CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey's office has affirmed concealed carry recognition with Kansas and South Dakota.
This means Kansas and South Dakota will continue to recognize concealed handgun licenses issued to West Virginians in a manner consistent with past years.
“This ensures convenience in travel and peace of mind for West Virginia license holders choosing to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” Morrisey said in a statement. “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.
More announcements are expected as the attorney general anticipates all existing concealed carry recognition to continue or be enhanced as the annual discussions progress.
South Dakota’s recognition includes West Virginia’s provisional licenses as issued to ages 18 to 20.
Recognition in Kansas is limited to concealed carry licenses issued to adults age 21 and older — a matter consistent with past years.
The AG's office previously has announced continued recognition with Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, 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 website.