I did something really stupid and now, I am paying the price.

[Jeb Stuart]

I have had a concealed permit now for 10 yrs. I live in Virginia, and have to renew every 5 years. Virginia, written in their rules and regulations, clearly states that they will mail you a notice before your permit expires. Well, Virginia is one lame state and they did not.
My mistake was not paying attention to the expiration date and putting it on my calendar.

Ok, two days after expiration, I panic, get in my car and with $50.00 head to the court house with all the necessary paperwork filled out. I did not trust them to just send the renewal in the mail.

What a nightmare. First the 30 minute walk to the Courthouse after searching for a parking spot for what seemed like eternity. Then the maze of trying to find the office that handles the transaction.
After waiting in a line, the clerk, asked how do you want to Pay? I was ready, CASH! I replied.
"Well Sir, then you will have to get into that line over there to pay cash". I looked at the long line and said Ok, then what else will you take. Credit card, was the reply, but add a additional $2.50.

Fine, I handed over the card. No way at this point was I getting into a new line with a new clerk that I knew would get confused with paper work going from one clerk to the other.

She took the money and said. "Ok, now we will send you the renewed permit in 45 days." So can I still Carry my conceal permit? NO, you must wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I now feel naked. I feel lost, something not right, Not use to open carry and quickly finding it is not what I want to do. Have been trying out all my old holsters, No longer will I be able to wear my shirts outside of pants. Will not be able to wear a Jacket, or at least find one that will not conceal the firearm.

This is a taste of what taking away rights must feel like. I will take this as a lesson. A lesson to be more aware of my rights, and think about how serious it is to be proactive and supportive of the NRA etc.

Edited by Odd Job: let's dial down the heat, okay?

 

[DoubleMag]

What are your open carry law options in VA?

 

[Missionary]

Good morning
How about a muzzle loading pistol. These "un-guns" are still a very viable protector.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

I am so angry, thinking about just carrying my Pistol grip shotgun around with a sling. Not having the ability to conceal got me to thinking how do folks in winter, wearing a heavy coat or parka carry? Virginia is fast becoming a Blue state. I am sure it is just a matter of time before we become a state like California or New Jersey. We are all ready experiencing the effects of the virus of Baltimore, Washington DC etc. as it takes over Tidewater Virginia. So I should focus on how much time I do have to carry and get use to each step along the way, until the virtual end. Obviously, every law and every new law is one step into helping every thug or groups of thugs become stronger until all honest citizens are completely disarmed.

To answer the question above. What is Virginia Law for Concealment? At least I can carry a firearm in my Glove Box of my Vehicles and I can carry in a holster as long as the weapon is visible. So I am thinking of ways to be legal. I will carry the Pico in a jeans watch Pocket and use the pocket as a holster. Thinking of switching the clip of one Pico and just clipping onto a belt or carry cross draw. I have small holsters, may use a few of them. It will be getting very warm soon down here. normally I do not even wear a belt with my shorts and never tuck in my tee shirt, so will have to work something out for that issue. I think my new Kel-tec p32 at a weight of 6.6 oz will be coming in handy.
I also now understand why some folks will get a different colored grip for their guns. it helps with concealment while actually carrying out side the waist. I will be taking a small gun down to my gunsmith, who also has a man that can cherokote. I am going to try and find a Camo Color for the best concealment and then try and camo a holster.

 

[jar]

I have found that the vast majority of people simply don't see...period. Find a holster with at least some retention and just open carry.

 

[HB]

I understand your frustration with the permit process... but I wouldn’t worry too much.

Walking around with a pistol grip shotgun is likely to get you into an interaction with Law Enforcement. Given your current frustration level, I would avoid that discussion at all cost.

Just because something is law doesn’t make it right. But the law is the law and we have to adhear to them or be prepared to deal with the consequences.

 

[drband]

It happens. I had the same issue in GA, but it only took 10 days to receive my new permit. You will survive.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

Your problem is with Va, your problem is with the county youlive in.

