
- NRA — state court (Washington Co.): Santolla v. Katz, filed in Washington County Circuit Court alongside the Virginia Shooting Sports Association and several individual plaintiffs. Asks the court to block the law from taking effect July 1. Argues the ban violates Article 1, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution (interpreted as co-extensive with the Second Amendment) by targeting commonly-owned arms.
- NRA — federal court: Parallel federal suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Gun Owners of America: Separate suit filed in Lancaster County Circuit Court.
- Second Amendment Foundation: Separate federal lawsuit challenging both the assault firearm ban and the large-capacity magazine ban.
- U.S. Department of Justice: DOJ’s Civil Rights Division has signaled it will file suit; Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon publicly stated “See you in court.”
Walk through a quick interactive questionnaire — built directly from the statutory definition in § 18.2-308.2:2 — to see whether your specific firearm meets the "assault firearm" definition under HB217/SB749.
A two-part law. First, it raises the minimum age to purchase a handgun or assault firearm from 18 to 21 (§ 18.2-308.7), aligning Virginia with federal law and closing the “Lynchburg Loophole.” Limited exceptions apply for ROTC students and law enforcement trainees. Possession by 18–20 year olds is not prohibited by this bill — only purchase. Second, via the Governor’s reconvened-session amendment, it directs the Virginia State Police to resume processing background checks for private party firearm sales (§ 18.2-308.2:5) — restoring a requirement that had been blocked by a court injunction in October 2025.
Individuals aged 18–20 may no longer purchase handguns or assault firearms in Virginia (possession by 18–20 year olds is not restricted by this bill). Private-party firearm sales once again require a VSP background check — buyers and sellers cannot legally complete a transfer without it.
18–20 year olds are now disqualified from purchasing handguns or assault firearms regardless of passing a NICS check. Private party transfers facilitated through an FFL must account for the restored background check requirement. Federal law already prohibited FFLs from transferring handguns to buyers under 21 — HB1525 aligns Virginia state law with that restriction and extends it to private sales.
Both provisions took effect immediately upon signing (April 23, 2026). The original enrolled bill (HB1525ER) would have been effective July 1, 2026, but the Governor’s reconvened-session amendment (HB1525ER2) added an emergency clause: “That an emergency exists and this act is in force from its passage.” The legislature accepted the amendment, so the reenrolled act took effect upon signing.
Signed into law by Governor Spanberger on April 23, 2026. The Governor’s reconvened-session amendments — directing VSP to administer § 18.2-308.2:5 (private sale background checks) and adding the emergency clause — were accepted by the legislature and included in the reenrolled bill (HB1525ER2).
Because HB1525ER2 included an emergency clause, there is no grace period for new purchases. As of April 23, 2026, 18–20 year olds may no longer purchase a handgun or covered assault firearm in Virginia. Firearms lawfully owned before that date may continue to be possessed — this bill does not amend the possession provisions for 18–20 year olds. If you have specific questions about your situation, consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
Check the latest status yourself: this situation has flipped more than once. Before assuming we can or can’t help, check the official Virginia State Police Firearms page — it reflects VSP’s current operational status in real time. You’re also always welcome to email us.
How we got here: private-sale checks were halted by an October 2025 Lynchburg ruling that struck down universal background checks as unconstitutional. HB1525 (signed April 23 with an emergency clause) directed VSP to resume them, and VSP briefly did so on May 28. The plaintiffs (VCDL / Gun Owners of America) sought to hold VSP in contempt; the Attorney General sought to dissolve the injunction. At the June 3 hearing the court sided with the plaintiffs — the injunction stands, and checks are off again. We will update this page as the situation evolves.
Prohibits the carry — open or concealed — of firearms defined as “assault firearms” in public places, including streets, sidewalks, and parks. Applies to covered semi-automatic centerfire rifles and pistols capable of accepting a detachable magazine holding more than 15 rounds. Works in tandem with HB217/SB749 to restrict not just the sale but also the public use of covered firearms.
Even grandfathered owners of covered firearms will be prohibited from carrying them in public after July 1, 2026. Extends the assault weapons restrictions beyond ownership into everyday carry and transport.
July 1, 2026
Signed into law by Governor Spanberger as part of the April 2026 firearm legislation package.
Requires firearms to be stored in a locked container — or secured with a gun lock rendering it inoperable — when a minor or prohibited person is present in the home. Penalties for violation were increased under the enrolled bill; consult the final enrolled text or a licensed attorney for the specific penalty that applies to your situation. Signed with governor’s amendments that clarified a gun lock counts as “safely stored.”
