Overview for West Virginia
West Virginia does not allow minors to possess or carry weapons unless they are traveling to or from a hunting site, are on family owned property, or are on property that the owner has given them permission to carry on. When hunting it is required by law, that all firearms in a motor vehicle be unloaded. During the night firearms must be either disassembled, or in a secure container. People carrying a revolver or pistol for self-defense while they hunt, or are in a vehicle, that are properly licensed to carry concealed weapons are exempt from this. People who have a Class Q special hunting permit for people that are disabled are also exempt, in some cases.
- There are some local restrictions on open carry that have been grandfathered into West Virginia law.
| Law | Long-guns | Handguns |
|---|---|---|
| Permit to Purchase | No | No |
| Open Carry | No | Yes |
| Concealed Carry | No | Yes |
| State Preemption of Local Restrictions | Yes | Yes |
| Firearm Registration | No | No |
| Owner License | No | No |
The Concealed Carry Permit
(often encompasses the open carry permit)
- Price: $90
- Valid for 5 years
- Regarding Non-residents of West Virginia: Does Not Issue
- Non-resident permits are valid for Does Not Issue
- An owner's license is Not Needed
- Permit to Purchase: Not Needed
- Permits to Purchase Year/Cost: Not Needed
Official Concealed Carry page for West Virginia.
West Virginia Concealed Carry Reciprocity
West Virginia Magazine Capacity
West Virginia Imitation Firearms
What is classified as an Imitation Firearm in West Virginia?
The following is a list of imitation firearms in West Virginia:
- air rifle
Does West Virginia have a gun buy back program?
West Virginia does not run, or fund any gun buyback programs.
Does West Virginia have an inheritance gun law?
West Virginia does not have an inheritance gun law.