I’m guessing you’re in Northen Va, Richmond or the Hampton Roads area. I say that as the civilized real parts of Va are gun friendly and aren’t hard to deal with. Plus they don’t have long lines with obnoxious clerks.

In my case I moved right after renewing my permit. The issuing county court handles the permits so I’d have to deal with them to get a change of address. Unfortunately it was over 4 hours away. Thankfully the new county I’m in have some amazing folks working there and they took the paperwork and worked with the old county to get me a revised permit.

I’m grateful that I no longer live in Northern Va but rather in a place where the people at the court are humans not drones.

So yes Va has quirks and things are getting worse as Northern Va becomes a nasty mess of overpopulated whatever’s. But right now I’d say if you’re polite and reasonable and not in that mess it’s not so bad.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

Your problem is with Va, your problem is with the county youlive in.

I’m guessing you’re in Northen Va, Richmond or the Hampton Roads area. I say that as the civilized real parts of Va are gun friendly and aren’t hard to deal with. Plus they don’t have long lines with obnoxious clerks.

In my case I moved right after renewing my permit. The issuing county court handles the permits so I’d have to deal with them to get a change of address. Unfortunately it was over 4 hours away. Thankfully the new county I’m in have some amazing folks working there and they took the paperwork and worked with the old county to get me a revised permit.

I’m grateful that I no longer live in Northern Va but rather in a place where the people at the court are humans not drones.

So yes Va has quirks and things are getting worse as Northern Va becomes a nasty mess of overpopulated whatever’s. But right now I’d say if you’re polite and reasonable and not in that mess it’s not so bad.

You are right, There are some Beautiful areas of Virginia and decent people. I love Virginia. But Tidewater which once was a Red Zone is gone. It is now Blue and turning more Blue all the time. Just cannot keep up with the demographics. All rural areas are still Red. I enjoy going out of town to my outdoor range where the small town, still proudly shows the American Flag, and American feels like America. Yes, it is time to move.

Question, there were others besides myself that also did not receive the notice that the permit was going to be mailed. Did you receive a notice? I realize it is my responsibility, and lesson learned to not trust them. I hope I do receive it in 45 days, as the clerk told me that I should hold on to the receipt and come back if I do not receive it. LOL

 

[Hasaf]

You might find out more about the definition of open carry. I remember, many years back, when I was getting my security guard license in California, that open carry meant suspended from, and on the outside of, a belt. If a jacket, or shirt covered it, it was still open carry.

Unfortunately, that type of stuff is more likely to be in case law rather than the penal code (unfortunate because case law is harder to search than the penal code).

 

[Jeb Stuart]

You might find out more about the definition of open carry. I remember, many years back, when I was getting my security guard license in California, that open carry meant suspended from, and on the outside of, a belt. If a jacket, or shirt covered it, it was still open carry.

Unfortunately, that type of stuff is more likely to be in case law rather than the penal code (unfortunate because case law is harder to search than the penal code).

I have been trying to decipher the law, which is vague in that area. Thanks for the heads up, will do more research. Might send a letter to the attorney General for clarification.

 

[Axis II]

I forgot to renew mine a few years ago and it expired in the spring and I was under the impression I would have to wait until September when I received my firearms requalification papers from work because they wouldn't accept an old training certificate for renewal. I didn't have a license or carry for almost 2yrs. Its not that big of a deal and I never felt like I needed a gun on my hip during that time. I find it more of a pain to worry about it uncovering, where I can go and where I cant, removing it when I go to friends and families house. Just too much headache.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Makes one truly appreciate living in a state that has Constitutional carry.

 

[bearcreek]

I forgot to renew mine a few years ago and it expired in the spring and I was under the impression I would have to wait until September when I received my firearms requalification papers from work because they wouldn't accept an old training certificate for renewal. I didn't have a license or carry for almost 2yrs. Its not that big of a deal and I never felt like I needed a gun on my hip during that time. I find it more of a pain to worry about it uncovering, where I can go and where I cant, removing it when I go to friends and families house. Just too much headache.

