If you are looking to take a gun safety course in Virginia Beach, such as a concealed carry class, then you found the right place.
First let’s start by answering the question of are all Virginia Concealed Carry Classes the same?
The answer is yes and no. While every concealed carry class will (or at least should) teach the same minimum state requirements for Virginia, the level of training you receive from each instructor or training company can vary dramatically. The instructor or training company does make a huge difference which is why so many people looking to get a CCW choose to take the course with us.
Click below to begin your Virginia Concealed Carry Permit Certification Process.
So, who is Intuitive Self Protection and why should you listen to us?
Great question. Intuitive Self Protection was created in 2019 and is the civilian training arm of NLB Tactical which has been training Military, Law Enforcement, and Executive Protection Professionals (all mainly at the elite special teams level) via Government contract since 1998. To date we have trained well over 22,000 Operators who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our streets and our Country every day.
Our fighting system that we teach is what we refer as a “closed loop” system. What that means is whether you’re fighting with a pistol, rifle, knife, or empty hands our system allows you to seamlessly transition from each of those platforms and give you the ability to stay in the fight. The philosophy of our system is “simplicity over complexity” and the techniques can be taught and learned by nearly everyone.
Bottom line, we teach people how to survive real world threats so they can come home to their families. We have built a reputation as one of the top self-protection, combative, and tactical firearms training companies in the country and we are headquartered right here in Virginia Beach, VA.
How Do You Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Virginia Beach
When it comes to Concealed Carry Classes in VA Beach, Intuitive Self Protection has every level covered. The training program we recommend for you is based on your current skills and previous instruction. For example, if you are already a skilled gun handler that has gone through professional instruction then the online course will likely work for you.
But if you are at the other extreme and are a brand new gun owner, then ISP has you covered as well. The two day pistol course is an amazing way to get up to speed in a situational environment. It also carries with it the Concealed Carry Qualification Certification you need.
Each course has a theme, from working in and around vehicles to dealing with home and office structures to dealing with large crowds like in an active shooter scenario and more. Compared to going to an indoor range and shooting off of a table at a target at 10 or 20 yards away…. Well, you get the idea, there is no comparison.
So what are some things you should know when getting your Concealed Carry Permit in Virginia Beach?
Why do you need to take a Concealed Carry Class in Virginia Beach?
By law, in the State of Virginia, you need to have a current VA Concealed Carry Permit in order to carry a concealed firearm when out in public. Before you can get a Concealed Carry Permit the State of Virginia requires you to have documented proof (certificate) of having successfully completed a Virginia State Approved Firearms Training Course.
What are the advantages of having a Concealed Carry Permit?
Aside from being legally required to carry a concealed firearm, there are several distinct advantages of carrying a firearm concealed vs out in the open (referred to as “open carry” - referenced below).
Element of Surprise: If you run concealed you retain the element of surprise if something bad happens. And if something bad goes down, you want every advantage you can get.
Weapon Retention: You are far less likely to have your gun taken away or snatched from from from bad guy.
Personal Safety: Gives you the silent comfort and safety of knowing you can protect yourself and loved ones if a situation goes down… provided you’ve been properly trained of course!
Can I Open Carry In VA Beach?
Yes, you can. However, it is not a good idea.
When someone open carries a firearm they paint a huge target on their back that tells would be bad guys to take them out first. From a tactics perspective it is very unwise to open carry. It’s just not a cool thing to do.
What can you expect from a CCW Class in Virginia Beach?
When you attend a Concealed Carry Class in VA Beach you will learn basic firearms safety and handling as will as local and state laws that you need to know as a CCW Permit holder.
These laws consist of where you are and are not legally allowed to carry your firearm as well as when the use of deadly force is authorized. Additionally, as of 2021, you will be required to perform a live qualification exercise in order to demonstrate your competency with your firearm.
And that is typically where most training organizations end.
When Intuitive Self Protection began doing Concealed Carry Certification Classes, their aim was to be the new standard in Concealed Carry training. They saw the state minimum requirements for training and knew that wouldn’t be enough for a person to be truly ready to effectively protect themselves with a gun.
The skills they teach even at the basic Concealed Carry level go far beyond what is required by law and truly prepare you for the responsibility of being a Concealed Carry Permit holder. That is why people like Glenda Craddock from Chesapeake Pawn and Gun train with us.
Here’s What Glenda Craddock from Chesapeake Pawn and Gun Has to Say about Training With Intuitive Self Protection
“With all that’s going on in the world, it’s not hard to imagine there are a huge number of brand new gun owners. We see them every day in our store, and a few ask about training. We refer them to Hank and the team over at Intuitive Self Protection and nearly every time they then ask if they also offer Virginia Concealed Carry Certification.
