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, March 17, 2017
Voice Your Support for Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorsuch!
Friday, March 17, 2017
Yesterday, the West Virginia Senate passed Senate Bill 575 by a 22-11 vote.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Multiple pro-gun and pro-hunting bills are awaiting consideration in the West Virginia Legislature and need your help to ...
Monday, March 13, 2017
Last Week, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 575. Sponsored by state Senator Charles Trump (R-15) and state ...
Friday, March 10, 2017
Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear Senate Bill 575.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Last week, House Bill 2559 was introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates and referred to the ...
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Today, the West Virginia Senate passed Senate Bill 345 by a 26-6 vote.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 345. Sponsored by state Senator Mark Maynard (R-6) SB 345 ...
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Multiple pro-gun bills were introduced this week in the West Virginia Legislature that seek to provide protections to ...
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Recently, Senate Bill 345 and House Bill 2642 were introduced in the West Virginia Legislature.