West Virginia's concealed carry laws have evolved significantly since 2016. While House Bill 4145 in 2016 established permitless concealed carry for qualified individuals aged 21 and older, recent legislative updates have refined this framework.
In 2024, West Virginia enacted the Campus Self-Defense Act, allowing permit holders to carry concealed handguns on college and university campuses effective July 1, 2024, albeit with some restricted areas where firearms remain prohibited.
Additionally, 2025 legislation (House Bill 2425) permits individuals aged 18 to 20 to carry concealed weapons if they hold a provisional permit, with misdemeanor penalties for initial offenses and felony charges for repeat violations, reflecting a considerable expansion of carry rights for younger adults.
West Virginia remains a strong proponent of gun rights, with broad permitless carry provisions for adults 21+, optional concealed carry permits for reciprocity and added legal protections, and clear guidance on prohibited locations such as schools, polling places, and government facilities.
These changes illustrate West Virginia’s continued adaptation to current firearms policies, expanding access while maintaining public safety measures.
How Permitless West Virginia Concealed Carry Works
Carrying a handgun and complying with West Virginia concealed carry regulations is fairly straightforward.
One must be , be "non-prohibited" and follow all applicable state and federal laws, such as location restrictions.
Non-prohibited persons are defined in W. Va. Code SS 61-7-7 and are those who classify under restrictions on illegal citizenship, felony charges, domestic violence convictions, misdemeanor offenses related to assault and battery, controlled substance abuse and conviction, , mental incompetence adjudication, involuntary commitment to a mental institution, those under the age of 21, those dishonorably discharged from the military and other federal ( 18 U.S. C. SS922(g) or (n) ) and state restrictions.
Carrying a firearm as a "non-prohibited" person will result in a felony offense including a $5,000 fine and/or imprisonment for no more than three years. As this isn't legal advice, research state laws and contact local authorities about specific questions.
However, if one does qualify to carry a firearm, the right to carry it is generally unrestricted, but do take into consideration various restrictions like location prohibitions (listed below).
A firearm may be kept concealed or openly on the person, in a home, in a place of business and on real property.
There is a strange gray area, though, isn't there? -- 18-21 year-old adults are not recognized by the constitutional carry parameters.
Though they certainly may have mixed feelings about the age restriction, this demographic does have a way to get ahold of a concealed handgun license and carry during that three-year time span.
Why West Virginia Concealed Carry Permits Are Still Relevant
It may seem counter-intuitive to get ahold of a West Virginia concealed carry permit, but it does have legitimate value.
There are two primary classes of concealed handgun licenses (CHL) in the state -- optional and provisional.
The provisional handgun license is for 18-21 year-old state residents wanting to carry concealed weapons, and it expires the day they turn 21. The issuing authority (one's county sheriff) must issue a license within 45 days after the application, fees ($25 to the sheriff's office and $15 to the West Virginia State Police) and proof of handgun safety training (including a live fire component) are submitted.
The applicant, of course, must qualify according to prohibitions (see above). This CHL only qualifies carrying a pistol or revolver, not any other deadly weapon.
There are exceptions, however, for those in this three-year age group. The restriction on 18-21 year olds do not apply if they are...
- Carrying a weapon on their own premises
- Carrying a firearm from a place of purchase to a home or to and from home to a location that repairs firearms
- Traveling to and from, as well as carrying and lawfully using it during, hunting
- A member of an organized, legally recognized target-shooting club and are using a weapon for target practice
- Law enforcement officers and officials and chief executives
- A West Virginia Division of Corrections appointed employee
- A member of the U.S. Armed Forces
- A permit-holding resident of another state that shares reciprocity with West Virginia
- A federal law-enforcement officer authorized to carry a weapon
- A parole officer
Additionally, as long as the handgun is acquired legally and the 18-21 year old follows all other restrictions and state regulations, they may carry their firearm unconcealed without a permit or license, according to the 2016 guide to concealed handgun laws published by the office of the West Virginia attorney general.
The optional concealed handgun license is for those 21 years old or older who would like to carry their handgun while traveling out of state somewhere in the U.S. that recognizes the West Virginia permit. This CHL also allows one to store a handgun in a locked vehicle on the Capitol Complex.
Something particularly noteworthy: an optional CHL issued on or after June 4, 2014 is recognized as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.
The optional CHL has a similar application process, but with increased fees ($75 to the sheriff when applying and $25 to the state police when issued the license). It expires after 5 years, but may be renewed with one's respective county sheriff.
