Virginia FFL Transfer Guide: Laws, Fees & Finding a Local FFL

Virginia sits in the middle of the regulatory spectrum on firearms: it’s a “shall-issue” state for concealed carry, doesn’t ban semi-automatic rifles, and doesn’t require a permit to purchase — but it does require universal background checks on private sales and has a few specific rules that matter for an FFL transfer. If you’ve bought a firearm online or from an out-of-state seller, here’s exactly what to expect when you complete the transfer in Virginia.

How FFL Transfers Work in Virginia

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(3)) requires any firearm purchased from an out-of-state seller to ship to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in the buyer’s state. Once the firearm arrives, the dealer completes the federal Form 4473 paperwork, runs the background check, and releases the gun to the buyer.

In Virginia, the background check is run through the Virginia State Police (VSP), not directly through the federal NICS system. Virginia is what’s called a “point-of-contact” state — the dealer calls or submits electronically to the VSP, who then queries NICS plus state databases (mental health, domestic violence, protective orders) before responding.

Virginia FFL Transfer Fees

Virginia’s transfer fee market is competitive across most regions, though Northern Virginia (NOVA) shops tend to charge more than rural ones:

• Long guns (rifles/shotguns): $25–$50 per transfer
• Handguns: $30–$60 per transfer
• Virginia State Police background check fee: Add $2 (long guns) or $5 (handguns) on top of the dealer’s transfer fee — this is the state’s actual cost, not a markup
• NFA items: $50–$150
• Multi-gun discount: Common for two or more firearms shipped together

Expect to pay $30–$50 total for a typical long-gun transfer and $35–$65 for a typical handgun transfer.

Step-by-Step: Completing an FFL Transfer in Virginia

1. Confirm the Firearm Is Legal in Virginia

Most firearms are legal in Virginia. AR-15s, AK-pattern rifles, and most pistol configurations are unrestricted. Standard-capacity magazines are legal — there’s no state-level magazine limit. NFA items (suppressors, SBRs, SBSs) are legal with the proper federal tax stamp.

One note: as of 2024, Virginia restricts certain “trigger activator” devices and bans bump stocks under state law in addition to federal rules. Most online sellers screen for this automatically.

2. Find a Local FFL Dealer First

Confirm your FFL before ordering online. Some dealers don’t accept walk-in transfers, and many online sellers require dealer confirmation before shipping. Use our Find a Dealer directory to locate FFLs in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Newport News, Roanoke, and across all 95 Virginia counties and 38 independent cities.

3. Provide Your FFL’s Info to the Seller

Online retailers need a current copy of your FFL’s license. Most major retailers already have copies of common Virginia FFLs on file. If not, your dealer will email a copy directly when you provide the contact info.

4. Wait for the Firearm to Arrive

Shipping typically takes 3–7 business days. Your FFL will let you know when the firearm has arrived and been logged. Don’t show up before confirmation.

5. Complete the Transfer at the Dealer

Bring a valid Virginia driver’s license or state ID with your current address. You’ll fill out ATF Form 4473 and Virginia’s state firearm transaction form. The dealer submits the background check to the Virginia State Police, which usually returns an approval in under 30 minutes. Pay the transfer fee plus the $2/$5 VSP fee, sign the bound book, and you’re done.

Virginia Gun Laws You Should Know

• No permit required to purchase
• Background checks run by Virginia State Police as a point-of-contact state
• Universal background checks: Since 2020, private sales between Virginia residents must go through an FFL (with some family-member exceptions)
• “One Handgun a Month” law: Reinstated in 2020 — most Virginia residents can buy only one handgun per 30-day period, with exceptions for concealed-handgun-permit holders and certain other groups
• Concealed Handgun Permit: Shall-issue through the circuit court in your locality; required for concealed carry of a handgun (Virginia is NOT a permitless-carry state)
• Open carry: Legal in most places for adults 18+ without a permit
• No state “assault weapons” ban (some have been proposed but have not passed)
• No state magazine capacity limit
• “Red Flag” Substantial Risk Order law (2020) allows temporary removal of firearms
• 5-day handgun waiting period in some circumstances if the VSP background check is delayed (not a routine waiting period)
• NFA items legal with federal tax stamp

One Handgun a Month — What It Means for FFL Transfers

Virginia’s “One Handgun a Month” law caps most residents at one handgun purchase per 30-day rolling window. If you’ve bought a handgun in the last 30 days, your FFL may not be able to release a second one until the window closes. Exemptions apply for Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit holders, law enforcement, and certain other categories. If you have a CHP, bring it to the transfer — it’s the cleanest way to avoid the limit.

Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Statewide FFL Coverage

Virginia’s FFL coverage is densest in Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William) and Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News). Richmond, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and the Shenandoah Valley all have strong coverage. Browse our directory to filter by city or zip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an FFL transfer take in Virginia?

Most transfers take 30–45 minutes at the dealer — slightly longer than in non-point-of-contact states because the VSP runs its own background check. Total time from online purchase to pickup is typically about a week.

Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Virginia?

No permit is required to purchase. You do need a Concealed Handgun Permit to carry concealed, since Virginia is not a permitless-carry state.

Can I buy an AR-15 in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia does not have an “assault weapons” ban or a magazine capacity limit. Standard AR-15s and similar semi-automatic rifles are legal.

What’s the One Handgun a Month rule?

Most Virginia residents are limited to purchasing one handgun in any 30-day period. Concealed Handgun Permit holders are exempt. Multiple handguns shipped in the same transfer to a non-exempt buyer cannot be released — only one per 30 days.

Are private sales legal between Virginia residents without an FFL?

Generally no — since 2020, Virginia requires universal background checks. Private sales between non-family members must go through an FFL. Family transfers (parent/child, spouse-to-spouse) and certain other narrow exceptions remain legal without an FFL.

Can I transfer a suppressor or other NFA item in Virginia?

Yes, with an ATF Form 4 and $200 tax stamp. Many Virginia FFLs are also Class III dealers — confirm before ordering.

Find Your Virginia FFL Dealer

Ready to complete your transfer? Browse our directory of licensed FFL dealers across Virginia. Filter by city or zip, compare transfer fees, and check business hours before placing your online order.

→ Find a Licensed FFL Dealer in Virginia