Virginia § 52-51 - Voluntary enrollment and removal
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 52-51 — Voluntary enrollment and removal, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 52-51. Voluntary enrollment and removal
A. Any person 18 years of age or older may apply in writing to the Department of State Police to request voluntary enrollment into the List and, after being enrolled into such List, may apply in writing to the Department to request removal from such List. The application for enrollment into and removal from the List shall be on forms prescribed by the Department of State Police. Pursuant to subsection D, the forms shall state that any person enrolled into the List shall not be removed from the List until 21 days after receiving an application for removal. The Department of State Police shall make the forms available on the Department's website.
B. Any person requesting enrollment into or removal from such List shall submit a photocopy of one valid form of photo identification issued by a governmental agency of the applicant's state of residency or by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department (passport) to accompany the enrollment and removal form. Such request for enrollment into or removal from the List may be submitted to the Department of State Police by mail or in person at any Department of State Police office location.
C. Upon enrolling a person into the List, the Department shall forward a person's eligibility to purchase, possess, or transport a firearm to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The Department shall also notify such person by mail that he has been enrolled into the List.
D. The Department shall not remove any person from the List until 21 days after receipt of the person's removal request. Upon removal of a person's name from the List, the Department shall update such person's eligibility to purchase, possess, or transport a firearm to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and shall destroy all records of enrollment into and request for removal from the List.
2020, c. 1173.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 52-51
What does Code of Virginia § 52-51 cover?
Section 52-51 ("Voluntary enrollment and removal") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 52-51?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 52-51" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 52-51 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.