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 |
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Yesterday, the West Virginia Senate voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 458, to protect Second Amendment rights during ...
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Yesterday, committees in both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature voted to advance the pro-gun bills before them. ...
Monday, March 22, 2021
Both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature have a committee hearing tomorrow for bills that improve Second Amendment ...
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Senate Bill 246 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It ensures that law-abiding adults are not ...
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Yesterday, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced that his office has affirmed concealed carry reciprocity for eleven states, including ...
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has advised West Virginia sheriffs that under current law, they may accept applications or renewals for ...
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Today, Governor Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 96 to strengthen West Virginia’s preemption law.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Governor Jim Justice’s recent Executive Order No. 9-20 designates “firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers” under “Essential Businesses and Operations,” ...
Sunday, March 8, 2020
On Saturday, March 7th, the West Virginia Legislature adjourned sine die from its 2020 legislative session. The Legislature ...
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
On March 3rd, the West Virginia Senate voted 34-0 to pass House Bill 4955. House Bill 4955 reduces ...