West Virginia Concealed Carry Laws

West Virginia gun laws are some of the most relaxed in the United States.

The state is a constitutional carry state, which means WV concealed carry permit rules are virtually non-existent.

HOW TO GET A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT IN WEST VIRGINIA

west virginia concealed carry

West Virginia lawmakers believe that everyone has a constitutional right to carry a firearm. But there are a few common sense restrictions in place that ensure that safety comes first. A person doesn’t need a permit or license to carry as long as they’re at least 18 years old.

The person must also be allowed to legally carry a firearm under state and federal laws.

Concealed carry is different, and if you want to be able to conceal carry, you need to be at least 21 years old.

Persons that are between the age of 18 and 20 will be required to have a provisional CHL license.

HOW TO OBTAIN A CHL LICENSE

Obtaining a CHL license is still possible, and it’s required for persons between the age of 18 and 20. If you plan to carry in another state, you’ll likely need to obtain your license. There are two types of licenses offered in WV:

  1. Provisional. A provisional license is available for anyone between the age of 18 and 21.
  2. Optional. The optional license is for anyone that is older than 21 years of age and wants to be able to obtain their license even though they live in a constitutional carry state.

You will need to show proof of live firing. You’ll also need to take a handgun safety and training course.

New permits will take 45 days to process at a cost of $75. You will be contacted when it’s time to pick up your permit or license.

If you’re a non-resident, you will not be allowed to obtain a CHL from West Virginia.

HOW LONG ARE CHL LICENSES VALID FOR IN WEST VIRGINIA?

When you obtain your license, there will be two different expiration dates, depending on the license obtained.

  1. Provisional CHL licenses expire when the licensee turns 21.
  2. Optional licenses are issued for a period of 5 years

HOW LONG IS A CONCEALED CARRY CLASS CERTIFICATE GOOD FOR IN WV?

Concealed carry class certificates are administered by different entities. Training for handguns must be provided by one of the following:

  • Safety or training courses provided by the NRA
  • Courses offered by law enforcement organizations and offered to the general public
  • Handgun courses offered by a handgun instructor that is state- or NRA-certified
  • Classes offered by the US military or equivalent

There is no mention of how long your class certificate is valid for in the state, but all applicants must apply with a photocopy of their certificate of course completion. If a certificate is not provided, the instructor must provide an affidavit of completion or another document that verifies that the licensee successfully passed their training.

HOW TO RENEW YOUR CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT IN WV

You’re not required to have your permit if you’re 21 or older, but if you do want to continue with your permit, there will be a renewal required every five years. The current fee for a CHL license renewal is $75.

When you apply for renewal, the signature must be written in front of a notary.

You’ll also be required to take the following with you when you apply:

  • Driver’s license
  • Current permit

All applicants will need to undergo an NICS background check before being approved.

HOW WEST VIRGINIA HANDLES HANDGUN PURCHASES

West Virginia’s purchasing of handguns is also very unrestrictive, and it’s easy for almost anyone to purchase a handgun in the state. A few exceptions to the rules do exist. You must meet the following to purchase a handgun:

  • 21 years of age or older
  • State ID
  • Background check by a licensed dealer

But unlike other states, private sellers are not required to conduct a background check on the applicant. Other restrictions may apply, and these include: persons that are a fugitive from justice, convicts that have been convicted of a crime that is punishable by a year of imprisonment or a person convicted of domestic violence.

All gun stores will be required to conduct a background check on buyers.

WHAT STATES HONOR A WV CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT?

West Virginia Gun Laws

Since you do not need a concealed carry permit in West Virginia, it’s important that you research any states that you visit to understand their laws. You’ll likely need to have a permit unless the state is another constitutional carry state.

States that will recognize West Virginia’s CHL license include:

[one_third]

  • Alaska*
  • Arizona*
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Iowa
  • Kansas*
  • Louisiana
    [/one_third]
    [one_third]
  • Maine***
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Dakota
    [/one_third]
    [one_third_last]
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Vermont*
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin**

[/one_third_last]

Restrictions apply in some states:

  • * local restrictions vary, does not require CHL
  • ** recognizes CHLs issued after June 8. 2012
  • *** carry allowed, does not recognize CHL

There are also states that recognize provisional concealed carry licenses and concealed handgun licenses.

These states include:

[one_third]

  • Arkansas
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
    [/one_third]
    [one_third]
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
    [/one_third]
    [one_third_last]
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Wyoming

[/one_third_last]

All other states and territories do not honor West Virginia licenses.

LOCATION RESTRICTIONS IN WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia, like other states, has many places that are off-limits for concealed carry. These places include:

  • State capitol
  • Areas that have signs indicating restrictions on weapons
  • Places where carrying firearms is prohibited under federal law
  • Jails, correction centers or equivalent
  • School bus
  • Primary or secondary school
  • Where municipal codes apply
  • Properties that prohibit firearms by the owner or lessee of the property

You’re allowed to carry in:

  • All state areas that are not off limits
  • State parks
  • State forests
  • Roadside rest areas

You’re also allowed to carry in your vehicle. You do not need to notify an officer that you’re carrying. Unlike many other states, you’re allowed to carry in a restaurant. But if the establishment has signage prohibiting firearms, you may not carry despite this law.

For more information visit https://ago.wv.gov/gunreciprocity/.