For educational reference only. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with West Virginia's official issuing authority before carrying a firearm. This is not legal advice.
Permitless (Constitutional) Carry State
West Virginia allows eligible residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. A voluntary permit is still available and provides reciprocity benefits in other states. Effective May 26, 2016. Applies to West Virginia residents 21+ legally eligible to possess a firearm.
CCW Permit Guide
West Virginia Concealed Carry Permit 2026
West Virginia concealed carry requirements: permit fees, training hours, reciprocity states, prohibited locations, and official application information.
West Virginia enacted permitless carry in 2016. Eligible residents 21+ may carry a handgun without a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). A voluntary CHL issued by the state police is available for reciprocity when traveling.
Permitless Carry
Shall-Issue State
Non-Resident Permits Available
Open Carry Allowed
2026 CCW Quick Facts
Reference 2026
Resident Fee
$75
Optional permit
Validity
5yr
Renewal required after expiration
Training
Not Required
Training not mandated but recommended
Processing
45
typical processing time
Permit Details
West Virginia CCW Permit Requirements
Official requirements for obtaining a West Virginia concealed carry permit or weapon license.
Issuing Authority
West Virginia State Police (Concealed Handgun License)
— Official Site
Permitless Carry
Constitutional Carry — eligible residents may carry without a permit
Effective May 26, 2016. Applies to West Virginia residents 21+ legally eligible to possess a firearm.
Issue Standard
Shall Issue — the issuing authority must issue a permit to any qualified applicant who meets the requirements
Open Carry
Allowed
— no permit required for open carry
Resident Fee
$75.00
Non-Resident Fee
$100.00
Permit Valid
5 years from issuance date — renewal required
Minimum Age
21 years old (resident permit)
Background Check
Required — FBI NICS background check required for permit application
Processing Time
45
Duty to Inform
No Requirement — no legal duty to proactively disclose, though voluntary disclosure is generally recommended
Training Requirements
West Virginia CCW Training Requirements
No Mandatory Training
West Virginia does not require firearms training to obtain a concealed carry permit. However, voluntary training is strongly recommended for all carriers to improve safety and legal knowledge.
Reciprocity
States Whose Permits West Virginia Honors
West Virginia recognizes concealed carry permits from the following states (34 states):
Verify current status before traveling. Each state's carry laws still apply.
Prohibited Locations
Where You Cannot Carry in West Virginia
Schools, law enforcement facilities, courthouses, correctional institutions, any place prohibited by federal law
Note: Federal law also prohibits carry in federal facilities, federal courthouses, and other locations regardless of state law. Always check both state and federal restrictions.
Important Notes
West Virginia-Specific CCW Information
West Virginia enacted permitless carry in 2016. No training required. Non-resident CHLs available at $100. West Virginia has minimal prohibited locations. The state's CHL has solid reciprocity with most other shall-issue and permitless carry states.
Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Concealed carry laws in West Virginia are subject to change through legislation and court decisions. Always verify current requirements with West Virginia State Police (Concealed Handgun License) or a qualified firearms attorney before carrying a firearm.