Malcolm Rivera
West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, meaning that individuals over the age of 21 who are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm can carry a concealed weapon within the state without a license. West Virginia honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits, and individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 must possess a permit to carry a concealed weapon. West Virginia is also a stand your ground state, meaning that a person has the right to use reasonable and proportionate force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe that they or another person are in imminent danger.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Concealed carry laws | Legal with a CCW permit; no permit required for residents and non-residents aged 21 and over |
| Duty to retreat | No duty to retreat in any place a person has a legal right to be |
| Reciprocity | Honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits |
| Licenses | Offers resident and non-resident licenses; Provisional licenses required for residents aged 18-21 |
| Campus carry | Allowed in specific areas on college campuses |
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What You'll Learn
West Virginia is a constitutional carry state
In 2016, West Virginia repealed a law that required individuals to have a permit to carry a hidden, loaded weapon in public. Now, qualified persons 21 years of age or older can carry concealed deadly weapons without a license within the state. This means that individuals over the age of 21 who meet the legal criteria can carry a concealed weapon without a permit in most public places within West Virginia.
However, it is important to note that there are still some restrictions on where concealed carry is permitted in West Virginia. For example, West Virginia University (WVU) prohibits the carrying of firearms, deadly weapons, and dangerous objects on its campuses, with specific exemptions for licensed concealed pistols and revolvers in certain areas. Additionally, individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 must possess a provisional CHL to lawfully carry a concealed handgun in West Virginia, and non-residents in this age group must have a valid out-of-state concealed carry permit.
While West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, obtaining a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon may provide individuals with additional rights to carry a weapon in places where it might otherwise be prohibited, including other states or specific areas within West Virginia, such as college campuses. The application process for a concealed carry permit in West Virginia is handled through the sheriff's departments in counties of residence, and non-residents can apply at any county sheriff's department.
West Virginia also has a Stand Your Ground law, which means that a lawful occupant within a home or other place of residence has no duty to retreat from an intruder or attacker and may use reasonable and proportionate force, including deadly force, if they believe they or another person are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. This law also applies outside of the home in any place where an individual has a legal right to be.
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No permit is needed for West Virginia residents
West Virginia is a
In 2016, West Virginia repealed a law requiring a person to have a permit to carry a hidden, loaded weapon in public. This means that individuals 21 years of age and older do not need a permit to carry a concealed weapon within the state. It's important to note that individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 must possess a permit to carry a concealed handgun in West Virginia. Provisional licenses are required for residents in this age group, while non-residents must have a valid out-of-state concealed carry permit.
While a license is not required for individuals 21 and older to carry a concealed weapon in West Virginia, obtaining a license may provide some additional rights. For example, a license may allow individuals to carry a weapon in places where it would otherwise be prohibited, including other states or specific areas on college campuses in West Virginia. Applications for concealed carry permits are processed through the sheriff's departments in counties of residence, and non-residents can apply at any county sheriff's department.
It's worth noting that West Virginia is also a "stand your ground" state, meaning there is no duty to retreat in any place a person has a legal right to be if they reasonably believe they or someone else are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. Additionally, West Virginia honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits, and individuals with a valid permit can carry their weapon on a college campus as of 2024.
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Non-residents can carry with a valid out-of-state permit
West Virginia is a "constitutional carry" state, meaning that individuals who are 21 years of age or older and are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm can carry a concealed weapon within the state without a concealed handgun license (CHL). This applies to both residents and non-residents of West Virginia.
Non-residents of West Virginia who are 18 to 21 years old can carry a concealed weapon with a valid out-of-state permit. West Virginia honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits. However, individuals in this age group who are residents of West Virginia must obtain a provisional CHL to lawfully carry a concealed handgun.
It is important to note that West Virginia is also a "stand your ground" state, meaning that a person has no duty to retreat in any place they have a legal right to be if they reasonably believe that they or another person are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. Additionally, a lawful occupant within a home or other place of residence has the right to use reasonable and proportionate force, including deadly force, against an intruder or attacker to prevent a forcible entry or to terminate the threat.
While West Virginia allows for constitutional carry, obtaining a concealed carry permit can provide individuals with some additional rights to carry a weapon in places where it might otherwise be prohibited, such as other states or specific areas on college campuses in West Virginia.
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18-21-year-olds must have a permit to carry a handgun
West Virginia is a
The CHL is not required for 18-21-year-olds who have another form of lawful authorization, such as service in the armed forces. Applications for concealed carry permits are processed through the sheriff's departments in counties of residence, and a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon may provide the holder with some additional rights to carry a weapon in places where it might otherwise be prohibited, including other states or specific areas on college campuses in West Virginia.
West Virginia honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits and has reciprocity agreements with other states for the recognition of concealed handgun permits. The state also offers resident and non-resident licenses, with the latter issued to members of the military permanently posted in West Virginia. A West Virginia concealed deadly weapons license is valid for five years, and renewal applicants are not required to complete a training course if they have previously completed one.
In West Virginia, a lawful occupant within a home or other place of residence has no duty to retreat from an intruder or attacker and may use reasonable and proportionate force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe they or another person are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. This is known as the "stand your ground" law, and it also applies to any place outside the home where an individual has a legal right to be.
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Concealed carry permits are processed by the county sheriff
West Virginia is a "constitutional carry" state, meaning that qualified persons 21 years of age or older can carry concealed deadly weapons without a license. Provisional licenses are required for residents aged 18 to 21 who wish to carry a concealed handgun.
While a permit is not necessary to carry a concealed weapon in West Virginia, residents of the state who are interested in obtaining a concealed carry permit can do so by applying through their local sheriff's office. The application process for a concealed carry permit in West Virginia is handled by the county sheriff's office. Each county sheriff's office has its own website that provides specific instructions and requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit. For example, in Hancock County, applicants must bring a West Virginia driver's license or state-issued ID, the original certificate from the gun safety course, and the fee amount. The fee for the West Virginia Concealed Pistol/Revolver License is $100 for both first-time and renewal applicants, with $75 due at the time of application and the remaining $25 due when the license is issued.
In Wirt County, the application process is similar, but there are a few additional requirements. Applicants must complete the application form, print it, go to a notary public (most sheriffs have a notary on staff), sign the application in front of the notary, and have the application notarized. Along with the application, applicants must submit a copy of their driver's license, proof of training or an existing license, and the $75 fee. It is important to note that the specific requirements and fees may vary slightly between different counties in West Virginia, so it is always best to check with the specific county sheriff's office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
While West Virginia does not require a permit for concealed carry, it is important to note that there are still laws and restrictions in place regarding the possession and carrying of firearms. West Virginia is a "stand your ground" state, which means that a person has the right to defend themselves, their family, and their property using deadly force if they reasonably believe they are in imminent danger. Additionally, West Virginia honors out-of-state concealed carry permits and has reciprocity agreements with several other states. However, it is important for individuals to stay updated on the specific laws and regulations in their state, as well as any changes that may occur over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, West Virginia is a constitutional carry state.
It means that individuals over the age of 21 who are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm, and are United States citizens or legal residents, can carry a concealed weapon within the state without a concealed handgun license.
Yes, individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 must possess a permit or a provisional CHL to carry a concealed handgun. West Virginia also honors out-of-state concealed carry permits for non-residents in this age group.
Yes, West Virginia University (WVU), for example, prohibits firearms, deadly weapons, and dangerous objects in certain areas of its campus.
