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Virginia Magazine Capacity Laws (2026)
Conditional: Virginia bans importing, selling, bartering, transferring or buying a magazine holding more than 15 rounds (Class 1 misdemeanor, effective July 1, 2026).
Virginia bans importing, selling, bartering, transferring or buying a magazine holding more than 15 rounds (Class 1 misdemeanor, effective July 1, 2026). Possession alone is not listed as an offense, but bringing one in may count as importing unless you owned it lawfully before July 1, 2026. Court injunctions are reported to block enforcement, and the challenges are paused while the U.S. Supreme Court hears assault-weapon ban cases (argument set for December 2, 2026). The status is unsettled, so assume the ban applies. A separate rule limits carrying a loaded pistol with a magazine over 20 rounds in some cities and counties (see the open carry rule).
Official source: lis.virginia.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Magazine Capacity in states bordering Virginia
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- District of ColumbiaRestricted
In the District of Columbia it is illegal to possess any magazine that holds more than 10 rounds.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: mpdc.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
- KentuckyPermitted
No state law limits magazine capacity in Kentucky — standard-capacity and high-capacity magazines are legal to buy and possess under state law. Federal law sets no general capacity cap. A handful of cities around the country do have their own rules, so check locally if you're unsure.
Verified Jun 7, 2026 · Source: wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MarylandRestricted
Maryland bans manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, purchasing, receiving or transferring a detachable magazine that holds more than 10 rounds. The statute does not list possession. A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds is on the state's banned-firearms list.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mdsp.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
- North CarolinaPermitted
No state law limits magazine capacity in North Carolina — standard-capacity and high-capacity magazines are legal to buy and possess under state law. Federal law sets no general capacity cap. A handful of cities around the country do have their own rules, so check locally if you're unsure.
Verified Jun 7, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
- TennesseePermitted
No state law limits magazine capacity in Tennessee — standard-capacity and high-capacity magazines are legal to buy and possess under state law. Federal law sets no general capacity cap. A handful of cities around the country do have their own rules, so check locally if you're unsure.
Verified Jun 7, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
- West VirginiaPermitted
West Virginia has no state limit on magazine capacity. Cities cannot restrict firearms or ammunition more tightly than state law, except that they may restrict carrying guns in city-owned buildings, recreation facilities and other city property.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ago.wv.gov · Full West Virginia rule →
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