Gun laws in the United States Virgin Islands

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Location of the U.S. Virgin Islands in relation to the continental United States Map of USVI.png
Location of the U.S. Virgin Islands in relation to the continental United States

In the United States Virgin Islands, law regulates the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition. As the U.S. Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory of the United States, many U.S. federal laws apply, as well as Constitutional rulings and protections. [1] [2]

Contents

Summary table

Subject/LawLong gunsHandgunsRelevant statutesNotes
Permit required to purchase?YesYesA license is required to purchase any firearm or ammunition.
Firearm registration?YesYesAll firearms must be registered with the Virgin Islands Police Department.
Assault weapon law?YesYesAssault weapons and .50 BMG rifles prohibited.
Magazine capacity restriction?YesYes
License required for concealed carry?N/AYesThe territory currently has a "shall issue" policy for concealed carry permits due to the Supreme Court's Bruen decision. To obtain one, the applicant must meet a stringent set of requirements, so few people receive permits.
Open carry allowed?NoNoOpen carry is prohibited.
NFA weapons restricted?YesYesAutomatic firearms and short barreled shotguns are prohibited.
Peaceable journey laws?NoNoFederal law (FOPA) applies.

Licensing process

The U.S. Virgin Islands have a stringent and restrictive licensing process to purchase or carry a firearm. A person must be 21 to get a non-carry weapons license, along with several other requirements. Applicants must pay $75 licensing fee, submit a signed application, be fingerprinted and photographed, and be of good moral character. That process is just for a permit to purchase firearms to store in a residence or business, and not for a concealed carry permit. [3] There are six types of licenses:

As a result of the SCOTUS Bruen Decision, the police must issue a carry permit to anyone who is not already barred from owning a firearm.

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References

  1. "U.S. Virgin Islands", Handgunlaw.us. Retrieved August 04, 2014.
  2. "Virgin Islands Gun Law Guide", Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Retrieved August 04, 2014.
  3. "Virgin Islands (US) — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law", Gunpolicy.org. Retrieved August 04, 2014.