Firearms

Virginia’s approach to firearms records checks does not infringe on an individual’s ability to purchase or possess a firearm, while those individuals who are prohibited by State or Federal law are denied legal access to firearms. The Virginia Department of State Police developed and administers the Virginia Firearms Transaction Program© (VFTP). This program was the first of its type in the nation. Virginia was able to implement this program because the Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE) maintained by the Virginia State Police is one of the most complete records repositories in the nation and provides the database for the VFTP.

Firearms Transaction Center Help Desk

Phone: (804) 674-2292 or (804) 674-2788

Email: firearms@vsp.virginia.gov

Mailing Address:
Department of State Police
P.O. Box 85608
Richmond, VA 23285-5608
ATTN: FTC

FTC

Attention All Firearms Purchase Applicants

On March 26, 2014, the United States Supreme Court decided in U.S. v. Castleman, Case No. 12-1371, that Title 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(9), a firearms disqualifier for the misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, is satisfied by the degree of force that supports a common-law battery conviction. This decision effectively overrules the 4th Circuit decision in U.S. v. White, (2010 4th Circuit Court), that ruled a Virginia domestic assault conviction was not a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence because it did not satisfy the “physical force” requirement. Individuals convicted of an offense that meets the federal definition of domestic violence are prohibited to possess firearms under federal law.

Based on this ruling a previous firearms purchase approval does not ensure continued approval.

The State Police background check for the purchase of a firearm includes the enforcement of both state and federal law.