West Virginia carry status overview
West Virginia is a permitless carry state. SB 347, signed by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and effective May 26, 2016, allows eligible West Virginia residents and non-residents to carry a concealed handgun without a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). The permitless carry age was originally 21 (18 for active military and veterans); HB 4106, effective June 12, 2026, lowered it to 18 for everyone legally eligible to possess a firearm.
The West Virginia CHL remains available and is strongly recommended for residents who travel, as it provides reciprocity in 35+ states.
| Permitless carry | Yes — effective May 26, 2016 (SB 347) |
| Governing law | West Virginia Code § 61-7-7 |
| Minimum age | 18 years oldLowered from 21 by HB 4106, effective June 12, 2026 |
| Open carry | Yes — broadly permitted statewide |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed without permit for eligible persons |
| Permit available | Yes — WV Concealed Handgun License (CHL), issued by WV State Police |
West Virginia CHL — permit details
| Issuing agency | West Virginia State Police (WVSP) |
| Application | wvsp.gov — Concealed Weapons ↗ |
| Minimum age | 18 (lowered from 21, June 2026) |
| Fee | $25 (residents) / $100 (non-residents) |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Training required | Yes — firearms safety or training course |
| Background check | Yes — WVSP and FBI NICS |
Prohibited locations in West Virginia
- K–12 school buildings and buses
- Courthouses and court facilities
- Law enforcement and correctional facilities
- State Capitol building and grounds
- Locations with security screening checkpoints
- Any location prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition
West Virginia has a relatively narrow list of prohibited locations. The state has strong firearms preemption laws, meaning local governments generally cannot impose carry restrictions beyond what state law specifies.
Frequently asked questions — West Virginia
Does West Virginia require a permit to carry?
No. Since May 26, 2016, any West Virginia resident or non-resident who is legally eligible to possess a firearm may carry a concealed handgun without a CHL. The minimum age was 21 (18 for military/veterans) until HB 4106 lowered it to 18 for everyone, effective June 12, 2026.
Can I get a West Virginia CHL as a non-resident?
Yes. West Virginia issues non-resident CHLs, though at a higher fee ($100 vs. $25 for residents). Apply through the West Virginia State Police. Non-resident CHLs follow the same requirements as resident licenses.
Does West Virginia honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. West Virginia recognizes valid carry licenses from all other states (WV Code § 61-7-6a). Additionally, since WV is a permitless carry state, eligible visitors 21+ may carry without any permit.