CHARLESTON — Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced his office has affirmed concealed carry recognition with Texas and five other states.
This means Texas will continue to recognize concealed handgun licenses issued to West Virginians who are age 21 and older.
“This ensures convenience in travel and peace of mind for West Virginia license holders choosing to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Preserving this recognition is a victory for gun owners. We hope it remains intact for many years to come.”
Each year, the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office engages in discussions with every state to ensure continued recognition of West Virginia’s concealed handgun licenses and explore the potential for expansion.
In addition to Texas, the Attorney General’s Office also recently affirmed concealed carry reciprocity or recognition with Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Mississippi and Utah.
More announcements are expected as the Attorney General anticipates all existing concealed carry recognitions to continue or be enhanced as the annual discussions progress.
Recognition in Colorado and Texas is limited to concealed carry licenses issued to adults age 21 and older. Those states do not recognize West Virginia’s provisional licenses as issued to ages 18 to 20 – a matter consistent with past years.
Provisional licenses are recognized in Alabama, Arkansas and Utah. Mississippi only recognizes provisional licenses for active duty members of the military.
The Attorney General previously announced continued recognition Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Recognition from these states underscores the benefit of having a concealed carry license, as many states that allow West Virginians to carry concealed within their borders do so only on the basis of the person having a West Virginia concealed carry license.
Those wishing to obtain a concealed handgun license can do so by contacting their local sheriff’s office.
For a full list of states and more information regarding West Virginia concealed handgun licenses, please visit the Attorney General’s Gun Reciprocity page atwww.wvago.gov.