West Virginia Statewide Rule
West Virginia Concealed Carry Permit and Permitless Carry
Key Facts
- Permit
- Permitless carry for those 21+ under 61-7-3
- Permit
- Optional permits issued by county sheriffs
- License
- Provisional licenses available at ages 18-20
- Restriction
- Applicants must not be prohibited persons
- Localities Cannot
- Localities cannot add concealed carry rules
Summary
West Virginia allows permitless concealed carry for adults aged 21 and older and issues optional shall-issue permits for reciprocity and federal purposes.
§61-7-4. License to carry deadly weapons; how obtained. (a)(1) Except as provided in §61-7-4(q) of this code, a legal resident or citizen of West Virginia desiring to obtain a state resident license to carry a concealed deadly weapon shall apply to the sheriff of his or her county for the license, and pay to the sheriff, at the time of application, a fee of $50. A concealed weapons license may only be issued for pistols and revolvers. (2) A legal resident or citizen of another state of the United States desiring to obtain a nonresident state license to carry a concealed deadly weapon shall apply to a sheriff of any county in this state for the license, and pay to the sheriff, at the time of application, a fee of $100. A concealed weapons license may only be issued for pistols and revolvers. (b) Each applicant for a state resident license or nonresident license to carry a concealed deadly weapon shall file with the sheriff a complete application, as prepared by the Superintendent of the West Virginia State Police, in writing, duly verified, which sets forth only the following licensing requirements:
Full Breakdown
Under W. Va. Code 61-7-3 and 61-7-4, residents aged 21 or older who are not prohibited persons may carry a concealed deadly weapon without a permit. Optional concealed handgun licenses remain available from county sheriffs for reciprocity with other states and federal Gun-Free School Zones Act purposes. Provisional permits are available to applicants aged 18 to 20. State preemption under 8-12-5a prevents localities from imposing additional concealed carry restrictions on streets and most public places.
Violations & Penalties
Carrying concealed without lawful authority where required, or by a prohibited person, is a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances under 61-7-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to carry concealed in West Virginia?
Why get an optional concealed handgun license?
Sources
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