West Virginia has a mishmash of laws that you need to be aware of as you travel. If you are traveling from state to state and carrying, you need to know the situation in each state you are entering or you could get into trouble. For certain states or if you have any doubt at all, keeping moving through the state (reference the McClure-Volkmer Act to only stop for gas and emergencies) towards your final destination state. Your destination state must have acceptable laws for your stay. We make some generalities with our color map here for ease of use so you should always look up the current details of the laws. Handgun laws are where it usually varies the most. This is a controversial issue but which ever side you are on, it is better to have informed people out there. You can also download an easy to print version with all states and details.

West Virginia Gun Law Travel Guide Basics

Ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license necessary

Consistency of laws: uniform throughout state but some local laws are grandfathered in

Self-defense: castle doctrine

Open carry: mostly unrestricted, local laws may differ

Concealed carry: licenses to residents only, permits accepted from a few other states

Vehicle carry handguns: unloaded and in plain view during daylight, cased at night

Vehicle carry long guns: unloaded and in plain view during daylight, cased at night

Official source information
West Virginia Statutes
West Virginia Legislature
West Virginia State Home Page

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