West Virginia Gun Laws
Gun Laws Overview
RIFLES & SHOTGUNS | HANDGUNS | |
---|---|---|
Permit to Purchase | No | No |
Registration of Firearms | No | No |
Licensing of Owners | No | No |
Permit to Carry | No | No* |
*A permit to carry is available, but it is not required to carry a handgun either openly or concealed for individuals 21 years of age or over. The list and map below are included as a tool to assist you in validating your information. We have made every effort to report the information correctly, however reciprocity and recognition agreements are subject to frequent change. The information is not intended as legal advice or a restatement of law and does not include: restrictions that may be placed on non-resident permits, individuals under the age of 21, qualifying permit classes, and/or any other factor which may limit reciprocity and/or recognition. For any particular situation, a licensed local attorney must be consulted for an accurate interpretation. YOU MUST ABIDE WITH ALL LAWS: STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL. West Virginia only honors permits or licenses of individuals 21 years of age or over. |
STATE STATUS | |
---|---|
Castle Doctrine | Enacted |
No-Net Loss | Enacted |
Right to Carry Confidentiality | Enacted |
Right to Carry in Restaurants | Legal |
Right To Carry Laws | No Permit Required |
Right To Carry Reciprocity and Recognition | Conditional Recognition |
Right to Keep & Bear Arms State Constitutional Provisions | With Provisions |
Laws on Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms
Purchase
It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, rent or lend a firearm to a person prohibited from possessing a firearm. MORE |
Possession
No state permit is required to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun. MORE |
Carry
West Virginia is a permitless carry state. A person who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry a firearm openly or concealed. MORE |
Machine Guns
It is unlawful to carry, transport or possess any machine gun or sub-machine gun or fully automatic weapon unless properly federally licensed. |
Preemption
...neither a municipality nor the governing body of any municipality may limit the right of any person to purchase, possess, transfer, own, carry, transport, sell or store any revolver, pistol, rifle or shotgun or any ammunition or ammunition components... MORE |
Range Protection
Except as provided in this section, a person may not maintain a nuisance action for noise against a shooting range located in the vicinity of that person's property if the range was established as of the date of the person acquiring the property. MORE |
Miscellaneous
Persons under the age of 18 may not carry or possess firearms unless on family premises or on other property with permission of the owner or lessee. Also excepted is lawful hunting or traveling to or from a hunting site. MORE |
Friday, April 7, 2017
On Friday, the West Virginia House of Delegates concurred with the Senate amendment on House Bill 2679.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
The Mason County Sheriff's Department is investigating a shooting at a home in southern Mason County. At approximately ...
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Today, the West Virginia House of Delegates passed Senate Bill 575.
Monday, April 3, 2017
Today, the West Virginia House of Delegates unanimously passed Senate Bill 575. This important legislation will now move ...
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Today, multiple pro-gun and pro-hunting bills progressed in the West Virginia Legislature, House Bill 2679, Senate Bill 345 ...
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Today, the West Virginia Senate adopted a committee amendment to self-defense legislation, House Bill 2679.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Tomorrow, the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will hear Senate Bill 345.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Today, the West Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 2679 by an overwhelming 94-4 vote.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Two important pro-gun bills will be considered by their respective chambers later this week.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Tomorrow, Senate Bill 388 will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee.