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 9, 2018
Today, the West Virginia state Senate passed House Bill 4187 with a 31-1 vote. HB 4187 will now return to ...
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
On March 6th, the West Virginia state Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to pass House Bill 4187. It ...
Friday, March 2, 2018
On Monday, March 5th, the West Virginia state Senate Judiciary Committee will be hearing House Bill 4187. It ...
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Moments ago, the West Virginia state House of Delegates passed House Bill 4187 by a vote of 85-14. The bill ...
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Having passed the West Virginia state House Judiciary Committee today with an overwhelming voice vote, while overcoming several ...
Friday, February 9, 2018
Today, the West Virginia House Education Committee passed campus carry legislation, House Bill 4298. Yesterday, the House Small ...
Monday, January 29, 2018
The West Virginia House of Delegates has unanimously passed legislation allowing properly trained first responders to carry firearms.
Friday, January 26, 2018
West Virginia has hit the ground running. With session having started only two weeks ago, three pro-gun bills ...
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Today, January 10th, the West Virginia Legislature begins its 2018 legislative session. This year, your NRA is seeking ...
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Yvonda "Bonnie" Gatens woke up to the sound of a man trying to pry open her bedroom window ...