The Complete 50 State Guide to Concealed Carry Laws
Share
Concealed Carry Laws in Every US State
(Click on a state to jump to that section)
The first step in concealed carry is knowing how to do so lawfully. Laws vary from state to state, and it is on you to know what the laws are in your state. Concealed carry laws dictate whether a permit is required, how you go about getting one, who can get one, where you can carry and more.
In this guide, we're going to give you a brief overview of every state when it comes to their concealed carry laws. We'll tell you if you need a permit, what you need to do to get it, and a general overview of each state. We also include relevant links to state laws and state agencies for you to learn more.
Bear in mind, this is not legal advice. This is a discussion of publicly available information. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions herein. If you need actual legal advice, please seek out a qualified attorney.
Types Of Concealed Carry Laws
In this guide, you may find three common phrases you are unfamiliar with. To better understand the concealed carry permit process, you should familiarize yourself with these terms and what they mean. Here are a few key terms and their definitions.
States can be grouped into three types: "Shall Issue", "May Issue" and "Constitutional Carry." What those terms mean is whether a state requires a permit to carry a gun in public, and the type of law that governs how the permit is issued.
Shall Issue: if the applicant meets the requirements, the state is required to issue the permit. These states typically have the phrase "shall issue" in the concealed carry permit laws, hence the name.
May Issue: the issuing authority can decide to deny the permit application, even if the applicant meets all the requirements; they aren't obligated to grant it. Just like shall-issue, "may issue" states typically use that exact wording in the actual laws.
Constitutional Carry: there is no permit required to carry a concealed firearm, so long as the person is not legally prohibited from possessing one.
"Constitutional Carry" is probably the easiest concept to understand on this list. The idea is the "Second Amendment doesn't mention a permit" and non-prohibited persons, therefore, have every right to carry a gun without needing a permission slip.
At the time of this writing, 25 states have constitutional carry laws. Non-prohibited persons can carry in those states without needing a permit, but can still get a permit if they want to.
Of the remaining 25 states, all but nine are "Shall-Issue." In some shall-issue states, the issuing authority has limited discretion to deny a permit if they have a compelling and demonstrable reason why the applicant shouldn't be allowed to carry a gun.
The may-issue states are CA, CT, DE, HI, MA, MD, NJ, NY, and RI...but may-issue states are currently in a state of flux, due to the Supreme Court's decision in NYS Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.
"Open carry" is another term you will hear referred to regularly in this guide. "Open carry" simply refers to carrying a firearm openly and where visible while in public, rather than concealed upon your person. This guide will discuss what the permit issuing laws are in each state, so you'll know what you're in for.
May Issue States And New York State Rifle And Pistol v. Bruen
In June of 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States released its decision on New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. This case challenged the use of the "good cause" requirement in New York's Sullivan Act, which was the template for may-issue laws nationwide.
The decision held that issuing authorities had to have a real reason to deny an applicant who otherwise met all requirements; giving local authorities total authority on how New Yorkers could exercise their constitutional rights was a bridge too far.
In practical terms, it means that issuing authorities in the may-issue states have to show a good reason (the legal term is "compelling interest") for denying a permit application...meaning they'll have to start granting them.
...but that's not the end of the story.
If you live in one of those states, here are some things you should know about.
In 2015, the Rhode Island Supreme Court ruled in Gadomski v. Tavares that good cause had to be shown for a police chief or sheriff to deny a permit in that state, much like the Bruen decision. Within 18 months, the chief of police for East Providence had been sued twice and ordered both times to comply with the court's order in Tavares and issue permits to applicants.
In other words, he would only approve and issue permits - which he was legally obligated to do - if compelled to by court order. Individual issuing authorities may go rogue in the wake of the ruling, and invite citizens to sue (which is expensive) to get their permits issued.
The states that have had traditionally strict gun control laws are also rushing to pass new legislation restricting where a person can lawfully carry in public. Such legislation was proposed within days of the court's ruling in New York, along with a requirement that applicants turn over their social media accounts to (ostensibly) verify that they were of sound character.
California quickly announced the intention to do more or less the same, along with potentially doubling the length of required instruction needed to obtain the permit. New Jersey has also announced the intention to mirror their response on New York's.
