In a major win for gun owners and concealed carry advocates, Pennsylvania has officially agreed to recognize Virginia resident concealed handgun permits (CHPs). The agreement was made possible through efforts by the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) and Gun Owners of America (GOA), and is now in full effect.
Signed by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Pennsylvania Attorney General David Sunday, the new reciprocity agreement means that Virginia residents with valid CHPs can legally carry concealed in Pennsylvania, just as Pennsylvania permit holders can already carry in Virginia.
“This is a big victory for law-abiding gun owners,” VCDL announced. “We thank both Attorneys General Sunday and Miyares for signing this important agreement! And we’re grateful to GOA for working alongside us to make it happen.”
Key Points:
- Virginia resident CHPs are now valid in Pennsylvania.
- Only Virginia resident permits are covered—not non-resident permits.
- The agreement is active immediately and remains in place unless changed or canceled with 30 days’ notice.
- Carriers must follow all local laws and regulations in each state.
Virginia has automatically recognized Pennsylvania’s concealed permits since 2016, but this new signed agreement ensures that the right is now mutual. According to a memo from Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Matthew Hanley, the change expands rights for Virginians without taking anything away from Pennsylvanians.
Why It Matters:
This move strengthens Second Amendment reciprocity between two major states and sets a strong example for others. Gun rights groups like VCDL and GOA continue to push back against patchwork gun laws that confuse responsible permit holders and limit their freedom to legally carry across state lines.
With tensions around gun rights rising nationwide, this news brings a dose of sanity—and a concrete victory—for the right to carry.
REMEMBER: Even with reciprocity, you must still follow the gun laws of the state you are in. That includes restrictions on firearm types, carry locations, and age limits.
Read the signed agreement here.
Stay armed. Stay informed. Stay free. Stay dangerous.
Pennsylvania Recognizes Virginia Concealed Handgun Permits: 2025
