West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, but issues concealed permits for the purposes of reciprocity. Anyone desiring a West Virginia concealed carry must be 21 years old. However, a provisional license shall be issued a provisional concealed permit if between 18 years old and 20 years old, and otherwise eligible for a permit. Applications can be made to the sheriff of the applicants county of residence. Nonresident permits are not issued by West Virginia. A regular WV permit will cost a total of $100. This fee is broken into 2 charges, one at application and one charged before issuance of the permit. Similarly, a provisional permit is also broken down into two fees. But the total for a provisional permit is $40. Upon issuance, a normal permit is valid for 5 years. However, a provisional permit is only valid until the recipient turns 21. Applicants most prove firearms competency through completion of training. Those with a WV permit can carry in 38 other states.

This information was last updated in February 2019.

Reciprocity Map for West Virginia

Use the tabs below to display states that will accept a West Virginia concealed carry permit or those states that West Virginia will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.

States That Honor West Virginia Concealed Carry
  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  3. Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  4. Arkansas
  5. Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
  6. Delaware
  7. Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
  8. Georgia
  9. Idaho
  10. Indiana
  11. Iowa
  12. Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  13. Kentucky
  14. Louisiana
  15. Maine – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Does NOT honor state issued concealed carry permit.
  16. Michigan
  17. Minnesota
  18. Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  19. Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  20. Montana
  21. Nebraska
  22. Nevada
  23. New Hampshire – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  24. New Mexico
  25. North Carolina
  26. North Dakota
  27. Ohio
  28. Oklahoma
  29. Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
  30. South Carolina
  31. South Dakota
  32. Tennessee
  33. Texas
  34. Utah
  35. Vermont
  36. Virginia
  37. Wisconsin
  38. Wyoming
 
West Virginia Will Honor The Following States
  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska
  3. Arizona
  4. Arkansas
  5. California
  6. Colorado
  7. Connecticut
  8. Delaware
  9. Florida
  10. Georgia
  11. Hawaii
  12. Idaho
  13. Illinois
  14. Indiana
  15. Iowa
  16. Kansas
  17. Kentucky
  18. Louisiana
  19. Maine
  20. Maryland
  21. Massachusetts
  22. Michigan
  23. Minnesota
  24. Mississippi
  25. Missouri
  26. Montana
  27. Nebraska
  28. Nevada
  29. New Hampshire
  30. New Jersey
  31. New Mexico
  32. New York
  33. North Carolina
  34. North Dakota
  35. Ohio
  36. Oklahoma
  37. Oregon
  38. Pennsylvania
  39. Rhode Island
  40. South Carolina
  41. South Dakota
  42. Tennessee
  43. Texas
  44. Utah
  45. Vermont
  46. Virginia
  47. Washington
  48. West Virginia
  49. Wisconsin
  50. Wyoming

Anyone 21 years or older is permitted to carry in WV without a concealed carry permit, provided they have appropriate ID.

 

How To Apply for a West Virginia Concealed Carry License

Can I get a concealed carry permit in West Virginia?

West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, but is shall issue for the purposes of reciprocity. Those legally allowed to possess a handgun are permitted to carry concealed without any form of CCW or other concealed carry license.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-4

What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in WV?

The minimum age to obtain a concealed carry permit in West Virginia is 21 years old. However, the state does offer those age 18-20 the opportunity to obtain a provisional license. Applicants for a provisional license must meet the same training requirements as those for a normal concealed carry permit.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-4

Who issues a concealed carry permit in West Virginia?

While West Virginia does not require a permit in order to carry a concealed handgun, those wishing to obtain a WV concealed permit can apply with the sheriff in their county.

any person desiring to obtain a state license to carry a concealed deadly weapon shall apply to the sheriff of his or her county for the license […]

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-4

How long is a West Virginia concealed carry permit good for?

West Virginia concealed carry permits are valid for a period of 5 years. Provisional licenses are valid until the holder reaches the age of 21.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-4

Does WV issue concealed permits to non-residents?

West Virginia does not issue nonresident permits. Despite allowing constitutional carry, those wishing to obtain a concealed carry permit in West Virginia must be a legal resident of the state.

the applicant is a bona fide United States citizen or legal resident thereof and resident of this state and of the county in which the application is made […]

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-4

How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?

Applications must be processed, and applicants must be approved or denied a concealed carry permit within 45 days.

The sheriff shall issue, reissue or deny the license within forty-five days after the application is filed if all required background checks authorized by this section are completed

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-4

How much does a concealed carry permit cost?

