West Virginia Gun Laws
Gun Laws Overview
RIFLES & SHOTGUNS | HANDGUNS | |
---|---|---|
Permit to Purchase | No | No |
Registration of Firearms | No | No |
Licensing of Owners | No | No |
Permit to Carry | No | No* |
*A permit to carry is available, but it is not required to carry a handgun either openly or concealed for individuals 21 years of age or over. The list and map below are included as a tool to assist you in validating your information. We have made every effort to report the information correctly, however reciprocity and recognition agreements are subject to frequent change. The information is not intended as legal advice or a restatement of law and does not include: restrictions that may be placed on non-resident permits, individuals under the age of 21, qualifying permit classes, and/or any other factor which may limit reciprocity and/or recognition. For any particular situation, a licensed local attorney must be consulted for an accurate interpretation. YOU MUST ABIDE WITH ALL LAWS: STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL. West Virginia only honors permits or licenses of individuals 21 years of age or over. |
STATE STATUS | |
---|---|
Castle Doctrine | Enacted |
No-Net Loss | Enacted |
Right to Carry Confidentiality | Enacted |
Right to Carry in Restaurants | Legal |
Right To Carry Laws | No Permit Required |
Right To Carry Reciprocity and Recognition | Conditional Recognition |
Right to Keep & Bear Arms State Constitutional Provisions | With Provisions |
Laws on Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms
Purchase
It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, rent or lend a firearm to a person prohibited from possessing a firearm. MORE |
Possession
No state permit is required to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun. MORE |
Carry
West Virginia is a permitless carry state. A person who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry a firearm openly or concealed. MORE |
Machine Guns
It is unlawful to carry, transport or possess any machine gun or sub-machine gun or fully automatic weapon unless properly federally licensed. |
Preemption
...neither a municipality nor the governing body of any municipality may limit the right of any person to purchase, possess, transfer, own, carry, transport, sell or store any revolver, pistol, rifle or shotgun or any ammunition or ammunition components... MORE |
Range Protection
Except as provided in this section, a person may not maintain a nuisance action for noise against a shooting range located in the vicinity of that person's property if the range was established as of the date of the person acquiring the property. MORE |
Miscellaneous
Persons under the age of 18 may not carry or possess firearms unless on family premises or on other property with permission of the owner or lessee. Also excepted is lawful hunting or traveling to or from a hunting site. MORE |
Thursday, March 25, 2004
FAIRFAX, VA -- After an outpouring of support from the National Rifle Association (NRA), the state Legislature, shooting ...
Thursday, October 16, 2003
An animal-rights group is threatening to sue the National Park Service for adopting an “interim final rule” last ...
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
The state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is taking aim at Sunday hunting bans. The group ...
Friday, May 2, 2003
The University of West Virginia has decided to eliminate it’s world famous rifle team. The legislature will reconvene ...
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
West Virginia University dropped a bombshell in its athletic program when Athletic Director Ed Pastilong revealed that five ...
Friday, March 28, 2003
FAIRFAX, VA-- In a victory for West Virginia gun-owners, Governor Bob Wise signed HB2110 today, a Bill that ...
Thursday, March 27, 2003
FAIRFAX, VA-- In a victory for West Virginia gun-owners, Governor Bob Wise signed HB2110 today, a Bill that ...
Thursday, March 27, 2003
On Thursday, March 20 Governor Bob Wise (D) signed House Bill 2110 into law. HB 2110 prevents cities ...
Tuesday, March 4, 2003
House Bill 2110 protects the rights of law-abiding firearm owners in West Virginia by blocking reckless local lawsuits against ...
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Like many West Virginians, Governor Bob Wise takes to the turkey woods during the season. Read Original at: ...