A new proposal aims to do away with a fee charged to those in Prince William County who wish to get concealed gun carry permits.
Residents who apply for a state concealed carry permit are charged a $50 fee. In Prince William County, the sheriff’s office processes those permits usually within 10 days. They check for any possible criminal history for the applicant.
“It usually takes about five minutes to do each applicant,” said Prince William County Sheriff Glen Hill. “Sometimes we stay late to do them because I like to get them back to the applicant in a timely manner.”
Hill said he has two people in his office who process concealed gun permits, and they only do so when they’re done with their regular duties. A total of $35 goes to the sheriff, and the remaining $15 goes to the clerk of the circuit court.
If Prince William abolishes the fee, it would be the first locality in Virginia to do so, according to Prince William County Chairman At-large Corey Stewart, who proposed abolishing the fee. The move comes as there are rumblings Stewart will mount a campaign for governor next year, and after Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced the state would no longer recognize concealed carry permits from 25 states.
The decision sparked a rush by Virginia residents to get new concealed carry permits from Utah, which are recognized in more than 30 states.
“I support the rights of Prince William County citizens. Look no further than here in Virginia, where our current Attorney General has put gun owners in a position of defending the exercise of their Second Amendment rights rather than expanding them. This policy allows well qualified citizens to freely exercise their Second Amendment rights. Eliminating the fee will remove another barrier for our citizens,” stated Stewart in a press release.
For Hill, whose office processes about 400 permits per month, doing away with the fee boils down to a budget issue. The sheriff’s office stands to lose at least $75,000 in annual funding with the move.
That would be a problem, he said.
“It usually takes about five minutes to process each application, but if there are problems, and we need to investigate further, it can take a lot longer,” said Hill.
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors is expected to approve the measure at its February 9 meeting.
Recent Stories
Join us for this edition of the Potomac Local News Podcast as we sit down with Stafford County Board of Supervisors Chairman Deuntay Diggs to discuss some of the biggest issues facing Stafford County in 2025.
I will speak at the Haymarket Small Business Roundtable on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. This is a fantastic opportunity for local entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members to connect, share insights, and discuss the future of small businesses in our area.
The ARTfactory’s Actors Theatre will bring Every Brilliant Thing to the stage in an intimate, thought-provoking performance at the end of February.
Nestled in the heart of Prince William County, the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
