Virginia Open Carry Laws (2026)

Permitted: Open carry of a handgun is legal without a permit unless a law bars it.

PermittedVerified Oct 12, 2026

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Open carry of a handgun is legal without a permit unless a law bars it. You must be 18 or older. In the cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Falls Church, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond and Virginia Beach and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun and Prince William, carrying a loaded semi-automatic center-fire pistol in public is a Class 1 misdemeanor if its magazine holds over 20 rounds or it is made for a silencer or has a folding stock, unless you hold a permit. From July 1, 2027, carrying an assault firearm in public is barred statewide; the term can include pistols.

Official source: vsp.virginia.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Open Carry in states bordering Virginia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

District of ColumbiaRestricted
Open carry of a handgun is illegal in DC. Even a DC licensee may not carry a handgun openly or in any way that is not concealed. Except as the law allows, rifles and shotguns may not be carried in DC either. Narrow exceptions exist, such as on-duty military members authorized to carry and concealed carry by qualified law enforcement officers.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mpdc.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
KentuckyPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in Kentucky without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can lawfully possess one.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MarylandRestricted
Open carry is not allowed. A Maryland Wear and Carry Permit lets you carry a handgun only concealed from view, under clothing or in an enclosed case; brief accidental exposure is not a violation. Without a permit, wearing or carrying a handgun openly or concealed is a crime, apart from listed exceptions such as property you own or lease or a business you own or lease.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mdsp.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
North CarolinaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun needs no permit in North Carolina if you are 18 or older and not otherwise prohibited. The state ban covers concealed carry only. Local governments may ban guns in public buildings, and carrying a gun to the terror of the public is still a crime. Place restrictions apply, and anyone under 18 generally cannot carry a handgun.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ncdoj.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
TennesseePermitted
Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Tennessee without a permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully possess one.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
West VirginiaPermitted
Open carry of a handgun is legal in West Virginia with no license, at 18 or older, for anyone who may lawfully have a gun. Carrying or brandishing a weapon so as to threaten a breach of the peace is a crime. Guns are banned on school grounds and buses and on court premises. Cities may restrict guns in city-owned buildings and recreation facilities.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ago.wv.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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