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Concealed Weapons

In West Virginia, a Concealed Handgun License (CHL), often referred to as a Concealed Weapon Permit, is an optional permit that allows individuals to carry a concealed pistol or revolver for personal protection. West Virginia is a "constitutional carry" state, meaning that individuals who are at least 21 years old, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or state law can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, as established in 2016 under West Virginia Code § 61-7-3. However, obtaining a CHL is beneficial for those who wish to carry concealed in other states that recognize West Virginia’s permit through reciprocity agreements or for individuals aged 18-20 who require a Provisional Concealed Handgun License to carry concealed. The CHL is governed primarily by West Virginia Code § 61-7-4, which outlines the eligibility, application process, and restrictions for concealed carry licenses.

The permit authorizes the holder to carry a concealed handgun (specifically pistols or revolvers) statewide, though it does not extend to other types of weapons like knives or brass knuckles. Relevant legal codes include:

  • WV Code § 61-7-3: Establishes permitless carry for eligible individuals over 21.
  • WV Code § 61-7-4: Details the requirements and process for obtaining a CHL, including training and background checks.
  • WV Code § 61-7-7: Specifies individuals prohibited from possessing firearms, affecting CHL eligibility.
  • WV Code § 61-7-6: Mandates that the West Virginia Attorney General seek reciprocity agreements with other states.

Process to Apply for a Concealed Weapon Permit in West Virginia

The application process for a West Virginia CHL is straightforward and managed by the sheriff’s office in the applicant’s county of residence (or any county for non-residents since 2021). West Virginia is a "shall-issue" state, meaning the sheriff must issue the permit if the applicant meets all statutory requirements. Below are the detailed steps:

  1. Confirm Eligibility:Be at least 21 years old (or 18 for a Provisional CHL).
    1. Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
    2. Be a resident of West Virginia or a non-resident (non-residents became eligible as of July 6, 2021).
    3. Not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) or state law (WV Code § 61-7-7), such as felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions (e.g., domestic violence), or addiction to controlled substances.
    4. Not have chronic or habitual alcohol or drug use issues, including no more than one DUI conviction in the prior three years.
    5. Complete Required Training:Applicants must complete a firearms training course in handling and firing a handgun, including live-fire exercises, as mandated by WV Code § 61-7-4(d). Acceptable training includes:A hunter safety course with a firearms component.
    6. A course certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA).
    7. A law enforcement or military firearms training course.
    8. Proof of completion (e.g., a certificate) must be submitted with the application.
  2. Obtain Application Form:  Download the uniform application form from the West Virginia State Police website or below.

  3. Submit Application:  Complete the application form, providing personal information, proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license), and training certification.
    1. Submit the application to the sheriff’s office in your county of residence (or any county if a non-resident).
    2. Include a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or state-issued ID).
  4. Pay Fees:  The total fee is $100 for a standard CHL ($75 to the sheriff, $25 to the State Police), payable by check, money order, or other methods accepted by the sheriff.  Provisional CHLs for 18- to 20-year-olds cost $50 ($25 to the sheriff, $25 to the State Police).

  5. Background Check:  The sheriff conducts a background check to verify eligibility, including a review of criminal history and mental health records.

  6. Issuance of Permit:  If approved, the sheriff must issue the permit within 45 days of receiving a completed application, per WV Code § 61-7-4(f).  The CHL is valid for 5 years and must be carried along with a photo ID when carrying a concealed handgun

States That Honor the West Virginia Concealed Handgun License

West Virginia honors concealed carry permits from all other states, and many states reciprocate by recognizing West Virginia’s CHL. The West Virginia Attorney General maintains reciprocity agreements and regularly updates the list of states that honor the permit, as required by WV Code § 61-7-6. As of March 13, 2025, the following states generally recognize a West Virginia CHL, though travelers should verify current laws due to potential changes:

States with Formal Reciprocity Agreements: 

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Additional Notes:  Some states (e.g., Vermont) are constitutional carry states and do not issue permits but recognize West Virginia’s CHL for reciprocity purposes.

States like California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington typically do not recognize West Virginia’s CHL due to stricter concealed carry laws or lack of reciprocity agreements.

Permit holders must comply with the firearm laws of the state they are visiting.

For the most current list, check the West Virginia Attorney General’s website under the Concealed Carry Reciprocity section. The permit’s utility lies in its broad recognition, making it valuable for West Virginians traveling across state lines where permitless carry is not an option.

Conceal Carry Application

You may download and print these applications.