Concealed Handgun Permits

Virginia law permits any person 21 years of age or older to apply in writing in 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. In Hanover County, the Sheriff's Department, Circuit Court Clerk's Office and Circuit Court Judge play a role in the issuance of concealed handgun permits.

The Civil Division of the Clerk’s Office handles concealed handgun permit applications, they can be reached at 804-365-6478. This is not meant to be a complete discussion of the topic of concealed handgun permits.  More information may be found by reading applicable statutes of the Code of Virginia, including VA Code § 18.2-308, and visiting the Virginia State Police - Concealed Handgun Permit web page.

Please notify the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office by e-mail to HanoverCC@courts.state.va.us if you have a question or find that any of the links on this page do not work.

How are concealed handgun permits issued in Hanover County?

The first step, whether you are applying for a concealed handgun permit for the first time or for renewal of an existing permit, is to submit to the Hanover County Sheriff's Department (1) a completed application, (2) proof of handgun competency, (3) a stamped self-addressed envelope, and (4) a check or money order in the amount of $50 made payable to Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk.

Where can I obtain an application?

The application form (SP-248 Application for Concealed Handgun Permit) may be downloaded by visiting 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, or the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office on the second floor of the Circuit Court Building, 7507 Library Drive, Hanover, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

How can I demonstrate handgun competency?

A copy of your current or previously held license is sufficient to establish competency, if you are applying for renewal.
Other ways applicants may demonstrate handgun competency are listed in VA Code §18.2-308(G) and summarized on the Virginia State Police - Concealed Handgun Permit web page.

What is the address of the Sheriff's Department?

The application, self-addressed envelope and check, can be delivered by hand to the Sheriff's Department at 7523 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, or mailed to the Sheriff's Department at Post Office Box 40, Hanover, Virginia 23069. 
Hanover County Government Complex Map and Directions.

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 application is then submitted to the Circuit Court Judge for consideration. Once the judge acts on the application, the Clerk's Office issues the permit and mails it to you or notifies you of the denial of your application.

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 or VA Code § 18.2-308 regarding your right of appeal as strict time limits to act apply.

How can I learn more about concealed handgun permits?

The Virginia State Police - Concealed Handgun Permit web page addresses many subjects, including reciprocity and recognition of permits and where it is illegal in Virginia to carry a concealed handgun.

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