INDIANAPOLIS -- The state of Virginia will no longer recognize handgun permits from Indiana, along with 24 other states.
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced the decision Tuesday, citing an audit of whether other states' laws were compatible with Virginia's.
"After months of research and evaluation, including extensive outreach to the states whose permits Virginia currently recognizes, Virginia is revoking concealed handgun permit recognition with 25 states effective February 1, 2016 because their laws are not sufficient to prevent someone who is disqualified under Virginia law from receiving a concealed handgun permit," Herring said in a statement.
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Unlike some states, Indiana does not differentiate between concealed carry and open carry licenses; permit holders are authorized for both.
Virginia law includes a number of disqualifiers for firearm licensing beyond Indiana statute, including individuals subject to a restraining order, individuals convicted of DUI within the three years prior to the application and individuals who are addicted to or unlawfully use marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids or any controlled substance.
"To me, this is a commonsense step that can help make Virginians and our law enforcement officers safer by ensuring that our concealed carry laws and safety standards apply to everyone in Virginia, whether they are a resident or a visitor," Herring said. "Strong, consistent enforcement of Virginia's laws and safety standards can prevent disqualified people who may be dangerous or irresponsible from utilizing a concealed handgun permit, and it's what the law requires."
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Because of the decision, Virginian concealed firearm permit holders will lose their recognition in Florida, Louisiana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Wyoming. Those states all require mutual reciprocity.
Indiana will still honor concealed firearm permits from Virginia.
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