← West Virginia firearms laws›Transporting Firearms

West Virginia Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)

Permitted: Anyone 18 or older who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident and is not barred from having a gun may carry a handgun in a vehicle, concealed or in view, with no license or permit.

PermittedVerified Oct 12, 2026
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Anyone 18 or older who is a U.S. citizen or legal resident and is not barred from having a gun may carry a handgun in a vehicle, concealed or in view, with no license or permit. Guns are banned on school buses and on school grounds, with limited exceptions. Local and private-property rules can add limits.

Official source: ago.wv.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Transporting Firearms in states bordering West Virginia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

  • KentuckyPermitted

    In Kentucky, anyone 21 or older who can lawfully possess a handgun may carry it in a vehicle, loaded, concealed or openly, without a permit. At any age, a loaded or unloaded handgun is not treated as concealed if it is in a factory-installed compartment such as the glove box, center console, or seat pocket. Under 21 without a license, a handgun concealed on or about you outside such a compartment is a Class A misdemeanor.

    Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →

  • MarylandRestricted

    Without a Maryland permit, a handgun may be transported only to or from a legal purchase, sale or repair shop; between your homes, or home and a business you substantially own and operate; and to, from or during target shooting, hunting, trapping and other listed activities. …

    Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: mdsp.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →

  • OhioConditional

    In Ohio, a person 21 or older who may legally carry concealed, with or without a license, may transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle unless under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse, or over the legal limit for alcohol or a listed drug. …

    Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →

  • PennsylvaniaConditional

    Without a Pennsylvania license, carrying a handgun in a vehicle is a third-degree felony unless an exception applies (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

    Without a permit, you may carry a handgun in a private vehicle if it is secured in a container or compartment; it does not have to be locked. A permit is needed to carry it concealed on your person. Since July 1, 2026, knowingly leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle on a public highway, other public property or a commercial or retail parking area is a Class 4 misdemeanor unless it is out of plain view in a locked hard-sided container. A locked glove compartment or console counts.

    Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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