Applies to all Virginia gun owners. Safe storage is now a legal requirement — not a recommendation — when minors or prohibited persons are present in the home.
FFL dealers are required to post signage regarding safe storage laws at their place of business.
July 1, 2026
Signed into law by Governor Spanberger with amendments clarifying that a gun lock rendering a firearm inoperable qualifies as safe storage.
Criminalizes leaving a firearm visible in an unattended vehicle. Violation results in a $500 fine and vehicle towing.
Applies to all Virginia gun owners and visitors. Firearms in vehicles must be concealed from outside view when the vehicle is unattended — no exceptions.
July 1, 2026
Signed into law by Governor Spanberger as part of the April 2026 gun safety legislation package.
Bans the manufacture, sale, and possession of untraceable firearms without serial numbers (“ghost guns”). Requires serialization of homemade or privately made firearms. Further restricts unserialized frames and receivers.
Possession of unserialized home-built firearms is now prohibited in Virginia. Existing ghost guns must be serialized or surrendered before the effective date.
FFL dealers cannot transfer unserialized firearms under federal law — this now codifies that restriction in Virginia state law with additional penalties.
July 1, 2026
Signed into law by Governor Spanberger on April 10, 2026.
Creates a “public nuisance” civil liability framework for firearm industry members — including manufacturers, wholesalers, and dealers. Requires dealers to implement “Reasonable Controls” to prevent straw purchases and illegal marketing. Allows civil lawsuits by the Commonwealth or affected parties for violations.
Expands civil liability exposure for all parties in the firearm supply chain. FFL dealers must now document and demonstrate “Reasonable Controls” around their sales practices.
FFLs are legally required to have verifiable safeguards in place. This law is a direct factor in Outdoor Arms’ new prior-authorization transfer policy — we are accountable for customer actions after transfer.
July 1, 2026
Signed into law by Governor Spanberger on April 10, 2026.
Closes the “intimate partner loophole” by removing firearm rights for individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes involving a dating relationship. Expands on existing domestic violence disqualifiers.
Adds a new prohibited person category. Buyers with qualifying misdemeanor convictions involving an intimate partner will be disqualified on their NICS background check.
July 1, 2026
Signed into law by Governor Spanberger on April 10, 2026.
Creates a pathway for persons who become prohibited from possessing firearms (for example, due to a new disqualifying condition) to lawfully transfer their firearms to an eligible adult aged 21 or older. Provides a legal off-ramp rather than forcing abandonment or surrender.
Gives newly-prohibited owners a lawful path to transfer their firearms to eligible family members or friends instead of surrendering them. Transfers must still comply with all other applicable laws (including private-sale background checks).
July 1, 2026
Signed into law by Governor Spanberger on April 10, 2026.
Prohibits the possession of any weapon in a hospital that provides mental-health services or developmental services. Weapons seized in violation are forfeited to the Commonwealth. The bill retains a carve-out for individuals carrying with the hospital’s written authorization (the Governor proposed removing this exception at the April 14 amendment stage; the legislature rejected that change on April 22).
If you carry a firearm and are visiting a Virginia hospital that provides mental-health or developmental services, check posted signage and the hospital’s policy. Carry with written authorization remains permitted; otherwise, leave the firearm secured off-site.
July 1, 2026
Signed by Governor Spanberger on May 14, 2026, in the same signing as HB217/SB749. Version signed is the original enrolled bill — the legislature rejected the Governor’s amendments that would have removed the written-authorization exception.
A coordinated federal regulatory package — billed as the largest firearms rule rollback in decades. Some items are final and take effect this summer; others are out for public comment.
- ›NICS "fugitive from justice" narrowed: Now applies only to those who crossed state lines to avoid felony prosecution. ATF estimates this will eliminate roughly 12,000–20,000 false denials per year — particularly for buyers with outstanding traffic or minor-misdemeanor warrants. Effective ~60 days after Federal Register publication.
- ›"Engaged in the Business" rescission (published May 6, 2026): ATF officially rescinded portions of the 2024 expansion of the "engaged in the business" definition. Returns to the pre-2024 standard for whether private sales qualify as "dealing in firearms" — fewer private sellers will be pushed into the FFL-required category.
- ›End of "Zero-Tolerance" enforcement against FFLs: ATF will no longer pursue license revocation for single paperwork errors. Inspectors now weigh willfulness, materiality, and prior compliance history. Good news for customers: well-run FFLs are no longer at risk over typo-level mistakes.