The answer to that is, yes absolutely!! But not only do they provide you with what the State of Virginia requires, they provide you with a solid foundation of effective real-world gun handling skills. And they do it with a no ego no judgement environment while still getting the people they train the results they’re looking for.
If you are looking to take your self protection skills to a whole new level you need not look any further than Intuitive Self Protection. Hank has assembled a team of world class instructors that are able to teach you the real-world skills you need. As Hank would say, “we get you there before you’re there!!”
If you are ready to take your training to a whole new level Intuitive Self Protection is running a special code for fans of Chesapeake Pawn and Gun.”
- Glenda Craddock
Right now you can get 40% off any live training course on their training calendar. Just use code “PAWN40” at check out!! We’ll see you out there!!!
Test Drive Intuitive Self Protection Training 100% FREE With ZERO Commitments
Concealed Carry Permit in Virginia Beach: What You Should Know
Virginia Law Requires
Documented proof (certificate) of having successfully completed a Virginia State Approved Firearms Training Course.
Note: EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021, the Virginia State Police will no longer accept online course (only) certificates showing proof of competency for the purposes of obtaining a Virginia Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permit.
You can still do an online course but it must include a live qualification portion to successfully complete your qualification training.
Show proof of residency for Resident permit.
Pay a small fee. Fee is based on your city or county.
Be able to pass a similar background check you would go through when purchasing a gun from an FFL.
How Old Do You Have to Be?
You must be at least 21 years old to be apply for your Virginia Concealed Carry Permit.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Concealed Carry License in Virginia Beach?
Virginia has 45 days to process your permit application once it is fully submitted.
If your application isn’t processed within the 45 days your permit is issued automatically.
If I am Military or Prior Service Do I Need a Concealed Carry Permit For Virginia?
Yes. However, if you are Active Duty Military or prior service your Military experience counts toward your Concealed Carry Qualification. You just need to bring your Military ID and a copy of your orders or your DD-214 to your local court house and apply for your permit.
Non-Resident Permit?
Non-Resident permits are processed similarly to Resident permits but with a few more steps such as fingerprinting.
Other Important Points
Virginia is a “Shall Issue” State.
What that means is if you fulfill all the above requirements the State of Virginia WILL issue you a permit.
Your permit is only valid for 5 years.
The renewal process is very simple. Just go to your local court house, fill out the permit renewal forms, pay the renewal fee, and have the clerk process your paperwork.
It is a good idea to process your permit renewal before your permit expires.
If you receive your new permit before your old one expires you will need to carry your old permit until it expires and your new permit takes affect.
Click below to begin your Virginia Concealed Carry Permit Certification Process.
Summary
Minimum State Requirements
Must be at least 21 years old.
Documented proof (certificate) of having successfully completed a Virginia State Approved Firearms Training Course.
Show proof of residency for Resident permit. Non-Resident permits are processed similarly to Resident permits but with a few more steps such as fingerprinting.
Pay a small fee. Fee is based on your city or county.
Be able to pass a similar background check you would go through when purchasing a gun from an FFL.
Aside from being legally required to carry a concealed firearm, there are several distinct advantages of carrying a firearm concealed vs out in the open carry.
Getting a concealed carry permit in Virginia Beach through Intuitive Self Protection requires you to successfully complete a 2 hour self paced online training course. The CCW course is broken out into 2 segments, the written (Online) and a live qualification.
There are numerous companies that teach CCW in the Virginia Beach area. If you are just looking to to go through the motions and do what is minimally required of you to get your CCW, than ISP probably isn’t for you.
However, if you are looking to truly build your self protection skill-set then having access to experienced instructors with Military, Law Enforcement, Executive Protection and high level competitive shooting backgrounds will not only help you successfully complete the program but provide lifesaving tips and tactics you can’t get anywhere else.
That is why Intuitive Self Protection is hands down the top Concealed Carry training organization in the State of Virginia with the reviews to prove it!!
Written By Steve Johnson
Click below to begin your Virginia Concealed Carry Permit Certification Process.
About the Author
Steve Johnson is a founding Lead Instructor with Intuitive Self Protection. He is a Military Small Arms Expert with over a decade of Active Duty Military experience. He has trained under top instructors in the firearm training industry and is an instructor with NLB Tactical. He is an avid competitive shooter and is a certified M4/AR-15 Armorer.
Steve teaches tried-and-true fundamentals and tactics that will keep you alive. He has coached many ‘gun shy’ students on how to safely handle a firearm to help them to get over their fear while enjoying the experience. His specialty is building confidence in new and inexperienced shooters, to advance past their perceived limitations, and enabling them to become truly empowered.
