Personal Safety
Firearms
How do I obtain a concealed weapon permit?
To obtain a concealed weapon permit you must attend and complete an approved in person class. Some of the classes, but not all, are listed below;
Completing any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Department of Wildlife Resources or a similar agency of another state;
Completing any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course;
Completing any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law-enforcement agency, institution of higher education, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the United States Concealed Carry Association, or the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
*Classes are offered through Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation. To learn more about+ obtaining a concealed carry permit in the state of Virginia, please read VA code: 18.2-308.02
Where do I apply?
Complete the application form and take that with your certificate of competency to the Circuit Court of Shenandoah County.
To complete the application form, visit https://vsp.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SP-248ConcealedHandgunPermitApplicationRev03-12-2024-1.pdf
How much does it cost and how long is it good for?
The current cost is $50.00, and the permit is good for five years.
How long does it take to get my permit?
The court shall issue the permit via United States mail and notify the State Police of the issuance of the permit within 45 days of receipt of the completed application unless it is determined that the applicant is disqualified. To read more about processing of application and issuance of a concealed weapon permit in Virginia, please read VA code: 18.2-308.04, C
Can I carry a loaded pistol in my car in Virginia?
In Virginia, without a valid concealed handgun permit, you may not have a loaded weapon in a vehicle, on your person, or outside a secure and latched container or compartment. For details on carrying a concealed weapon and exceptions in the state of Virginia, please read VA code; 18.2-308, subsection 8
Can I open carry in Virginia?
Open carry is legal in Virginia without a permit for anyone who is at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm. However, Localities, such as Alexandria, Newport News, and others may ban the open carry of firearms in public buildings, parks and at special events. To learn more about carrying loaded firearms in public, please read VA code:18.2-287.4
Do firearms in my home have to be locked up?
There is no law stating firearms must be locked up in your home, however it always safer to have firearms secured where they cannot be accessed by a person not trained in firearm safety. VA code: 18.2-56.2, states it is illegal to leave a loaded firearm where a person under the age of fourteen has access to the firearm.
Stay Up To Date On Current Scams
Lottery and Publishers Clearinghouse
Remember you must play to win! Virginia Lottery and Publishers Clearinghouse will NEVER call to notify you that you have won a prize. Furthermore, you should NEVER have to provide money to collect winnings.
Jury Duty, Warrants, or Arrest
No Federal or State Law Enforcement agency will ever call demanding money to avoid criminal charges or arrest.
Social Security and the IRS
These are some of the hardest scams to detect. Scammers use all forms of communication to conduct these scams: phone calls, email, text message, letters in the mail, and even social media. Best rule of thumb when receiving communication from these agencies it to remember:
These agencies already have your information; therefore, you should never be required to provide bank account or personal information to them if they are calling you.
Neither agency will ever ask for payment via gift cards to continue providing services.
When in doubt, contact the agency using a point of contact you are familiar with.
Gift Cards
Gift Cards are just that, gifts. They should never be used as a form of payment for a service or to make purchases from Marketplace or Craigslist. The newest scam related to gift cards has to do with the cards themselves. Scammers are placing stickers on the cards at the stores so that when you try to purchase a gift card and the store scans the card to load the money, the money is loaded to an off-site card, and you are left with an empty gift card. To avoid this scam, be sure to visually inspect the packaging of the gift card and report anything suspicious to the store manager.
Computer Virus and Malware
These scams are almost always conducted online or through email. Victims will receive a notification that their device has been hacked/infected, or their Malware is expiring. Most times these scammers request gift cards to fix the problem or extend their services. STOP, this is a scam!
Romance Scams
These scams are associated with “Catfishing”. The scammer will create a fake profile on dating sites or social media to develop a relationship with someone. Once the scammer feels like they have you hooked, they start asking for gifts and/or money. These scammers will often make many excuses to never meet in person. Be sure you know who you are talking to before sending gifts/money.