The total cost for the issuance of a West Virginia concealed carry permit is $100. At the time of application, a fee of $75 is collected. Additionally, before the issuance of an approved license, another $25 must be paid to the sheriff of the county who will send it onto the WV Police.

However, those applying for a provisional license in the state will need to pay a fee of $25 upon application. Another $15 will be paid to the sheriff before the provisional permit is issued. Therefore, the total cost of a provisional concealed carry permit is $40.

Before any approved license is issued or is effective, the applicant shall pay to the sheriff a fee in the amount of $25 which the sheriff shall forward to the Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police within thirty days of receipt. The license is valid for five years throughout the state

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-4

Section 61-7-4A

What are the accepted forms of competency training?

In order to be eligible for the issuance of a WV concealed carry permit, applicants must prove firearms competency. The completion of a training course, which includes a live fire exercise satisfies the requirement. However, education conducted exclusively online is not acceptable. Furthermore, approved courses can include the following:

  • official NRA handgun safety or training course
  • course available to the general public handgun safety and training using certified instructors from the institution
  • State or NRA certified instructor
  • Proof of instruction in the military/armed services

Nothing in WV code prescribes the duration of the training, or live fire qualifying criteria. Furthermore, nothing describes whether the classroom training or range exercises culminate in any form of examination. 

All persons applying for a license must complete a training course in handling and firing a handgun, which includes the actual live firing of ammunition by the applicant.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-4

Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in West Virginia

Is West Virginia an Open Carry State?

West Virginia is an open carry state. I have personally carried openly and concealed in WV without issue, albeit in more rural locations.

A person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use.

Relevant Code(s):

WV Constitution

Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?

Nothing in the WV code prohibits the carrying of a concealed handgun by an eligible individual in a car. Therefore, an individual can carry a concealed handgun in their vehicle, except under certain conditions on school grounds. Below are the restrictions listed in the code regarding concealed carry in a vehicle with regard to schools.

[…] possesses an unloaded firearm or deadly weapon in a motor vehicle or leaves an unloaded firearm or deadly weapon in a locked motor vehicle;

“Any person, 21 years old or older, who has a valid concealed handgun permit may possess a concealed handgun while in a motor vehicle in a parking lot, traffic circle, or other areas of vehicular ingress or egress to a public school: Provided, That:

  • handgun is concealed from view while in the vehicle
  • firearm is locked in a glove compartment, lock box, or other container secured to the vehicle, and out of view while not in the vehicle.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-11A

Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?

Qualified individuals are allowed to carry a concealed handgun within West Virginia state parks. According to the WV Department of Natural Resources, any “cased handgun” is permitted within the park. The definition of cased handgun, includes a concealed handgun.

‘Cased handgun’ means a handgun carried in a concealed manner or a handgun which is otherwise contained in a fully enclosing case or any type of secure holster.

Relevant Code(s):

DNR Rules and Regulations

Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?

Any eligible person wishing to concealed carry into a restaurant is allowed to do so. Nothing in WV laws prohibits a qualified individual from carrying into a bar, restaurant, or other establishment licensed to sell alcohol for onsite consumption. However, pay attention to any posted signage. If asked to leave the premises, the person concealed carrying must comply, per the below section.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-14

Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?

Nothing in WV code expressly prohibits the carrying of handguns in any place of worship. Therefore, it is legal to carry within a church for an eligible individual. However, any private establishment has the right to prohibit the carrying of firearms on premises, as stated in the following code:

Any natural person carrying or possessing a firearm or other deadly weapon on the property of another who refuses to temporarily relinquish possession of the firearm or other deadly weapon, upon being requested to do so, or to leave the premises, while in possession of the firearm or other deadly weapon, is guilty of a misdemeanor […]

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-14

Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?

Nothing expressly forbids an eligible individual from carrying a concealed handgun into any financial institution. Therefore, it is legal to carry a handgun into a bank, unless there is posted signage or verbal communication prohibiting possession of a firearm on the property. banks are subject to the same restrictions as churches, and hospitals.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-14

Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?

Hospitals are not expressly addressed in WV code as places where concealed carry is prohibited. Therefore, an eligible individual can carry into a hospital or other medical facility, provided there is no signage prohibiting an individual from doing so. Those wishing to carry into these types of establishments should pay attention to anything indicating that firearms are prohibited.

[…] who refuses to temporarily relinquish possession of the firearm or other deadly weapon, upon being requested to do so, or to leave the premises, while in possession of the firearm or other deadly weapon, is guilty of a misdemeanor […]”

Relevant Code(s):

Section 61-7-14

The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.