CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginians who obtain concealed handgun permits won't have to undergo additional background checks when they buy firearms from licensed dealers.

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says the state's concealed handgun licensing process now qualifies as an alternative to the Brady Law's background check requirements.

The exemption applies to permits issued on or after Wednesday.

Morrisey says residents who have permits issued before Wednesday will have to contact the sheriff of the county in which they live to qualify their permits as alternatives to the federal background check requirements.