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West Virginia Concealed Carry Laws (2026)
Permitted: No permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun in West Virginia if you are 18 or older, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and not barred from having a gun.
No permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun in West Virginia if you are 18 or older, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and not barred from having a gun. This covers visitors as well as residents. A West Virginia license is optional. Cities may restrict guns in city-owned buildings and may bar people without a license from other city-owned property.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Concealed Carry in states bordering West Virginia
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- KentuckyPermitted
No permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun in Kentucky at 21 or older if you can lawfully possess a firearm. Residency does not matter, so visitors are covered. Under 21 you may not carry concealed without a license. A law effective July 15, 2026 lets Kentucky residents 18 to 20 apply for a provisional license, but the State Police website says the online application portal is still being updated and gives no launch date. Check with State Police before relying on it.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MarylandRestricted
A Maryland Wear and Carry Permit is required to carry, wear or transport a handgun. The minimum age is 21 (active military and National Guard are excepted). Requirements include 16 hours of in-person training, Livescan fingerprints and a background check. Carrying without a permit is a crime; a first offense carries 30 days to 5 years in prison and/or a $250 to $2,500 fine, unless an exception applies.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mdsp.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
- OhioPermitted
No license is needed in Ohio at 21 or older. A qualifying adult, meaning someone 21 or older who is not legally barred from having a firearm and meets Ohio's license background criteria, may carry a concealed handgun without a license. The statute has no residency requirement. Nonimmigrant-visa holders do not qualify. Ohio also issues an optional concealed handgun license.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ohioattorneygeneral.gov · Full Ohio rule →
- PennsylvaniaConditional
A License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) is required to carry a firearm concealed or in a vehicle outside your home or fixed place of business. You must be 21 or older to apply. A county sheriff, or the police chief in Philadelphia, issues it for five years. There is no permitless concealed carry. Carrying without a license is a third-degree felony, or a first-degree misdemeanor if you were otherwise eligible and broke no other law.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
- VirginiaConditional
A permit is required to carry a concealed handgun on your person, and you must be 21 or older. Virginia residents get a Concealed Handgun Permit from the circuit court, which must issue it within 45 days unless the applicant is disqualified. Applicants must show handgun competence in person, by a course or other listed proof. Out-of-state permits are honored for visitors for now; that is under review.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: vsp.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
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