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Three wooden crates and one has a sticker that reads Danger High Explosives

Explosives

Stay Compliant with Virginia Fire Codes for Using Explosives

Learn More Apply for a Permit

Explosives

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) issues permits for the storage, use, and sale of explosives on State property and in areas without local enforcement, as required by the Code of Virginia §27-97.
  • Several cardboard boxes stacked with one that has a yellow sticker that says 1.4 Explosive Explosive Storage Permits are renewed annually, with fees of $250 for each USE permits and $150 for STORAGE permits.   
  • Applicants must provide written verification of being bonded for a USE permit, and explosives and detonators must be stored in separate permitted magazines.  
  • Explosives and detonators must be stored in separate permitted magazines.  
  • Separate applications needed for each city or county where explosives will be used.  
  • Permits for non-State property in localities with a Fire Official must be obtained from the local fire official.

List of Explosive Permits

To obtain a permit, select the type below. Afterwards, download the PDF and follow the instructions. 

  • Download and complete the application accompanied by the required fee of $250.00 in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia:

    Virginia Department of Fire Programs
    State Fire Marshal’s Office Special Operations
    1005 Technology Park Drive
    Glen Allen, VA 23059-4500

    IMPORTANT: Application must include a photocopy of the Blasters Certification Card or Background Clearance Card issued to the individual named on line 7 and whose signature appears on Line 11.

    Download Annual Application to Manufacture Explosives

     

  • Download and complete the application accompanied by the required and non-refundable fee of $250.00 in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia:

    Virginia Department of Fire Programs
    State Fire Marshal’s Office Special Operations
    1005 Technology Park Drive
    Glen Allen, VA 23059-4500

    IMPORTANT: Application must be accompanied by a photocopy of the Blasters Certification Card or Background Clearance Card issued to the individual whose name is on Line 7 and is signing Line 12.

    Download Annual Application to Sell Explosives

  • Download, complete the application and attachments with the required and nonrefundable fee of $250.00 for the first magazine, plus $150 per additional magazine on the same
    site.

    Fee must be paid in the form of a check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and be submitted to: 

    Virginia Department of Fire Programs
    State Fire Marshal’s Office Special Operations
    1005 Technology Park Drive
    Glen Allen, VA 23059-4500

    Note: Any incomplete application is subject to return without further processing. 

    Download Annual Permit to Store Explosives

     

  • Download, complete the application and attachments with the required and nonrefundable fee of $250.00 when received not less than 15 days prior to planned use or $500.00 when submitted less than 15 days.

    Fee must be paid in the form of a check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and be submitted to: 

    Virginia Department of Fire Programs
    State Fire Marshal’s Office Special Operations
    1005 Technology Park Drive
    Glen Allen, VA 23059-4500

    NOTE: Inspection fees will be assessed at a rate of $60 per staff member per hour during
    normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and at a rate of $90
    per hour at all other times (Nights, weekends, or holidays). 

    Download Annual Permit to Use Explosives

     

  • Download and complete the application accompanied by the required fee in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia:

    Virginia Department of Fire Programs
    State Fire Marshal’s Office Special Operations
    1005 Technology Park Drive
    Glen Allen, VA 23059-4500

    Note: Verbal requests for replacement cards will not be accepted. 

Contact Us

For more details or assistance regarding Explosive Permits, please contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at statefiremarshal@vdfp.virginia.gov or 804-371-0220.