quote:

Originally posted by BarbC:
The PA CCW doesn't require anything other than a background check and three references. When I received it, the Sheriff included a stern form letter encouraging responsibility and caution.

Yes, in VA anyone may open carry, including within a vehicle, without a permit, yet the CCW permit requires fingerprinting, background check, classroom work and a range session. With the exception of myself and one other, nobody else in my VA CCW class had ever shot a gun. So it was good that they received some introduction to safe handling.

When I learned my friend here in PA had a concealed permit but zero training, I took her to the NRA Women on Target course. She gained so much from that and it is a very wise investment.

Fingerprints and range quals are only a requirement for VA non-resident CCW permits. Residents need only complete a safety course.

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

quote:

Fingerprints and range quals are only a requirement for VA non-resident CCW permits. Residents need only complete a safety course.

Is this recent? I got mine in 2002 while a resident of Chesapeake VA and had to get fingerprinted at the police station behind the courthouse. I took the CCW course at Bob's.

As I understand it some jurisdictions used to require fingerprints for VA residents. Chesapeake was probably one of those.

Their current application process does not show a requirement for fingerprints.

http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/circourt/hand_gun_permits.shtml

I believe that fingerprints are no longer required anywhere in the commonwealth (for resident permits). Some areas still have a different procedure for some things. In the VA Beach area they will mail you your permit. Here in Roanoke you have to pick it up in person.

It used to be that proof of competency/training could be rejected based on how long ago it was acquired. My DD214 shows that I was qualified as a Sharpshooter with a .38 revolver. Since that was many years ago the courts would not accept it. Since then they've changed the law to read that training doesn't expire so I could now use that as proof of training.

As far as I understand it, they're not supposed to ask for fingerprints because it goes beyond the law. VCDL had an update on this around six months ago. You may want to look through VCDL's archives online.