Department of Family Services – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-5730 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building, Floor 7, Suite 740
Fairfax, VA 22035
Toni Zollicoffer
Director

Firearms Surrender

exit website button circle  SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.

Firearms Surrender

If you have been served with a final protective order in Fairfax County, you cannot have, carry, or buy a gun.

You have 24 hours to do the following:

  • Take your gun to the Sheriff’s Office.
  • Sell or give your gun to a dealer; or
  • Sell or give your gun to anybody legally allowed to have a gun.

If you have a concealed carry permit, you must give the permit to the court that issued the final protective order.

Protective Order Firearm Certification:

  • You must complete the firearm certification in 48 hours.
  • Hand over your gun and confirm that you have done so on the certification form.
  • File this form with the Clerk of the Court that issued the protective order.

How Do I Turn Over My Gun?

  • Make an appointment with the Sheriff’s Office by calling 703-246-4405. (The Sheriff’s Office can store your gun safely.)
  • Bring your unloaded gun, a copy of the final protective order and your government-issued ID.
  • You and your gun will be checked for outstanding warrants.
  • You gun will be inventoried, and you will get a receipt, called a Weapon Forfeiture form.
  • You gun will be stored until the final protective order expires or is dismissed.

Do:

  • Call ahead.
  • Unload the gun.
  • Separate the gun, magazine, and ammunition.
  • Place the gun in your trunk.

Don’t:

  • Bring a loaded gun into the Sheriff’s Office.
  • Bring ammunition with you.
  • Bring a gun to court.

How Do I Get My Gun Back?

  • After the final protective order has expired or been dismissed:
  • Make an appointment with the Sheriff’s Office by calling 703-246-4405.
  • Bring your government-issued ID, a copy of protective order dismissal, the final protective order, and the Weapon Forfeiture form.

After all checks come back negative, your gun will be returned.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant