not prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) or (n)
License to conceal carry is optional. Open and concealed carry is allowed without a license.
More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful
FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.
Does West Virginia Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?
No, West Virginia does not have a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm,
but federal law requires all federally licensed firearm dealers to perform a background check before any sale of a firearm.
Owning a firearm in West Virginia
Does West Virginia have a Gun Free Zone law?
Yes, West Virginia has a defined list of gun free zones:
courts of law
offices of a family law master
state capitol complex
public schools
school bus
school-sponsored functions taking place in a specific area
Does West Virginia Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?
You are only required to take a firearm safety course under certain circumstances in West Virginia.
Required for optional concealed carry license
Common Firearm Offenses in West Virginia
[WV Code 61-7-12 Wanton endangerment involving a firearm]
[WV Code 61-7-15a Use or presentation of a firearm during commission of a felony]
[WV Code 20-2-58 Shooting across road or near building or crowd]
[WV Code 61-7-11a Possessing deadly weapons on premises of educational facilities]
[WV Code 61-5-8 Aiding escape and other offenses relating to adults and juveniles in custody or confinement]
[WV Code 61-7-8 Possession of deadly weapons by minors]
[WV Code 61-7-15 Wearing or otherwise equipped with body armor while committing a felony]
[WV Code 61-3B-2 Trespass in a structure or conveyance]
[WV Code 61-3B-3 Trespass on property other than structure or conveyance]
[WV Code 61-2-12 Robbery or attempted robbery]
[WV Code 61-3-28 Offenses against railroad property and persons on railroad property]