West Virginia Concealed Carry Permit Information

Concealed Carry Quick Facts:

• Permit Type: Shall Issue
• Issuing Authority: County Sheriff’s Office
• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old for permitless carry; 18 years old with a provisional permit
• Permit Validity: 5 years
• Application Fee: $75 application fee; additional $25 upon approval
• Processing Time: Varies by county

Latest Defensive Gun Uses and Firearm News in West Virginia

21 Feb

West Virginia House Bill Seeks to Allow Concealed Carry on School Grounds

12 Aug

19-Year-Old Woman Shoots 31-Year-Old Boyfriend in Self-Defense After Violent Assault in Charleston, WV

7 Mar

West Virginia Passes Constitutional Carry Bill, Overriding Gubernatorial Veto

11 Feb

WVCDL’s West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act of 2011 to be Introduced This Monday

Permitless Carry (Constitutional Carry):

Since 2016, West Virginia allows individuals aged 21 and older who are U.S. citizens or legal residents and not prohibited from possessing firearms to carry concealed handguns without a permit. This is known as “Constitutional Carry.” 

Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHL):

While permitless carry is legal, West Virginia offers optional concealed handgun licenses for residents who seek reciprocity with other states or prefer to have a permit.

• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Be at least 21 years old (18-20 for provisional licenses)
  • Complete a firearms training course
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Not be addicted to or an unlawful user of alcohol or controlled substances
  • Meet all federal and state requirements for firearm possession
• Application Process:
  • Obtain and complete a notarized application form
  • Submit the application to the sheriff’s office in your county of residence
  • Provide a certificate of completed firearms training
  • Pay the required fees
  • Undergo a background check

Open Carry Laws:

• General Rule: Open carry is legal in West Virginia for individuals aged 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm.

Vehicle Carry Laws:

• With a Permit: Individuals with a valid CHL may carry a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle.
• Without a Permit: Under permitless carry, individuals aged 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a permit.

Reciprocity:

West Virginia recognizes concealed carry permits from states that offer reciprocity. However, individuals should verify the specific laws of other states when carrying concealed firearms outside West Virginia. 

Check the our Concealed Carry Maps for up-to-date information.

Prohibited Locations:

Even with permitless carry or a valid permit, carrying concealed firearms is prohibited in certain locations, including:

• Primary and secondary school facilities
• School buses
• Courthouses
• Any building or area where firearms are prohibited by federal law

Recent Legal Developments:

In 2025, House Bill 2051 was introduced to allow concealed carry on Capitol grounds. This bill is currently under consideration. 

Additional Resources:

• West Virginia Legislature: House Bill 2051
• West Virginia Attorney General: Concealed Handgun Licenses

Go To Another State’s Concealed Carry Page

To view a state’s concealed carry permit information click on the state. The state’s color represents whether a state is Shall Issue, May Issue, Constitutional Carry, or Right Denied.

Shall Issue to Residents Only:
California, Colorado, Georgia, Guam, Michigan, New Mexico

Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

May Issue to Residents Only:
Delaware, Virgin Islands

May Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York

Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents Only:
Alabama, Alaska, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming

Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia

Constitutional Carry and Does Not Issue Permits:
Vermont

Right Denied:
American Samoa, N. Mariana Islands

Disclaimer

We try to keep the information on this page as up-to-date as possible, but it is your responsibility to verify all information due to changing laws. The information on this page is for informational purposes only and not to provide legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice concerning any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Website, emails, or any links within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between USA Carry LLC and the user or browser. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the views of USA Carry LLC.