What Are Firearm Purchaser Licensing Laws—and Why They Matter for Virginia
At Virginians for Change, we believe that smart, evidence-based policies save lives. One policy gaining momentum across the country—and expected to be introduced in the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session—is Firearm Purchaser Licensing (FPL). Here’s what FPL laws are, how they work, and why they matter for public safety in the Commonwealth.
What Are Firearm Purchaser Licensing (FPL) Laws?
Firearm Purchaser Licensing laws are state-level policies that require an individual to obtain a license before purchasing a firearm. Unlike the current system—where background checks happen quickly at the point of sale—FPL laws create a proactive, preventive process that ensures firearms are sold only to people who are legally eligible and safely trained.
What’s Involved in the Licensing Process?
While details vary by state, most FPL laws include several common, commonsense components:
📝 Application
Individuals apply for a firearm purchaser license through state or local law enforcement. This step establishes accountability and ensures identity verification.
🔍 Enhanced Background Checks
FPL background checks are often more comprehensive than the federal background check conducted at the point of sale. They may include:
Fingerprinting
Review of additional state and local records
This helps catch disqualifying information that may not appear in the federal system.
🎯 In-Person, Live-Fire Training
Many FPL laws require applicants to complete a firearm safety course, often including live-fire training. This ensures that gun owners understand safe handling, storage, and the legal responsibilities of firearm ownership.
⏳ Built-In Waiting Periods
Because the licensing process takes time—often days or weeks—it creates a cooling-off period that can prevent impulsive purchases during moments of crisis.
🔄 License Renewal
Licenses typically must be renewed every 3–5 years, helping ensure that firearm owners remain eligible over time.
The Purpose of Firearm Purchaser Licensing
FPL laws are designed to:
Reduce gun violence by ensuring only vetted, eligible individuals can purchase firearms
Prevent impulsive or high-risk purchases, including during periods of emotional distress
Close loopholes that allow unvetted private or online firearm sales
In short, FPL laws focus on prevention—before a tragedy occurs.
How Do FPL Laws Improve Background Checks?
Current Background Check System
Happens at the point of sale
Conducted through the federal NICS system, which may miss records
Typically completed in minutes
Background Checks Under FPL Laws
Require individuals to apply before buying a gun
Allow for a longer review period, from days to weeks
Create a prior vetting step with a more thorough and deliberate review
This layered approach strengthens the system and reduces the likelihood that prohibited purchasers slip through the cracks.
What Does the Research Show?
Decades of research demonstrate that Firearm Purchaser Licensing laws are associated with significant reductions in gun violence:
📉 Fewer Firearm Homicides
FPL laws are associated with an 11% reduction in firearm homicides in urban counties
🚨 Fewer Mass Shootings
FPL laws that require in-person applications and fingerprinting are linked to:
56% fewer mass shooting incidents
67% fewer mass shooting victims
🔗 Reduced Gun Trafficking
States with FPL laws see reduced interstate gun trafficking, helping prevent crime guns from crossing state lines
👮 Protecting Law Enforcement
In Connecticut, FPL laws were linked to lower rates of fatal shootings of police officers
Broad Public Support
Firearm Purchaser Licensing laws are not controversial among the public:
72% of Americans support FPL laws, including majorities of gun owners and non-gun owners alike.
What’s Next for Virginia?
Virginia does not yet have a Firearm Purchaser Licensing law, but proposals are expected in the upcoming General Assembly session.
Virginians for Change is committed to:
Educating the public
Supporting evidence-based legislation
Mobilizing advocates across the Commonwealth
📣 Follow along—we’ll keep you updated on how you can help push these life-saving laws forward.
Together, we can build a safer Virginia.