WYTHEVILLE, VA — Wythe County Interim Sheriff Anthony R. Cline has announced that his office will no longer collect the sheriff’s fee for concealed handgun permit applications, reducing the total cost for applicants from $50 to just $15. The remaining amount covers only the court’s processing fee.

In a letter to Wythe County Circuit Court Clerk Jeremiah Musser dated August 4, 2025, Cline stated:

“As Sheriff, I do not believe citizens should be charged to exercise their constitutional rights. My duty is to protect those rights, not to profit from them.”

The change took effect immediately upon announcement, meaning residents applying for new or renewal concealed handgun permits will now pay only the court’s fee. Cline’s decision effectively removes the $35 sheriff’s portion that had previously been added to the total cost.

Cline, currently serving as interim sheriff following the retirement of Sheriff Charles Foster, framed the move as part of his commitment to supporting law-abiding gun owners and defending the principles of the Second Amendment.

While some Virginia localities still charge the full $50 allowed under state law, Wythe County’s decision places it among a smaller group of jurisdictions that have opted to waive the sheriff’s fee entirely.

Reducing unnecessary costs for exercising a right sends a strong message in favor of accessible self-defense options for responsible citizens. While the application process still requires court review and background checks, eliminating the sheriff’s fee ensures financial barriers are kept to a minimum for law-abiding residents.