West Virginia Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in West Virginia, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
West Virginia is a shall-issue, permitless-carry state. Concealed carry is legal in West Virginia without a permit for a U.S. citizen that is at least 21 years old and legally entitled to have a firearm under state and federal law. Concealed-carry permits are issued at the county level by the sheriff’s office.
Is there a waiting period to buy a firearm in West Virginia?
No. There is no waiting period to buy a firearm in West Virginia.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in West Virginia?
No. A permit is not required to purchase firearms in West Virginia.
Do you need to register handguns in West Virginia?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in West Virginia.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in West Virginia?
Any West Virginia resident at least 21 years of age can apply for a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). Those between the ages of 18 and 21 can obtain a provisional CHL.
Is firearms training a requirement in West Virginia for a Concealed Handgun License (CHL)?
Yes. A firearms training course is required for a for a West Virginia Concealed Handgun License (CHL).
What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in West Virginia?
Applicants for a West Virginia Concealed Handgun License (CHL) must:
- Be a West Virginia resident
- Be 21 years of age
- Complete a firearms-safety course
- Be a citizen of the U.S.
- Meet federal law requirements
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in West Virginia?
- Complete a firearms-training course
- Download and complete an application from the Office of West Virginia Attorney General website wv.gov. Have the application notarized.
- File the notarized application with your local sheriff’s office along with your driver’s license/state ID, a passport-style photograph, firearms-training certificate, and fee. You will be notified in 45 days if your application has been approved.
How much does a West Virginia Concealed Carry Permit Cost?
The fee for a West Virginia Concealed Handgun License (CHL) is $100.
Does West Virginia recognize concealed-carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes. West Virginia recognizes all state concealed-carry licenses or permits.
Is West Virginia a Constitutional Carry state?
Yes. West Virginia is a Constitutional Carry state.
Is West Virginia an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is legal in West Virginia without a permit for any person at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm.
Is West Virginia a Stand Your Ground state?
Yes. West Virginia is a Stand Your Ground state. There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in West Virginia?
Yes. Semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in West Virginia.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in West Virginia?
Yes. There are no state laws restricting magazine capacities in in West Virginia.
Does West Virginia have gun-storage laws?
No. West Virginia does not have a specific gun-storage law.
Is West Virginia a Red Flag state?
No. West Virginia does not have a red-flag law.