Both CHLs grant reciprocity with states West Virginia has agreements with.
West Virginia Concealed Carry Reciprocity Benefits With A Permit
A valid CHL will grant access to West Virginia's concealed carry reciprocity agreements with other states.
It's important to note, however, that even with a CHL, a traveling West Virginian must abide by the gun laws wherever their destination may be.
This is particularly important for provisional CHL holders, given that many states have a 21-year-old age requirement. There are also location restrictions and other similar regulations to take into consideration.
Just over 20 states recognize only the optional CHL. About 16 recognize both the optional and provisional. Other permitless carry states are included in those numbers. Be sure to analyze specific states with a .
Although it may seem random at first glance, Wisconsin only recognizes optional licenses issued after June 8, 2012.
As previously stated, nonresidents may travel without a permit to West Virginia with their handgun.
West Virginians should contact other states' authorities about any firearms regulations they need to be aware of before traveling with firearms.
Those traveling to West Virginia, and even the state's residents, should be aware of this state's location restrictions.
Where West Virginia Gun Laws Prohibit Firearms
Be sure not to carry in a few locations throughout the state, as West Virginia gun laws do list forbidden areas.
- These are:
- Federal property and locations restricted by federal law, including areas like restricted portions of airports
- Any real property where the owner, lessee or whoever is charged to care for the location prohibits firearms on location, but it isn't illegal to bring weapons onto the property an owner forbids firearms on, it's illegal to refuse to relinquish the weapon or refuse to the leave the location after asked (that will result in a misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in prison)
- The State Capitol Complex -- but there are the previously described exceptions for CHL holders
- Jails, detention facilities and State Division of Corrections facilities
- County courthouses and any buildings with a court inside
- School buses, school-sponsored functions and any public or private school building, facility or grounds -- unless the firearm is unloaded and carried in a non-prohibited person's motor vehicle or is left unloaded in a locked vehicle
- Buildings and locations restricted by local law and municipal codes
West Virginia Concealed Carry FAQs
Who can legally carry concealed in West Virginia?
West Virginia allows permitless concealed carry for qualified individuals aged 21 or older who are legally eligible to possess firearms. Individuals aged 18 to 20 must possess a provisional permit to carry concealed handguns. Both residents and non-residents who meet eligibility rules may carry concealed without a permit if above age 21.
Is a permit required to carry concealed in West Virginia?
Permitless carry is permitted for qualified adults 21 and older, but individuals aged 18 to 20 must obtain a provisional concealed carry permit. Permits remain available and are valuable for reciprocity and certain legal protections.
What are the requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit in West Virginia?
Applicants must be at least 21 (or 18 with provisional permit), have no felony convictions, violent misdemeanors, or mental health disqualifications, and complete application with the county sheriff. Background checks and fingerprinting are mandatory.
Are permits honored from other states?
West Virginia recognizes concealed carry permits from many other states, but permit holders must still comply with West Virginia laws and restrictions. Reciprocity agreements are subject to change and should be verified.
Where is concealed carry prohibited in West Virginia?
Concealed carry is banned on school property, courthouses, polling places, secure government facilities, and private properties that post valid gun-free signage. Public university campus carry is permitted for those with licenses, except in certain designated areas.
What does recent legislation say about concealed carry for ages 18 to 20?
A 2025 law allows persons aged 18 to 20 to carry concealed weapons only if they hold a provisional permit. Carrying concealed without a permit in this age group is a misdemeanor for the first offense and a felony for subsequent convictions.
Can I carry concealed on West Virginia university campuses?
Licensed individuals may carry concealed on campus, except in specifically designated secure areas such as law enforcement offices, disciplinary rooms, daycare facilities, and events with high spectator capacity. Designated no-carry areas are clearly posted.
How does West Virginia regulate open carry?
Open carry is legal statewide for those legally permitted to possess firearms. However, firearms must be carried lawfully and must not cause alarm or disorderly conduct.
Are there penalties for violating concealed carry laws?
Carrying concealed illegally can result in misdemeanors or felonies with jail time, fines, and loss of firearm rights. Violations involving prohibited places or persons receive heightened penalties.
Where can I find official information and legal assistance about West Virginia concealed carry?
The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office website provides updated reciprocity information, permit applications, and FAQs. Legal advice should be sought from qualified attorneys familiar with local laws.
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About The Author Jake Smith (@notjakesmith) is a copywriter in his final year of studying public relations and apparel at the University of Idaho. |