Gun Laws/West Virginia/Reviewed September 23, 2026
How old do you have to be to buy a handgun in West Virginia?
Quick answer
18
West Virginia: no state handgun purchase age, so federal law is the only bar.
1 of West Virginia's 5 neighboring states has the same status.
Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 23, 2026
Minimum age to buy a gun by state
West Virginia law in detail
- Permitless (18+) — Adults 21+ have carried without a permit since May 2016; HB 4106 extended permitless carry to 18 to 20 year olds on June 12, 2026.
The federal rule
Federal law has two floors. A licensed dealer may sell a rifle or shotgun at 18, and 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1) bars that dealer from selling any other firearm, which includes handguns and bare frames and receivers, to anyone under 21. On September 17, 2026 the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel concluded that the 21 rule is unconstitutional as applied to 18 to 20 year olds and cannot be criminally enforced against dealers. The statute, the ATF regulations and Form 4473 are all unchanged, ATF has issued no guidance, and the opinion expressly does not reach frames and receivers. State age law is untouched by any of it.
Minimum age in neighboring states
Next steps
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to buy a handgun in West Virginia?
18. West Virginia: no state handgun purchase age, so federal law is the only bar. Reviewed September 23, 2026.
What is the federal rule on minimum purchase age?
Federal law has two floors. A licensed dealer may sell a rifle or shotgun at 18, and 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1) bars that dealer from selling any other firearm, which includes handguns and bare frames and receivers, to anyone under 21. On September 17, 2026 the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel concluded that the 21 rule is unconstitutional as applied to 18 to 20 year olds and cannot be criminally enforced against dealers. The statute, the ATF regulations and Form 4473 are all unchanged, ATF has issued no guidance, and the opinion expressly does not reach frames and receivers. State age law is untouched by any of it.
How many states restrict minimum purchase age?
Nationwide by our review: 27 states: 18 under state law; 6: mixed or disputed; 17: 21 under state law.
More West Virginia gun laws
Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the West Virginia statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.