West Virginia: Attorney General Morrisey Announces Expanded Concealed Handgun Recognition

Today, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced expanded concealed carry reciprocity for 18-20 year olds who obtain a provisional license, while also maintaining all 35 existing concealed carry recognition agreements for West Virginians over 21 who obtain a traditional concealed handgun license (CHL).

Prior to the passage of House Bill 4145, West Virginians who were at least 21 years of age could obtain a CHL and carry concealed in 35 states across the nation.  HB 4145, which went into effect in May of this year, recognizes a law-abiding adult’s unconditional Right to Keep and Bear Arms by allowing individuals who are: (1) at least twenty-one years of age; (2) a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the U.S.; and (3) not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, to carry concealed without first obtaining a CHL. Additionally, HB 4145 created a provisional CHL which allows law-abiding, trained 18-20 year olds to carry concealed as well.

Attorney General Morrisey has been committed to protecting the Second Amendment rights of all West Virginians. Not only has he maintained the existing 35 concealed carry reciprocity agreements for traditional CHLs, but he has also expanded these freedoms to 18-20 year olds, with provisional CHLs, who wish to exercise their fundamental right to self-defense. The provisional CHL will be recognized in 16 states.

Please reach out to Attorney General Morrisey and thank him for his tireless efforts to protect your Right to Keep and Bear Arms!

States which recognize both a provisional CHL and a traditional CHL: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah & Wyoming

State which only recognize a traditional CHL: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia & Wisconsin

States where no permit is needed to carry concealed: Maine & Vermont

Every person traveling with a concealed firearm should contact any state they will enter to confirm recognition status and any local restrictions. It is the responsibility of all West Virginia concealed firearm license holders to know and understand the applicable firearm laws of the states within which they plan to visit.