Is a West Virginia Non-Resident Permit Valid in Delaware?

Why

• Delaware's official reciprocity list includes West Virginia.

For listed states the AG page states Delaware 'will recognize both resident and a non-resident licenses.' Permit-type limits apply - Idaho Enhanced only, North Dakota Class 1 only, South Dakota Enhanced only. Delaware's prohibited-person rules (felonies, certain misdemeanors, drug crimes, PFA orders, mental-health commitments) still bar some visiting permit holders.

Carry rules in Delaware

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Delaware, these rules replace the ones you know from West Virginia.

• No statutory duty to proactively inform an officer; Title 11's deadly-weapons subchapter contains no notification requirement. AG-issued temporary licenses must be carried at all times while in the state (11 Del. C. 1441(k)).
• Delaware limits magazine capacity to 17 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.
• Delaware is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit Delaware recognizes.
• A concealed handgun in a vehicle requires a Delaware CCDW or a recognized out-of-state license (11 Del. C. 1442). A licensee may keep a firearm in a motor vehicle even within a Safe School Zone (11 Del. C. 1457A(c)(4)).

Off-limits places in Delaware

• Safe School Zones - K-12 school buildings, grounds, athletic fields and school vehicles (licensees excepted only while the firearm stays in a motor vehicle) (11 Del. C. 1457A)
• Safe Recreation Zones - government or private recreation centers, athletic fields and sports stadiums, as to the listed weapons offenses including unlicensed concealed carry (11 Del. C. 1457)
• Federal facilities and any place where firearms are prohibited by federal law

Frequently asked questions

Is a West Virginia non-resident permit valid in Delaware?

You can carry in Delaware on a West Virginia non-resident permit. Delaware recognizes it as valid authority to carry concealed.

Do I have to tell police in Delaware that I am carrying?

No statutory duty to proactively inform an officer; Title 11's deadly-weapons subchapter contains no notification requirement. AG-issued temporary licenses must be carried at all times while in the state (11 Del. C. 1441(k)).

Does Delaware limit magazine capacity?

Delaware limits magazine capacity to 17 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.

Where does Delaware publish its official reciprocity list?

Delaware publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.