Open Carry in West Virginia
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
West Virginia permits open carry without a permit for any person legally allowed to possess a firearm.
How West Virginia treats Open Carry
West Virginia law allows open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit for any person not prohibited by law from possessing firearms. No license or permit is required to openly carry a firearm in public spaces. Private property owners may restrict open carry on their premises. West Virginia has no statewide restrictions on open carry in public areas.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.