The second amendment of the constitution which allows an individual to keep and bear Arms, permits the right to obtain a gun license for personal protection. This right of protection allows that a US citizen may defend himself/herself as long as he/she abides to the conditions and restrictions of their gun license. The act of acquiring a gun license for the state in relation to the gun user undergoes the process of gun safety courses, firearms identification application, and turning in all necessary documentation and fees to the local police department. You can find more information on this for Virginia here.