Gun Purchase in WV

[Ebayg2k]

Yesterday I tried to buy a hand gun in West Virginia and was told by the dealer that they could not sell me the gun because I had a Georgia state license. I've been here 4 months and was told by dealer that if I changed my license over to West Virginia that they could sell it to me. Can anyone tell me if this is true.

Thank You

 

[Red Cent]

Technically, you have not established residence in WV.

 

[docnyt]

Check your local laws. You can start with handgunlaw.us

If you can show proof of residency in WV, you may be able to convince a dealer. Chances are, though, that a WV DL would be the best form of ID.

 

[Frank Ettin]

Yesterday I tried to buy a hand gun in West Virginia and was told by the dealer that they could not sell me the gun because I had a Georgia state license. I've been here 4 months and was told by dealer that if I changed my license over to West Virginia that they could sell it to me. Can anyone tell me if this is true....

Are you in fact now a resident of West Virginia?

Under federal law a person may not take possession of a handgun in a State other than his State of residence. He may buy a handgun in another State, BUT the handgun would need to be shipped to an FFL in the buyer's State of residence for transfer to the buyer with all the usual folderol (i. e., completion of the 4473, background check, etc.).

If you have moved to West Virginia, you will probably need to get your West Virginia driver's license so that you can prove residency in order to take possession of a handgun in West Virginia. You might want to do some research to see if under West Virginia law a dealer can accept anything else beside a driver's license or state issued ID as proof of residency.

 

[Bubbles]

You will need a photo ID and some other state issued document showing residency in WV.

Get your DL changed anyway - under WV law you only have 30 days to get it done once you move into the state.

 

[Blue Line]

you can buy a long gun but not a handgun.

 

[Ebayg2k]

Yes I currently work and live in West Virginia.

 

[medalguy]

If you have dual state residency, you may purchase a firearm (any kind) in the state in which you reside at the time. The 4473 specifies that a government issued picture ID is required. I'm in that situation, and have received a state ID (not DL) from my "second" state of residency. A few dealers have hesitated over the state ID card but when I asked them to look at the 4473 section, we were able to complete the deal. YMMV.

Look at the instructions for Item 20 (identification of purchaser) and it clearly states that a driver's license OR other state-issued, numbered, picture identification is acceptable.

 

[rellascout]

Gun dealers will not accept an out of state lic because you have to prove residency. In order to prove that you are a WV resident you need to suppply them with proof of residence on a state issued picture ID. Unlike a bank or the DMV they will not accept a utility bill, hud doc, lease etc...

They will normally only accept a Valid Drivers lic or WV State issued ID. So although you might be a WV resident you do not meet the ID requirements of FFLs. They will not even accept a new WV CHP which has your picture on it.

Long story short get your WV DL and while your at it go ahead and get your CHP. That is what I did when I moved to WV from VA.

 

[zoom6zoom]

If you've established residency in WV, the state requires you to obtain a WV driver's license within thirty days.

 

[md2lgyk]

And to register your vehicles.

 

[Red Cent]

Curious. Where in WV?

 

[Jolly Rogers]

There also may be a delay if WV like VA gun dealers have to look at the DL's issue date. In VA the DL has to be issued over 30 days ago.
Joe

 

[Ole Coot]

Need WV driver's license. I bought a handgun last week, driver's license, instant check and out the door with the handgun.

 

[Bubbles]

There also may be a delay if WV like VA gun dealers have to look at the DL's issue date. In VA the DL has to be issued over 30 days ago.

WV has no such law.