STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
DARRELL V. MCGRAW, JR.
CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION
1-800-368-8808 or 304-558-8986

Press Release

Attorney General McGraw Announces Concealed Handgun Reciprocity Agreement With Louisianna

Charleston, WV - Attorney General Darrell McGraw today announced a concealed weapons reciprocity agreement with the state of Louisiana. This is the latest in the ongoing efforts of Attorney General Darrell McGraw to negotiate agreements with states across the nation.

West Virginians with valid concealed weapons permits are now allowed to carry concealed weapons in a total of 23 states. West Virginia now has agreements with the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. The states of Alaska, Indiana, Montana, and Vermont formally recognize West Virginia’s concealed handgun license without an agreement. Idaho and Kansas have not formally acknowledged recognition but appear to do so.

“Negotiating agreements with other states will continue to be a priority of the Attorney General’s office and we are glad to have added Louisiana to the growing list of states that recognize West Virginia’s permits,”stated Attorney General Darrell McGraw.

During the 2007 legislative session House Bill 3074 was passed and signed by Governor Manchin on March 9, 2007. The law then transferred authority from Governor Manchin to Attorney General Darrell McGraw to negotiate concealed weapon reciprocity agreements with other states. Prior to authority being transferred to the Attorney General, West Virginia had agreements with only Virginia and Kentucky.

The Attorney General’s office has informational brochures available to the public at no cost outlining West Virginia concealed weapons laws and reciprocity agreements. For more information on how to receive a brochure or on reciprocity agreements log on to www.wvago.gov or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-368-8808.