Concealed Handgun Information and Documents

Concealed Handgun License:

West Virginia recognizes the right of persons who are 21 years of age or older, not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm, and United States citizens or legal residents thereof to carry a concealed handgun within the state without first obtaining a concealed handgun license (CHL). This is commonly known as “constitutional carry.” Although West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, an optional license to carry a concealed handgun, may still be obtained by those persons who are residents of the State and desire the benefits of obtaining such a license. Also, for qualified non-prohibited persons who are least 18 years of age and less than 21 years of age, state law allows for a provisional license as a lawful means to carry concealed handguns.
West Virginia’s constitutional carry law applies only to persons physically in the State of West Virginia. It does not authorize you to carry a concealed handgun in another state without a license. You must obey all weapons laws of other states to which you travel, including laws regarding licensing and prohibited places.
For more information concerning a License to Carry a Concealed Handgun in the State of West Virginia visit www.wvago.gov .
Applicants for a CHL must apply in the county in which they reside. Applications are available for download on the links above, or from the West Virginia State Police website at www.wvsp.gov , or they can be picked up at the Wood County Tax Office, Conceal Carry Window located in Parkersburg, WV.
After you have completed the application, you may return the form to the Wood County Sheriff’s Tax Office, Conceal Carry window, located within the Judge Black Annex, 319 Market Street, Parkersburg, WV along with a $50 non-refundable application fee, firearms certification form (NOTE: certifications from online courses are not accepted), a copy of the instructor’s NRA certification, and a valid copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or a valid copy of a WV Identification card with photo and correct physical address.
Once the application is received, it will be processed within 45 days. You will be notified once processing is complete. If the application is approved, you will receive a telephone call advising you that the license will be available for pickup at the Wood County Sheriff’s Tax Office – Carry Conceal window.