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 |
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Today, the House Judiciary Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 10, the Campus Self-Defense Act, to ensure that ...
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Tomorrow, at 9:00AM, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 10, the Campus ...
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Today, the Senate voted 29-4 to pass Senate Bill 10, the Campus Self-Defense Act, to ensure that law-abiding ...
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 10, the Campus Self-Defense Act, to ensure that ...
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Today, Senator Rupie Phillips introduced Senate Bill 10, the Campus Self-Defense Act, to ensure that law-abiding adults are ...
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Today, January 11th, the West Virginia Legislature begins the 2023 legislative session. As in 2022, the Legislature can expect to see both pro and anti-gun agendas this year. Gun ...
Monday, March 14, 2022
On Saturday night, the Legislature adjourned sine die from its 2022 session. During this session, they passed House Bill 4048, ...
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
No summary available
Friday, February 18, 2022
Today, the Senate voted 33-1 to pass House Bill 4048, the WV Keep, Bear and Drive with Arms Act. It will ...
Friday, February 11, 2022
This week, the Senate Judiciary passed the WV Keep, Bear, and Drive with Arms Act, House Bill 4048.