Virginia Background Checks on Private Firearm Sales to Resume July 1

A Lynchburg Circuit Court ruling will allow background checks on most private firearm sales in Virginia to resume July 1, according to Attorney General Jay Jones.

The decision dissolves an injunction in Wilson v. Hanley that had blocked enforcement of Virginia’s universal background check law for private firearm sales.

Virginia first enacted the requirement in 2020. The law requires most private firearm sales to go through a background check conducted by Virginia State Police, with some exceptions, including certain family transfers and temporary transfers.

The case centered on how the law applied to adults ages 18 to 20. Plaintiffs argued the law created constitutional problems because federal restrictions already limited handgun purchases from licensed dealers for that age group, while Virginia’s private-sale background check requirement added another barrier.

The Lynchburg Circuit Court entered a permanent injunction in 2025. Jones’ office said former Attorney General Jason Miyares did not appeal the ruling.

Jones said the legal issue was resolved after Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed HB 1525 on April 22. The new law established a state prohibition on firearm sales to 18- to 20-year-olds, which Jones’ office said addressed the basis for the injunction.

“For too long, communities across the Commonwealth have lived in fear and been tormented by grief and loss as the result of preventable gun violence,” Jones said. “Background checks keep guns out of dangerous hands and save lives.”

Supporters say universal background checks help keep firearms away from prohibited buyers. Opponents argue the law places added burdens on lawful gun owners and private sellers.

The ruling takes effect July 1.