Does West Virginia Honor Maryland CCW Permits?
No. West Virginia does not honor Maryland concealed carry permits.
What This Means for You
A Maryland concealed carry permit is not recognized in West Virginia. Carrying a concealed firearm in West Virginia on a Maryland permit alone could expose you to serious criminal charges. Your options include: (a) applying for a West Virginia non-resident permit if available, (b) carrying only in your vehicle if West Virginia permits it, or (c) leaving your firearm at home. Always verify current rules with the West Virginia Attorney General before traveling.
Always Follow West Virginia's Rules
Reciprocity only addresses recognition of your permit. Once you cross the state line into West Virginia, you are bound by West Virginia's carry laws — including no-carry zones (schools, courts, government buildings, posted private property), duty-to-inform rules during law-enforcement encounters, magazine capacity limits, and any restrictions on locations like restaurants serving alcohol.
Note on open carry: Reciprocity covers concealed carry only. West Virginia may have entirely different rules for open carry; review West Virginia's open-carry guide before traveling.
Reverse Direction
The reverse question — "Does Maryland honor West Virginia CCW permits?" — has its own answer: No. See the Maryland ← West Virginia page for details.
Disclaimer: Reciprocity agreements change frequently and are subject to executive order, statute, or court ruling. We review every state's reciprocity list at least every six months, but you should verify with the West Virginia Attorney General before traveling. This page is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.