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West Virginia Concealed Carry CCW Laws and Information

Applications are available at the county sheriff of legal residency. Only Honors Resident CCW Permits from the States Listed.

Locations in West Virginia Where Firearms are Restricted or Forbidden

Firearms, concealed or otherwise, are by law not allowed in the following locations:

Federal government properties or other places where firearms are prohibited by federal law. This includes areas of restricted access in airports.

Any private property where firearms are prohibited by the owner or operator.

Law enforcement offices or stations.

Regional jails, detention facilities or State Division of Corrections facilities.

County courthouses or any facility housing a court of this state.

Any school building, property or grounds or any school bus or conveyance. W. Va. Code § 61-7-11A.

§ 15-5-19a. Possession of firearms during a declared state of emergency

No powers granted under this article to state or local authorities may be interpreted to authorize the seizure or confiscation of a firearm from a person during a declared state of emergency unless that firearm is unlawfully possessed or unlawfully carried by the person, or the person is otherwise engaged in a criminal act.

Please note that WV does NOT Honor Non-Resident CCW Permits. The Packngo tool does reflect this information correctly.

Right-To-Carry Law Type: Shall Issue.

State Legal Statute Source:

§61-7-1 thru §61-7-15

State Department Locations:

Last Revised: March 11, 2010

West Virginia State Police
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, West Virginia 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2100
Fax: (304) 746-2246

Attorney General - is responsible for CCW, new for 2007
State Capitol, Room 26-E
1900 Kanawha Blvd.
East Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0220
Phone: (304) 558-2021
Fax: (304) 558-0140

http://www.state.wv.us/wvag/

http://www.wvago.gov/gunrecep.cfm

Permit Costs & Info:

$90 5 years
Issuing Authority: County Sheriff
Click Here for CCW Permit Form

Open Carry Information:

West Virginia is a traditional open carry state but there are some grandfathered local open carry bans not preempted by state law, such as the City of Charleston. There is complete state preemption of all firearms laws, but any local laws passed before preemption remain in effect. http://opencarry.org/

West Virginia CCW Reciprocity Map

States that Honor West Virginia's CCW Permit:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Deleware, Florida*, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas*, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan*, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota,Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia

* Honors RESIDENTIAL West Virginia permits only.

State CCW Permits that West Virginia Honors:

Arizona, Arizona, Arkansas, Deleware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia,

Frequently Asked CCW Questions:

Who do I ask questions concerning the process for obtaining concealed weapons permits?
Contact the sheriff of the county where you reside.

Is there a good site in the state for information
Yes - http://www.wvcdl.org/ This is maintainted by Mr. Jim Mullins who serves as the President of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League.

Is it lawful to carry weapons (e.g. rifles, shotguns, and pistols) in my vehicle when I travel in West Virginia?
Individuals who possess a valid concealed carry permit may carry a concealed handgun in a motor vehicle for purpose of self defense only. West Virginia permits anyone who can lawfully possess a handgun to carry an unconcealed handgun. If you choose to carry an unconcealed handgun in your vehicle and are stopped by a law-enforcement officer, you must understand that that the weapon will immediately attract the attention of the police officer. The presence of the weapon may lead to action by the officer to ensure his or her safety such as the drawing of his or her weapon, ordering you from the vehicle, and/or performing a pat-down search. Weapons intended for hunting must be unloaded and in a case when transported in a vehicle. It is strongly recommended that, if you do not have a valid concealed carry permit, while traveling in a vehicle, that all firearms be unloaded and cased in a location in the vehicle that is not readily accessible to any of the occupants. Any ammunition should be stored in a separate location from the firearm

How do I obtain a concealed carry permit in West Virginia?
You must be a West Virginia resident to obtain a West Virginia permit. Applications are processed by the Sheriff of your county of residence.

I am a police officer from another state who will be traveling through West Virginia, may I lawfully carry my service weapon?
As of July 22, 2004, federal law permits any qualified current or retired law enforcement officer to carry a concealed firearm in any of the 50 states. Officers must carry identification issued from the agency from which they are employed or retired while possessing the firearm. Retired members from states other than West Virginia must carry proof that they have met their respective state’s standards for training and qualification on the firearm which they carry within one year of the date that they are carrying the firearm. Certain other restrictions apply. Please click here to view the complete text of the new law.