Short version: Virginia is ending its broad recognition of out-of-state concealed carry permits. Under a 2026 law, the state Attorney General must stop recognizing permits from states whose requirements are not “substantially similar” to Virginia’s, with a deadline of December 1, 2026. As of an October 8 check, Maryland permits are still recognized, but that could change.
What the new law does
Since 2016, Virginia has honored concealed carry permits from any state, as long as the holder is at least 21, the issuing state verifies permits around the clock, and the holder carries government photo ID. Governor Abigail Spanberger approved Senate Bill 115 on April 13, 2026 (Chapter 879 of the 2026 Acts of Assembly), replacing that system. Virginia will now honor another state’s permit only if that state’s requirements are “substantially similar” to Virginia’s for screening out people Virginia would deny. The Attorney General’s office makes the call, and the Virginia State Police publish the official list.
There are two key dates. By December 1, 2026, the Attorney General must finish reviewing every reciprocity arrangement in place on July 1, 2026 and revoke recognition for states that fail the test. Then on July 1, 2027, the rewritten reciprocity statute (Virginia Code Section 18.2-308.014) takes effect, and with it a new rule: Virginia residents can no longer carry in Virginia on another state’s permit. The only exception is for active-duty members of the Armed Forces and their spouses.
What it means for Maryland permit holders
Right now, nothing has changed. When the Virginia State Police reciprocity page was last checked on October 8, 2026, it still listed all 50 states, Maryland included, as recognized when the current conditions are met. No state-by-state findings have been published yet, so nobody can say for sure whether Maryland will pass the “substantially similar” test.
The reverse trip never changed: Maryland honors no other state’s carry permit, Virginia’s included. Driving back over the river still requires a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit.
Other 2026 Virginia laws worth knowing
- Car storage: Since July 1, 2026, it is a Class 4 misdemeanor to knowingly leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless it is out of plain view AND in a locked, hard-sided container. A locked glove box or locked center console counts.
- Public college buildings: As of July 1, 2026, they fall under the state-building carry ban, with only approved curriculum programs excepted.
- “Assault firearm” carry ban: A statewide ban was pushed from July 2026 to July 1, 2027 by a budget amendment. The older version still applies in parts of Northern Virginia, including Alexandria and Arlington and Fairfax counties.
- Training rules: A bill that would have dropped NRA and USCCA courses as qualifying training was signed but needs a 2027 reenactment to take effect. Current training rules still apply. A 2026 permitless-carry bill went nowhere.
Your trip checklist
- Check the Virginia State Police reciprocity list before every trip, especially after December 1.
- Carry government photo ID along with your permit; the current law requires both.
- Sort out car storage: a locked glove box, locked console, or a dedicated lockbox, always out of sight.
- Know the off-limits spots on your route, including polling places within 100 feet on Election Day (November 3, 2026).
- Carrying in Maryland on the way home? That still requires a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit.
FAQ
Does Virginia honor my Maryland Wear and Carry permit today? Yes, as of the last check. But recognition is under review, so verify the State Police list close to your travel date.
Does Maryland honor my Virginia permit? No. Maryland does not recognize any other state’s carry permit under any circumstances.
Do I have to tell a Virginia officer I am carrying? No. Virginia is not a duty-to-inform state. If an officer asks, you must show your permit and an accepted photo ID.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and reciprocity lists change, so confirm with the official sources before you travel.
