Gun laws in West Virginia

Gun laws in West Virginia regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the U.S. state of West Virginia.

Summary table

The Constitution of West Virginia protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms. West Virginia preempts local regulation of several aspects of firearms, though local regulations which were in effect prior to 1999 were grandfathered. Further, State agencies and institutions are not precluded from enacting laws which regulate firearms. Charleston, Dunbar, and South Charleston are known to have grandfathered local ordinances which prohibit weapons on city property and in city buildings. The City of Martinsburg is known to have a local ordinance that was passed after 1999, which prohibits weapons in city buildings, that is not grandfathered.

There are no firearms known to be prohibited by State law. Prohibited places include correctional facilities, primary and secondary school property (excluding firearms within a vehicle); buses; and events, courthouses, the State Capitol Complex and grounds, private property where posted, certain areas in Charleston, Dunbar, and South Charleston. There are age restrictions on the possession of firearms and some people are prohibited from possessing firearms due to certain criminal convictions or naturalization status. Private sales of firearms, including handguns, are legal and do not require the seller to perform a background check; however, it is unlawful to sell a firearm to a prohibited person.

Open carry of a handgun without a permit is legal in West Virginia at age 18, withstanding other applicable laws.  No permit is necessary for concealed carry of a handgun for any individual over the age of 21 who is legally allowed to own a handgun.  A permit is required for individuals 18-20 to carry a concealed handgun assuming they are otherwise legally allowed to own the firearm.

West Virginia enacted the castle doctrine on April 10, 2008.

References

Category:West Virginia law
West Virginia