| Subject/Law |
Long guns |
Handguns |
Relevant Statutes |
Notes |
| State permit to purchase? |
No |
No |
None |
|
| Firearm registration? |
No |
No |
None |
|
| "Assault weapon" law? |
No |
No |
None |
|
| Owner license required? |
No |
No |
None |
|
| Carry permits issued? |
No |
Yes |
Ā§Ā§ 61-7-3, 4,5, 6
|
Concealed carry of pistols and revolvers allowed with permit; no permit required for concealed carry of pistols and revolvers in home or place of work. |
| State preemption of local restrictions? |
Yes |
Yes |
Ā§ 7-1-3 |
Some local restrictions are grandfathered. |
| NFA weapons restricted? |
No |
No |
None |
|
| Peaceable journey laws? |
No |
No |
None |
Federal rules observed. |
In West Virginia permits aren't required to possess handguns. A permit test must be passed and a license acquired to carry a concealed handgun. West Virginia also allows open carry. State are preemptive, but there still remain grandfathered restrictions on open carry in some localities, such as Charleston[275] and Dunbar. The SB 716 is a proposed senate bill which would amend the law to remove those restrictions.
West Virginia enacted the castle doctrine on April 10, 2008.
States that Honor West Virginia's ccw permit:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida*, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas*, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan*, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont*, Virginia, West Virginia* Honors RESIDENTIAL West Virginia permits only.
State CCW Permits that West Virginia Honors:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia,
Frequently Asked CCW Questions:
Who do I ask questions concerning the process for obtaining concealed weapons permits?
Contact the sheriff of the county where you reside.
Is it lawful to carry weapons (e.g. rifles, shotguns, and pistols) in my vehicle when I travel in West Virginia?
Individuals who possess a valid concealed carry permit may carry a concealed handgun in a motor vehicle for purpose of self defense only. West Virginia permits anyone who can lawfully possess a handgun to carry an unconcealed handgun. If you choose to carry an unconcealed handgun in your vehicle and are stopped by a law-enforcement officer, you must understand that that the weapon will immediately attract the attention of the police officer. The presence of the weapon may lead to action by the officer to ensure his or her safety such as the drawing of his or her weapon, ordering you from the vehicle, and/or performing a pat-down search. Weapons intended for hunting must be unloaded and in a case when transported in a vehicle. It is strongly recommended that, if you do not have a valid concealed carry permit, while traveling in a vehicle, that all firearms be unloaded and cased in a location in the vehicle that is not readily accessible to any of the occupants. Any ammunition should be stored in a separate location from the firearm
How do I obtain a concealed carry permit in West Virginia?
You must be a West Virginia resident to obtain a West Virginia permit. Applications are processed by the Sheriff of your county of residence.
West Virginia State Police
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, West Virginia 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2100
Fax: (304) 746-2246
Attorney General - is responsible for CCW, new for 2007
State Capitol, Room 26-E
1900 Kanawha Blvd.
East Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0220
Phone: (304) 558-2021
Fax: (304) 558-0140
http://www.state.wv.us/wvag/
http://www.wvago.gov/gunrecep.cfm
Permit Costs & Info:
$90 5 years
Issuing Authority: County Sheriff
Open Carry Information:
West Virginia is a traditional open carry state but there are some grandfathered local open carry bans not preempted by state law, such as the City of Charleston. There is complete state preemption of all firearms laws, but any local laws passed before preemption remain in effect. http://opencarry.org/
