Whether you’re new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed carry permit may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing the laws. Applying for a CCW varies by state. Read about the process for getting a West Virginia Concealed Handgun License (CHL) below.

Similar to permit requirements, states vary greatly in their processes for how an applicant obtains a concealed handgun permit, what their permits/licenses are called, whether licenses include photographs, whether fingerprinting is required, license duration, license costs and turnaround times. Some states allow an applicant to complete an application online, while others require an in-person visit to the office of the respective issuing authority. There are even states that require the applicant to provide a list of non-related character references.

Concealed Carry Permit Basics

West Virginia is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Shall-issue means licensing authorities are compelled to issue a license as long as an applicant meets the basic requirements set out by state law. Concealed weapons licenses are issued at the county level by the sheriff’s office.

Open and concealed carry are legal without a license in West Virginia. Anyone at least 21 years of age and legally entitled to possess a firearm may openly carry or concealed carry a firearm in public without a license or permit. If an 18- to 20-year-old wishes to carry concealed, he or she would require a Provisional Concealed Handgun License (CHL)

West Virginia CHLs are issued to residents and members of the military permanently posted in West Virginia. As of July 6, 2021, the state will issue permits to non-residents.

Federally Prohibited Persons

The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 make it illegal for a person who fits into any of the prohibited categories to ship, transport, receive or possess firearms or ammunition. These laws prevent a state from issuing a concealed handgun permit/license as it would be illegal for people who fit in these categories, by federal law, to own or possess a gun.

What Are the License Requirements in West Virginia?

An applicant must:

  • Be 21 years of age or older (individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 may apply for a provisional license to carry)
  • Have completed a training course in the handling and firing of a handgun that meets the requirements of state law
  • Be a bona fide United States citizen or legal resident
  • Not be addicted to alcohol or a controlled substance or drug, and not be “an unlawful user thereof,” as evidenced by either of the following within the three years immediately prior to the application: residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism or alcohol detoxification or drug treatment; or two or more convictions for driving while under the influence or driving while impaired
  • Not have been convicted of a felony, (unless the conviction has been expunged or set aside or the applicant’s civil rights have been restored or the applicant has been pardoned for the offense)
  • Not have been convicted of a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence,” as defined under federal law
  • Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of violence within the five years immediately preceding the application
  • Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor offense of assault or battery under any state law against a current or former spouse, intimate partner, person with whom the defendant cohabited, a parent or guardian, child or member of the household
  • Not be under indictment for a felony offense or not be currently serving a sentence of confinement, parole, probation or other court-ordered supervision imposed by a court of any jurisdiction, or is the subject of an emergency or temporary domestic violence protective order, or is the subject of a final domestic violence protective order entered by a court of any jurisdiction
  • Not have been adjudicated mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed to a mental institution, unless the person presents a court order reflecting that the person is no longer under the disability and the applicant’s right to possess or receive a firearm have been restored
  • Not be otherwise prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm by state law
  • Meet federal law requirements

Do I Need Firearms Training in West Virginia?

Yes.  The successful completion of any of the following courses fulfills this training requirement:

  • Any official National Rifle Association (NRA) handgun safety or training course
  • Any handgun safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by an official law-enforcement organization, community college, junior college, college or private or public institution, or organization or handgun training school utilizing instructors duly certified by the institution
  • Any handgun training or safety course or class conducted by a handgun instructor certified as such by the state or by the NRA
  • Any handgun training or safety course or class conducted by any branch of the United States Military, Reserve or National Guard

In order to satisfy the handgun safety and training course requirement, proof of actual live firing of ammunition by the applicant is required.

A Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Class from the USCCA meets permitting requirements in West Virginia. Find a class near you!

How Do I Get a Concealed Handgun Permit in West Virginia?

Step 1: Complete a firearm training course if required.

Step 2: Download the application form.

Step 3: File your notarized application at the sheriff’s office for the county in which you reside or any county sheriff’s office for non-residents. You will need the following:

    • Firearms course certificate
    • Passport-style photo; and
    • Driver’s license/ID card.

Pay the fee.

Step 4: The Sheriff will conduct an investigation relative to the information contained in the application as required by state law. Upon completion of the investigation and if a license to carry a concealed pistol/revolver is approved and issued, you will pay an additional $25 fee to the sheriff.

Step 5: The sheriff will immediately forward to the state police a certified copy of the approved application and will forward the $25 fee within 30 days.

You will be contacted when the license is ready to be picked up.

 

For more information, visit the USCCA West Virginia gun laws page now…