West Virginia allows permitless concealed carry for those 21+ who can legally possess a firearm under W. Va. Code § 61-7-4a (effective June 10, 2016). A Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is optional for reciprocity or those 18-20 (W. Va. Code § 61-7-4). CHP requires a background check and training for those under 21, or just a background check for 21+. Prohibited places include schools, courthouses, and the State Capitol (W. Va. Code § 61-7-11a). Violations are misdemeanors (up to 1 year).
Costs: CHP fee is $75 for 5 years; training costs $50-$100 if required.
Processing Time: Up to 45 days.
Renewal: $25 every 5 years.
Reciprocity: WV honors permits from all states; over 30 states honor WV’s CHP.
West Virginia has no state bans on assault weapons or large-capacity magazines (W. Va. Code § 61-7-2, defining dangerous weapons but not restricting types). Machine guns, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and silencers require federal ATF compliance (W. Va. Code § 61-7-10). Violations of federal NFA rules are felonies (up to 10 years).
Costs: ATF tax stamp is $200 per item.
Processing Time: 6-12 months for ATF approval.
West Virginia complies with FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A). Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a case or trunk for transport. No state-specific restrictions beyond federal law apply. Violations of possession laws (W. Va. Code § 61-7-7) are misdemeanors (up to 1 year) or felonies if prohibited person (up to 5 years).
West Virginia follows federal law for dealer sales requiring a background check (18 U.S.C. § 922(t)). Age minimum is 21 for handguns from dealers, 18 for long guns or private sales. No state waiting period or permit required. Private sales are unregulated (W. Va. Code § 61-7-2). Violations of selling to prohibited persons (W. Va. Code § 61-7-7) are felonies (up to 5 years).
Costs: Background check is free; dealers may charge $10-$25.
Processing Time: Instant, up to 3 days if delayed.
West Virginia imposes no state requirement for firearm registration (W. Va. Code § 61-7-2, no mention of registration). There’s no mandate to report lost or stolen guns. NFA items like machine guns or silencers must be federally registered (W. Va. Code § 61-7-10). Violations of federal NFA rules are felonies (up to 10 years).
Costs: Federal tax stamp is $200.
West Virginia has no general storage laws. It’s illegal to knowingly provide firearms to prohibited persons, including some minors (W. Va. Code § 61-7-7). Violations are felonies (up to 5 years) if harm occurs, otherwise no specific penalty for access by minors.
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West Virginia has a strong Castle Doctrine under W. Va. Code § 55-7-22. Deadly force is justified in your home or vehicle if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent imminent harm. No duty to retreat applies in these cases or in public (W. Va. Code § 55-7-22(c)). Excessive force risks manslaughter (up to 15 years).
Sources: [1]