What is the legal age to purchase or possess a firearm?
A person must be at least 18 years of age to purchase a rifle or shotgun. To purchase a handgun from a licensed firearms dealer, you must be at least 21 years of age, pursuant to federal law. For statutory regulations concerning underage persons possessing firearms, refer to Virginia Code §18.2-308.7, possession or transportation of certain firearms by persons under the age of 18.

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1. What are the laws concerning knives; specifically, the carrying of a non-concealed knife, and are there knife designs, blade sizes, etc., that are prohibited?
2. Are firearms registered in Virginia?
3. May I travel through Virginia with a firearm in my vehicle?
4. May I “open carry” a firearm in Virginia?
5. What is the legal age to purchase or possess a firearm?
6. What is the legal age to purchase ammunition?
7. What are the laws concerning the private sale of a handgun?
8. Why was my firearms purchase application placed in a status of delay?
9. Does one have to have U.S. citizenship to be eligible to purchase a firearm?
10. What are the disqualifications for the purchase of a firearm?
11. Are law enforcement officers subject to the background check when purchasing firearms?
12. Is a concealed handgun permit issued in another state valid or recognized in Virginia?
13. Are Virginia concealed handgun permits issued to non-Virginia residents?
14. The address on my Resident Concealed Handgun Permit is no longer correct. Is my permit still valid?
15. The address on my Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permit is no longer correct. Is my permit still valid?
16. Are military personnel considered residents or nonresidents for the purpose of a concealed handgun permit?
17. I am a new resident to Virginia and possess a concealed handgun permit issued by a permit-reciprocal state. Will my permit still be honored in Virginia?
18. In the instance of a traffic stop, should I advise the police officer that I have a concealed handgun permit?