Concealed Handgun Permits

Any person 21 years of age or older may apply in writing to the clerk of the circuit court of the county or city in which he or she resides, or if he is a member of the United States Armed Forces, the county or city in which he is domiciled, for a five-year permit to carry a concealed handgun. The Civil Division of Hanover County’s Clerk’s Office coordinates issuing concealed handgun permits.  More detailed information about concealed handgun permits may be found by reading applicable statutes of the Code of Virginia, including VA Code § 18.2-308, and by visiting the Virginia State Police - Concealed Handgun Permit web page.
Call the Clerk’s Office at 804-365-6148 or send an email to HanoverCC@courts.state.va.us if you have any questions.  Please let us know if any of the links on this page do not work.

How are concealed handgun permits issued in Hanover County?

Our goal is to expedite processing concealed handgun permit applications. Whether you are applying for the first time or for permit renewal, we ask that you deliver or mail to the Hanover County Sheriff's Department (see address below) (1) a completed SP-248 Application for Concealed Handgun Permit, (2) proof of handgun competency, and (3) a check or money order in the amount of $50 made payable to Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk.  We ask that you include a self-addressed stamped envelope for use in mailing your permit. 

Note:  If you prefer, you can send or deliver your application directly to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office (see address below).

Where can I obtain an application?

The application form (SP-248 Application for Concealed Handgun Permit) can be downloaded from the Virginia State Police Forms web page. If you cannot download the application, you may obtain a copy from the Hanover County Sheriff’s Department, 7522 County Complex Road, Hanover, VA or the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, 2nd Floor, Circuit Court Building, 7507 Library Drive, Hanover, VA between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How can I demonstrate handgun competency?

The ways applicants can demonstrate handgun competency when making a first time application are listed in VA Code §18.2-308(G) and summarized on the Virginia State Police - Concealed Handgun Permit web page.  If you are applying for renewal, a copy of your current or previously issued license is sufficient to establish competency.

What are the addresses of the Sheriff's Department and Circuit Court Clerk’s Office?

What happens after I submit the application?

The Sheriff's Department obtains your criminal history from the Central Criminal Records Exchange and forwards the history and the application to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office.  The Circuit Court Clerk or the Circuit Court Judge acts on the application after which the Clerk's Office mails the permit to you or notifies you that the application has been denied.

If my application is denied, can I appeal?

Any person denied a permit to carry a concealed handgun will be notified by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.  The applicant may request a hearing before the Circuit Court Judge or present a petition for review to the Court of Appeals. Consult your attorney and VA Code § 18.2-308 regarding your right of appeal as strict time limits apply.

How can I learn more about concealed handgun permits?

The Virginia State Police - Concealed Handgun Permit web page addresses subjects including persons not qualified to obtain a permit, change of address, and where it is unlawful to carry.  VA Code §18.2-308(G) and other code sections set out state law. 

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