Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHL)

Concealed Handgun Licenses

Requirements to obtain a Concealed Pistol/Revolver License (also known as a Concealed Handgun License):

  • Applicant must be at least 21 years old of age (Provisional License is available if individual is at least 18 years old).
  • Applicant must not be ineligible to carry a firearm pursuant to 18 USC 922(g).
  • Applicant must not have been committed to a state or federal facility for abuse of a controlled substance or convicted of a misdemeanor relating to a controlled substance within a 3-year period preceding the date the application was submitted
  • Applicant must not have chronically and habitually used alcoholic beverages and must not have had two or more DUI convictions within a 3-year period preceding the date the application was submitted
  • Applicant must have successfully demonstrated competence with a firearm through completion of a handgun training/safety course as required by WV Code 61-7-4.
  • Applicant must not have been adjudicated as incompetent and must not have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution
  • Applicant has not been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
  • Applicant must not have any felony convictions

 

How do I apply for a Concealed Handgun License (CHL)?

  • Complete notarized application below (with full name, date of birth, physical description, location of birth and county of citizenship)
  • Provide state or federal-issued photo identification showing residence
  • Social security card (for criminal history background check purposes)
  • Provide photocopy of a certificate of course completion, an affidavit from the instructor, or some other document which verifies successful training course completion in order to obtain a CHL. 
  • Authorize the Berkeley County Sheriff or designee to conduct and investigation per application requirements (includes nationwide criminal background check)

How much does a Concealed Handgun License cost? 

  1. West Virginia resident - $50
  2. Non-Resident: $100
  3. Provisional (18 to 20-years old): $30
  4. Veterans (with Honorable Discharge): Fee Waived

 

Who issues CHLs in Berkeley County? 

Concealed Pistol/Revolver Licenses are issued in Berkeley County by the Tax Office of the Berkeley County Sheriff. 


Are licenses required to carry a concealed handgun in West Virginia? No. These licenses are not required by law in the State of West Virginia because it is a Constitutional Carry state. However, Concealed Pistol/Revolver Licenses are a means of reciprocity in states that recognize West Virginia licenses. 

Can CHLs be revoked? 

Applicants can be revoked under 18 USC 922(d) (if under indictment for a felony).

How do I pay for my CHL? 

All fees are to be paid by check or money order (only). Fees for Concealed Pistol/Revolver licenses are set by the State of West Virginia.

Does my CHL Expire?

Concealed Pistol/Revolver Licenses are issued for five years. 

Where can I find information about Reciprosity, or recognition of West Virginia’s Concealed Carry laws by other states? Review here. 

More information? 

Please reach out to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Tax Office at (304) 264-1982 with any questions.