- ›FFL eZ Check verification: FFL-to-FFL transfer verification can now be done electronically via ATF's eZ Check system rather than requiring a certified paper license copy.
- ›Form 4473 modernization (published May 8, 2026): Now formally proposed in the Federal Register. Doubles NICS validity, allows electronic forms with auto-population and digital attachments, streamlines identity/residency verification (drops the county and city-limits fields), and replaces indefinite record retention with defined 20- or 30-year periods. Includes a 90-day retention period for private-party transfer records. Public comment closes August 6, 2026.
- ›Stabilizing brace rule — proposed repeal: Pistols with stabilizing braces would no longer be reclassified as short-barreled rifles. If finalized, this restores the pre-2023 status for braced AR/AK-pattern pistols.
- ›Direct-Ship to Consumer (Non-Over-The-Counter / NOTC): Proposed rule allowing in-state FFLs to ship firearms directly to qualified buyers without an in-person store visit. Still requires Form 4473, NICS check, video-conference identity verification (NIST SP 800-63-4), and any applicable state waiting period / CLEO notification. Does not bypass the FFL — but eliminates the walk-in requirement for in-state sales. 90-day comment period from May 2026 publication.
- ›NFA marking / engraving relief (published May 6, 2026): Would let a maker adopt the existing factory serial number on a Form 1 NFA firearm instead of engraving a new marking. In plain terms: converting an already-serialized factory rifle or pistol to an SBR may no longer require fresh engraving. Items with no usable existing marking — suppressors built on a Form 1, or builds on an unserialized/80% receiver — would still need to be engraved and serialized. Public comment closes June 28, 2026 — not yet in effect.
- ›NFA interstate transport: Proposed elimination of the ATF Form 5320.20 approval requirement for trips of 365 days or less. Relevant for our NFA / Class 3 SOT customers.
- ›Spousal joint NFA registration: Married couples could co-register NFA items without forming a gun trust.
- ›"Unlawful drug user" definition narrowed: Would require active impairment, conviction within 12 months, or clinical-dependence evidence within 12 months — rather than the current standard that can flag historical positive tests.
- ›Rights restoration portal: First operational federal relief-from-disability pathway since 1992. Targets non-violent felons via individualized review. Portal launch expected Q3 2026.
Sources: ATF "New Era of Reform" announcement (April 29, 2026); Federal Register filings; ATF.gov/rules-and-regulations.
Would have imposed an 11% state-level excise tax on all firearm and ammunition sales in Virginia, with a proposed effective date of July 1, 2027. The bill was continued to the next session by the Finance committee and will not become law in 2026. Firearms and ammunition remain subject only to standard Virginia sales tax.
The House version of the firearms and ammunition excise tax was “passed by” (postponed indefinitely) and did not advance this session. Note: the Senate version (SB763, above) also failed — no excise tax on firearms or ammunition will take effect in 2026.
Would have required a 5-day waiting period between purchase and delivery of any firearm. Left in the House Committee on Public Safety — did not advance before the February 17 crossover deadline.
Would have imposed a $500 Virginia state-level tax on suppressors, stacking on top of the existing federal $200 NFA tax. Defeated — NFA transfers for suppressors remain under current federal guidelines only.
Would have prohibited recreational shooting on properties smaller than 5 acres. Failed to advance — local ordinances still apply, but no new state-level acreage restriction was enacted.
Republican-led effort to increase mandatory criminal sentencing for firearm-related crimes. Defeated in committee — current sentencing guidelines remain unchanged.
July 1, 2026 is the critical date. Any “assault firearm” or standard-capacity magazine (over 15 rounds) that is legally purchased and in your possession before that date remains legal for you to own under the current grandfathering provisions in HB217/SB749.
However, once these laws take effect, the ability to buy, sell, or transfer these items within Virginia will end. If you are considering a purchase of a covered firearm or magazines, do not wait — time is extremely limited.
All transfers after July 1 require prior authorization. Contact us now to coordinate your transfer before the deadline. Anyone sending a firearm without prior authorization after July 1 will have it returned to sender.
Track All Virginia Gun Bills in Real Time The Virginia Citizens Defense League maintains a live tracking tool for all 2026 gun-related bills.
📋 VCDL Bill TrackerJohn Pierce is a firearms and trust attorney whose site provides plain-language explanations of Virginia gun laws, NFA trusts, and pending legislation. His resources are highly recommended for understanding how these laws apply to you personally.
These links are provided as helpful resources. John Pierce is not affiliated with Outdoor Arms. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Book a quick consultation, or shoot us an email — we’ll walk you through the specifics for your situation.