Requirements for Virginia Resident CCW

I have read here on old posts to the forum that Arlington County, Va requires fingerprinting and a notary public verification if the application form isn't signed in person in front of the clerk. Is that still true? I don't see those two requirements anywhere on the Arlington County Circuit sites for CCW permits or on the VA state police site.

carverebain said:

I have read here on old posts to the forum that Arlington County, Va requires fingerprinting and a notary public verification if the application form isn't signed in person in front of the clerk. Is that still true? I don't see those two requirements anywhere on the Arlington County Circuit sites for CCW permits or on the VA state police site.

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The only only up-to-date official info I can find that references fingerprinting is for the non-resident CCW permit.

carverebain said:

The only only up-to-date official info I can find that references fingerprinting is for the non-resident CCW permit.

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Welcome to OCDO.


http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_ResidentConcealed.shtm

Finger printing and FBI background checks used to be an option allowed under Virginia law for issuing CHPs. Not all counties and independent cities finger printed. Eventually the General Assembly amended the law to drop finger printing and FBI background check as unnecessary since it didn't really add any value to the approval system.

If the application is not signed in front of the clerk accepting it you must sign it in front of a notary and have them notarize it.

mobeewan said:

Finger printing and FBI background checks used to be an option allowed under Virginia law for issuing CHPs. Not all counties and independent cities finger printed. Eventually the General Assembly amended the law to drop finger printing and FBI background check as unnecessary since it didn't really add any value to the approval system.

If the application is not signed in front of the clerk accepting it you must sign it in front of a notary and have them notarize it.

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To clarify, the resident applicant fingerprint option was repealed, effective July 1, 2012. Counties are now prohibited from collecting fingerprints of resident applicants. Non-resident applicants must provide fingerprints and a passport photo, but NOT residents.

Also to clarify, the notary option was also repealed, effective July 1, 2017. Resident applicants must take their application in person to the clerk of the court in their county of residence. Renewal applications CAN be mailed in, but NOT initial applications. The removal of the notary option for initial applications is a significant inconvenience as this requires people who work to take time off from that job to deliver the application in person. I'm an instructor and personally delivered many applications to the Fairfax and Prince William county courthouses. Can't do that anymore.

In some localities...

...(Virginia Beach for example) the clerk for the police headquarters has an agreement with the Circuit Court Clerk to accept applications with payment in the Precinct lobby, thus avoiding the need to disarm or remove all metal. Does make for some interesting conversations when you open carry...100% legally...

Also to clarify, the notary option was also repealed, effective July 1, 2017. Resident applicants must take their application in person to the clerk of the court in their county of residence.

johnfenter said:

...(Virginia Beach for example) the clerk for the police headquarters has an agreement with the Circuit Court Clerk to accept applications with payment in the Precinct lobby, thus avoiding the need to disarm or remove all metal. Does make for some interesting conversations when you open carry...100% legally...

Also to clarify, the notary option was also repealed, effective July 1, 2017. Resident applicants must take their application in person to the clerk of the court in their county of residence.

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Taking the application in person can be a real PITA for some.

Would be far better to have an either/or option - mail with seal or in person. There is a benefit to going in person - one can get a copy (dated when received) of the submitted application for proof later when activating the 45 day stipulation - issuance of the de facto permit.