West Virginia gun laws: a plain-English guide for buyers

West Virginia has some of the most straightforward gun laws in the country, and the state preempts most local rules. This guide covers buying, carrying and transporting firearms as of September 2026. It is not legal advice; check with your county sheriff or a West Virginia attorney when in doubt.

Buying a gun in West Virginia

West Virginia has no permit to purchase, no gun registration and no state waiting period. When you buy from a licensed dealer you show a valid photo ID, complete ATF Form 4473 and pass the federal NICS background check, which is run from the FBI center in Clarksburg. If the check clears, the dealer can release the firearm the same day. Federal law sets the dealer minimum age at 18 for rifles and shotguns and 21 for handguns, and handguns must be bought in your state of residence.

Ordering online

At checkout you choose a licensed dealer near you. We ship the firearm there; the dealer calls you and completes the transfer. Transfer fees are set by each dealer, commonly $25 to $50. Ammunition, optics and most parts ship to your door. Our city pages cover 22 West Virginia cities.

Carry

Since May 2016, adults 21 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed in West Virginia without a license, and open carry is legal as well. The state concealed handgun license from your county sheriff is still available and is honored by more states; adults 18 to 20 can apply for a provisional license. See our concealed carry guide.

Where you cannot carry

Schools and school buses, courthouses, the State Capitol complex and certain other state buildings, and private property where the owner prohibits it are off limits. Federal buildings and post offices are off limits under federal law. Look for posted signs.

Transport

If you can legally possess a firearm, you may keep it in your vehicle in West Virginia. Employers generally cannot ban firearms locked in a private vehicle in the parking lot. Neighboring Maryland and Virginia have stricter laws; check them before you cross the state line with a firearm or magazines.

Magazines and rifles

West Virginia has no limit on magazine capacity and no ban on semi-automatic rifles, so standard-capacity magazines and AR-15 style rifles ship to West Virginia normally.