Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Hi.

New to the forum and thought I'd post my experience with the CHP application process in Loudoun county. Hope this is an acceptable post.

A little about me. I've lived with firearms all my life, some handed down from ancestors. My dad taught me how to shoot and respectfully handle firearms early in life, Rifle and Shotgun metit badge as a Boy Scout, and shot on my college rifle and handgun team. Have wanted a concealed carry permit for many years, just now getting around to it.


False start.

Took one of the on-line certificate courses (please don't cringe - see above, I have some experience), printed my certificate and printed the application form from their web site. Filled out the form, went and found a notary and had it notarized. Took it by the Sheriff's office on my way to work.

Nice person at the reception desk. I have the wrong application form. (Web site I downloaded from was not current.) They handed me the correct form. I sat down and filled it out on the spot. They have a notary, nice person at reception says please have a seat. I 'thought' this was just a 'drop off the form' thing. No. Please wait while we do your background check. Then we will give you an envelope to take over the the Circuit Court Clerk. Ok, about how long? Couple of people ahead of me, at least 20 minutes. Yikes. I have a business meeting I have to make. Can I come back? Sure! We'll hold onto your paperwork, just make sure you are back before 3pm today.

Business meeting in DC, goes long, I call and let them know I won't be able to make 3pm. They say sorry - but if I'm not back they have to destroy the paperwork. No problem. I apologize for not making it back and promise to start all over tomorrow morning with fresh paperwork. (Fortunately, I had picked up an extra copy of the application that morning.)

Thanks,
Jim.

Second time is the charm

I filled out my second copy of the correct application, printed another copy of my firearms training certificate and hit the notary's office at 8:30am. Sorry, the notary won't be in today until 11:00. (Sigh) Back home to wait. Back to the notary at 11, and on to the Sheriff's office. Turned in the paperwork at reception - please have a seat, it'll be about 10 minutes. Well short of that (about 6 minutes) they call my name and hand me a sealed manilla envelope. Take this to the Circuit Court Clerk. Make sure you have it to them today before 3pm. No problem, I'm going there now.

Drive over to the Court House and park. Go in. A little confusion about exactly where I should go. Guard says, "We recognize the envelope, right through here please." I clear the metal detector. "OK, down that hall, up 8 steps, turn left - they will direct you on from there." I follow the directions, wind up in a big room, confusion over where to go next written on my face. Someone sees me and says, "Ah. I recognize the envelope. Down that hallway, through a door, turn right, elevator, down 3 floors." (Really - they ought to give you the permit just for finding the place.) Into the office and, two reception counters. I look back and forth expectantly at both. Person at one says, "Ah. I recognize the envelope. Over here please." Two minutes later I'm all done and following the breadcrumbs I left out of the building.

Ignoring my false start, the process was quick and painless. Everyone I met along the way was professional, friendly, and helpful. I'll post the wait time when the permit arrives.

Thanks,
Jim.

5 1/2 years ago the turn around was 8 days to my mail box.. I renewed around September last year and it took 30+ days.. However, I did receive a letter of apology for the delay along with my permit.. They are extremely backed up. Loudoun is a friendly county...

My wife and I got our CHPs in 8 business days. Our son applied a month after us and got his in 28 business days. None of us bothered with a notary, seems like an unnecessary step. The ladies behind the counter at the Sheriff's office on Harrison St. had us in and out in about 10 minutes. The cops at the courthouse knew exactly what we were there for, each time we passed one they told us how to get to the clerk in the basement. The entire process was painless and took about an hour from the time we got to the Sheriff's office to the time we left the courthouse.

Permit came in the mail today, 2/22. Filed on 1/31, so 22 days to permit in hand.

No fuss, no muss, very straight forward.

Special thanks to the good folks in Loudoun County for the prompt service.


Thanks,
Jim.

Fill out the form, send a copy of firearms qualification (mine was a 33 year old LE school transcript) and send a check. Got mine in 28 days exactly.