Concealed Weapons Permits

Permits to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) are issued by the Office of the Sheriff following application and a background clearance check. To be eligible for a CCW permit, you must be a resident of the West Virginia county in which you apply.  Certain classes of people, including convicted felons, are precluded from holding a CCW permit.

To apply, you must personally go to the Sheriff’s office to obtain an application.  At the time you submit an application you will be required to show your Driver’s License or state-issued identification card and your certificate of firearms training (an NRA firearms safety class or similar training qualifies).

With your application, the Sheriff’s Office will collect a $75 fee.  If you successfully pass a criminal background check by the West Virginia State Police, the Sheriff’s Office will issue a CCW permit, which is effective for five years.  To receive the permit, you must personally appear at the Sheriff’s office and pay a $15 permit fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to carry my CCW permit with me?

A. You must have a Photo ID and CCW on your person when carrying a concealed weapon in West Virginia. West Virginia’s permit is a handgun permit only and does not allow for the carrying of other deadly weapons such as knives and billy clubs.

Q. Does a CCW permit allow me to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle ?

A.  West Virginia state law prohibits carrying a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, regardless if one possesses a CCW permit.

Q. I live outside of West Virginia and I have a concealed carry permit for a firearm in my home state. Does West Virginia honor my permit?

A. West Virginia currently honors concealed weapon permits issued by the State of Kentucky and the State of Virginia. Currently, no other out-of-state concealed carry permits are honored. Our law was changed to permit reciprocal agreements with other states and our Governor's Office is beginning that process. Please consult with authorities in your state in order to determine if a reciprocal agreement has been made with West Virginia.

Q. Are there places where I am prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon?

A. Yes.  Weapons are forbidden in courthouses, family law masters office, magistrate’s office, primary and secondary school property including school buses. Any facility that is being used for a primary or secondary school function while that function is going on. Anywhere a sign is posted saying No Firearms Allowed. The signs do not have to be of any set size or design. All Federal restrictions apply. Firearms are not permitted in federal buildings, post offices, military compounds, federal courthouses, and the like. 

Q. Is it lawful to carry uncased hunting weapons (e.g. rifles, shotguns, and pistols) in my vehicle when I travel in West Virginia?

A. Weapons intended for hunting must be unloaded and in a case when transported in a vehicle.  

Q. I am a police officer from another state who will be traveling through West Virginia.  May I lawfully carry my service weapon?

A. West Virginia law permits anyone who can lawfully possess a handgun to carry an unconcealed handgun. If you choose to carry an unconcealed handgun in your vehicle and you are stopped for a traffic violation, you must understand that the handgun will immediately attract the attention of the police officer.  The presence of the handgun may lead to action by the officer such as drawing his or her weapon, ordering you from your vehicle, and performing a pat-down search. Vehicle stops are inherently dangerous for police officers and these actions have been held to be lawful by the United States Supreme Court.