Don't know exactly how long ago that was but under current Ohio law you don't have to "re-certify" or take a class again in order to renew an expired permit. Just have to have the original training certificate or an old permit. Just for future reference.

 

[Yo Mama]

This is why constitutional carry should be law in every state.

 

[stevekozak]

OP, I think you are worked up over nothing.
1. Quit blaming the State. You failed to keep up with your responsibility.
2. Your angst over the issue concerns me for your state of mind.
3. If it is a right, they can't take it away.

Think on those things. Have a great Sunday!!

 

[Axis II]

Don't know exactly how long ago that was but under current Ohio law you don't have to "re-certify" or take a class again in order to renew an expired permit. Just have to have the original training certificate or an old permit. Just for future reference.

It was about 4-5yrs ago. My buddy said his CCW instructor told him that, so I kind of ran with it. After having some issues with pot grows on public hunting land and coyotes and pigs becoming an issue I decided to go renew it and the county I went to only took a week to get it back to me. I called ahead and they said no recertification.

 

[doubleh]

Come on, it's only for a month and a half. I'm sure you will manage to get through that length of time just fine---with the right attitude. On the bright side this might serve to make you remember ahead of time when the next renewal is due.

Hang a holster off your belt, wear your shirt tail outside like you seem to like, drape the tail between the gun butt and you, and go about your business---for a month and a half.

 

[AlexanderA]

Put this in perspective. Relatively speaking, Virginia is paradise for those wanting to carry a gun. Permitless open carry, and a ridiculously easy process to get a concealed carry permit (the training requirement can be satisfied with an online course). The only thing that could be easier would be if we had "constitutional" carry.

That said, Virginia is safe enough, generally, that I've never felt the need to carry a gun. But then, I don't frequent the few rough parts.

 

[Wisco]

If this happened to me, I would open carry, but only to the closest supermarket so I could stock up on as much supplies as I needed to hole up at my house until my permit arrived in the mail. Make sure to tell work you’ll be out for a while.

It’s simply not worth the risk to be around those “blue” types without a concealed weapon! Evil, truly evil (and un-American) Democrats!

That was all sarcasm.

 

[MedWheeler]

Double-check and make sure the law doesn't actually require a holster before just dropping the Pico in a watch pocket. In some states, a holster is specifically required.

If it was me, and a holster wasn't required, I'd only use the watch pocket for a smaller gun, like a NAA mini or my Bauer. It's hard for me to fathom open carry because I live in one of the only five states to prohibit it. If it was permitted, and I actually saw people occasionally so carrying, I could picture it more.

I've only been carrying for a little over a decade, and had gone almost two between leaving LE and getting my license. I was fine then being unarmed, but I admit I don't think I'd get used to going unarmed now very quickly. Not at all.

 

[Robert]

No matter my personal thoughts on the matter, we will not discuss illegal activity on THR. While you are free to make your own decisions, if those decisions fall outside of the law then they are not appropriate for discussion on THR.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I am so angry,

It's not Virginia's fault you let your permit lapse.

I will carry the Pico in a jeans watch Pocket and use the pocket as a holster.

That's a wonderful way to blow your tiny, little tortugas off

 

[Jim Watson]

When Alabama had annual permits, I got mine on the same schedule as property taxes and car tags. One visit a year to the courthouse.
Now we are user's choice up to five years.
I renewed for four years, same month as driver's license.
Surely I will get at least one notice and renew both.

 

[AlexanderA]

It's hard for me to fathom open carry because I live in one of the only five states to prohibit it. If it was permitted, and I actually saw people occasionally so carrying, I could picture it more.

The assumption here (northern Virginia) is that open carriers are some kind of law enforcement. The entire greater D.C. area is crawling with wall-to-wall law enforcement. The number of agencies boggles the mind.