Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I recently changed my permanent address from Roanoke City to Franklin County. I hit up the Roanoke City court clerk's office this afternoon and filled out the requisite change of address paperwork. Upon asking the clerk when I would be receiving an updated permit, she informed me I wouldn't be receiving one. I even told her the VSP web site indicated the court clerk would issue an updated permit. She told me, again, that all they do is file the papework with the VSP. Is that SOP? Makes me kind of nervous to be rolling around with a permit that has a different address than my driver's license.

From the VSP web site:

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_Res ... eofAddress

The clerk of a circuit court that issued a valid concealed handgun permit shall, upon presentation of the valid permit and proof of a new address of residence by the permit holder, issue a replacement permit specifying the permit holder's new address. The total amount assessed for processing a replacement permit due to a change of address shall not exceed $10, with such fees to be paid in one sum to the person who accepts the information for the replacement permit.

I'm up for renewal in 2011. I'm half tempted to try and renew it early through Franklin County so that my current address is on my permit.

Thoughts?

The clerk of a circuit court that issued a valid concealed handgun permit shall, upon presentation of the valid permit and proof of a new address of residence by the permit holder, issue a replacement permit specifying the permit holder's new address.

The way that reads to me is that if you change residence within the same county (i.e., you are still under the jurisdiction of the court that issued your original permit), then you can get it updated. Since you moved to a different jurisdiction, you will have to apply for a new permit under the court that now "owns" you.

IANAL - I just play one on the interwebz.

I thought they had to issue one.

From the VSP FAQ...

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

--

The address on my Resident Concealed Handgun Permit is no longer correct. Is my permit still valid?

Yes, but you may request a replacement permit if you wish. The clerk of a circuit court that issued a valid concealed handgun permit shall, upon presentation of the valid permit and proof of a new address of residence by the permit holder, issue a replacement permit specifying the permit holder's new address.

--

I think that you should be able to request a new permit with the new address. I would send an email to the VSP at firearms@vsp.virginia.gov for clarification.

edit: I posted the comment below before I saw OakRidgeStars post. At least I know it's still valid. I just don't want to bump into a LEO that may not be up to speed on the policy and go through undue hassle as a result.


Well, it seems like no one in the gov really knows what the policy is. I spoke to the VSP in Richmond and was informed that Franklin County "should" be able to issue a permit with an updated address. I called the Franklin County clerk's office and was told Roanoke City has to give me the updated permit. So, I called Roanoke City and was told again, presumably by the same clerk I dealt with earlier today, that they don't issue updated permits.

Also, I can't renew in Franklin County until 45 days before my permit's expiration date. I don't really know where to go from here. I really don't want to carry a permit with an incorrect address on it.

The law says you can renew up to 180 days in advance. Mine expires in May so I sent my renewel in two weeks ago.

ah, clarification in my mind... It's all so clear to me now! The clerk at the county in which your permit was issued should provide you with a new permit with the updated address regardless of where in Virginia you moved.

So, print out the info from the VSP site and take it to the Roanoke Circuit Clerk's office. If the person to whom you speak refuses to provide you with an updated permit, ask to speak with someone of higher authority - presumably the County Clerk herself (Brenda S. Hamilton).

http://www.roanokeva.gov/85256A8D0062AF ... 7086JCRTEN

Folks you are not required by VA code to update your CHP when you move. An updated permit "may" be provided if you want one. You dont have too and your old CHP remains valid if you change address.

zephyp wrote:Folks you are not required by VA code to update your CHP when you move. An updated permit "may" be provided if you want one. You dont have too and your old CHP remains valid if you change address.

That's all well and good, but I can see where a conscientious citizen might want to get it updated for the sake of being "Proper".

allingeneral wrote:The clerk at the county in which your permit was issued should provide you with a new permit with the updated address regardless of where in Virginia you moved.

That is the answer. The original issuing court must do a new permit if you request one.

Thanks very much folks. I'll go back to the clerk's office and formally request an updated permit and see where that gets me. Regardless of the lack of legal requirements to update my permit, I'd feel better having it updated.

Also, I guess the Franklin County circuit court clerks also need to brush up on the law. They provided me with the information that I can't renew until 45 days before my permit expires. I'll print out the below information and take it with me when I go to renew.

If the new five-year permit is issued while an existing permit remains valid, the new five-year permit shall become effective upon the expiration date of the existing permit, provided that the application is received by the court at least 90 days but no more than 180 days prior to the expiration of the existing permit.

Nathan wrote:Thanks very much folks. I'll go back to the clerk's office and formally request an updated permit and see where that gets me. Regardless of the lack of legal requirements to update my permit, I'd feel better having it updated.

Also, I guess the Franklin County circuit court clerks also need to brush up on the law. They provided me with the information that I can't renew until 45 days before my permit expires. I'll print out the below information and take it with me when I go to renew.

If the new five-year permit is issued while an existing permit remains valid, the new five-year permit shall become effective upon the expiration date of the existing permit, provided that the application is received by the court at least 90 days but no more than 180 days prior to the expiration of the existing permit.

You might want to reference this as Virginia Code Section 18.2-308(I) (that's an "eye") when speaking to the clerk. I would print out the following page and highlight section "I"

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... d+18.2-308

Also, Section (K1) reads:

K1. The clerk of a circuit court that issued a valid concealed handgun permit shall, upon presentation of the valid permit and proof of a new address of residence by the permit holder, issue a replacement permit specifying the permit holder's new address. The clerk of court shall forward the permit holder's new address of residence to the State Police. The State Police may charge a fee not to exceed $5, and the clerk of court issuing the replacement permit may charge a fee not to exceed $5. The total amount assessed for processing a replacement permit pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed $10, with such fees to be paid in one sum to the person who accepts the information for the replacement permit.

Highlight that section as well.

I think it's a good idea to update your permit address whether you legally need to or not, because if you plan on using your permit as a second id when you purchase a firearm, the address will have to match your other id.

A while ago, the post office changed my zipcode even though the rest of my address remained the same. My concealed permit had the new zip and my driver's license had my old zip. When I tried to purchase a shotgun at the Chantilly show, the dealer noticed that addresses didn't match exactly and wouldn't complete the sale. I thought that was a little chicken****, but I didn't argue since it was clear he wasn't going to cut me any slack.

R/Kurt

allingeneral wrote:

zephyp wrote:Folks you are not required by VA code to update your CHP when you move. An updated permit "may" be provided if you want one. You dont have too and your old CHP remains valid if you change address.

That's all well and good, but I can see where a conscientious citizen might want to get it updated for the sake of being "Proper".

Yes, there is that to consider. I'll be conscientious when they let me do it online...

zephyp wrote:

allingeneral wrote:

zephyp wrote:Folks you are not required by VA code to update your CHP when you move. An updated permit "may" be provided if you want one. You dont have too and your old CHP remains valid if you change address.

That's all well and good, but I can see where a conscientious citizen might want to get it updated for the sake of being "Proper".

Yes, there is that to consider. I'll be conscientious when they let me do it online...

The other thing to consider is that many private sellers ask for more IDs than a FFL dealer, and won't sell if the two addresses don't match. Ah, the joys of moving.