not prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. 922(g) or (n)
License to conceal carry is optional. Open and concealed carry is allowed without a license.
More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful
FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.
Does West Virginia Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?
No, West Virginia does not have a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm,
but federal law requires all federally licensed firearm dealers to perform a background check before any sale of a firearm.
Owning a firearm in West Virginia
Does West Virginia have a Gun Free Zone law?
Yes, West Virginia has a defined list of gun free zones:
courts of law
offices of a family law master
state capitol complex
public schools
school bus
school-sponsored functions taking place in a specific area
Does West Virginia Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?
You are only required to take a firearm safety course under certain circumstances in West Virginia.
Required for optional concealed carry license
Common Firearm Offenses in West Virginia
wanton endangerment involving a firearm (WV Code 61-7-12)
Use or presentation of a firearm during commission of a felony (WV Code 61-7-15a)
Shooting across road or near building or crowd (WV Code 20-2-58)
possessing deadly weapons on premises of educational facilities (WV Code 61-7-11a)
Aiding escape and other offenses relating to adults and juveniles in custody or confinement (WV Code 61-5-8)
Possession of deadly weapons by minors (WV Code 61-7-8)
wearing or otherwise equipped with body armor while committing a felony (WV Code 61-7-15)
trespass in a structure or conveyance (WV Code 61-3B-2)
trespass on property other than structure or conveyance (WV Code 61-3B-3)
robbery or attempted robbery (WV Code 61-2-12)
offenses against railroad property and persons on railroad property (WV Code 61-3-28)