Maryland and Massachusetts seem to be more accommodating, as the Attorneys General of those states issued directives for permits to be approved unless for a compelling reason such as history of violence or drug abuse or prior felonies. Hawaii did likewise.
So while the ruling in Bruen is certainly progress, it doesn't mean people who live in those states are completely out of the woods yet.
Concealed Carry Permit Requirements
The exact requirements to get a concealed carry permit vary from state to state, but the basics are the same everywhere:
- You must be of legal age (typically 21, but 18 in some states)
- You must be a US citizen, or a legal resident
You must also pass a background check. Anything that would keep you from buying a gun will keep you from being issued a permit. Typically, part of the background check is getting fingerprinted either by law enforcement or through an approved third party.
Most states require you to take a training course and provide proof of same. A few states require a qualification shoot, where you shoot targets at a range for a numerical score. You must make a minimum score to pass; however, the score required typically does not require much expertise and is merely a demonstration of very rudimentary proficiency.
Some states will only issue permits to residents, and some will issue permits to non-residents.
Once you have determined what will be required by your issuing state, you're ready to get your paperwork together, get fingerprinted, fill out some forms, pay the license fee and wait to get notified.
What About Concealed Carry Reciprocity?
Concealed carry reciprocity means one state honors/recognizes the legality of a permit from another state.
For instance, a person who lives in Spokane, WA might have to drive to Missoula, MT for work or vacation. Since Montana honors permits from the State of Washington, that person would still be legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm while in Montana.
However, a person from Montana with a Montana concealed carry permit cannot concealed carry in Washington, because Washington state doesn't honor Montana's permits. Since reciprocity varies by state, this should help you in the event you need to travel between states and have a question about your permit.
People who live in "Constitutional Carry" states may choose to get a permit for the purpose of carrying across state lines. Some will even opt to get a non-resident permit from a different state, in addition to one from their home state, if the non-resident permit has wider reciprocity. If you travel out of state with any frequency, it's necessary to know what states also recognize your permit.
Some ask why concealed carry permits can't be like driver's licenses.
The quick answer is that each state gets to set its own policy on concealed carry permits; there isn't much federal law or court precedent that governs concealed carry permits or whether states have to recognize or honor permits from other states.
The federal government has not really touched reciprocity at this point, since permit requirements (the Bruen ruling aside) are a public policy issue. This aspect of concealed carry is likely to remain as it is unless something changes.
Concealed Carry in The Car
All states allow transportation of an unloaded firearm in a secure container, but carrying a loaded gun is another matter.
Most states require a loaded gun be concealed and on your person. Some states allow for an openly carried gun to be kept loaded in the car, so long as it's in plain view, but the requirement to conceal the firearm on your person while driving is the most common.
Some states require a permit to have a loaded gun in a vehicle at all, and others have different rules. Make sure you know what your state's laws are, before putting a loaded gun in the car.
When a state has a specific requirement about how to carry in the car, we'll note that in the state guide below. However, you'll still want to be sure to look it up on your own.
As with most aspects of concealed carry, a small change in details makes a big difference in legality. This is the case with interstate transportation. The Firearms Owner Protection Act (FOPA, 1986) provides some protections when transporting a gun across state lines, but none against violating the laws of the state you are in.
FOPA does not protect you against New York's ban on magazines with more than 10 rounds of capacity or New Jersey's ban on hollow point ammunition.
What the FOPA does is allow anyone who lawfully possess a firearm to transport it across state lines, if it is unloaded and kept in a secured container that is not immediately accessible to anyone in the vehicle. FOPA is often referred to as a "peaceable journey" law, meaning that it's legal to travel with a gun, so long as you are peaceably traveling through a place rather than going there armed and looking for trouble.
Some states have additional peaceable journey laws, as well. If traveling across state lines, make sure you look up the laws of every state you will be traveling to.
Duty To Inform: Interacting with Law Enforcement
Most states have some regulation on how the lawfully armed citizen must interact with law enforcement.
The most common requirement is to keep your permit on you while carrying and produce it upon request of law enforcement.
Some states include a requirement to declare that you're armed if asked, while others have a "duty to inform" law, which mandates that you must declare to law enforcement that you are armed without being asked. When an officer walks up to your car, or contacts you on the street, you are required to inform them that you are carrying a gun and have a permit.
Some states also specify that law enforcement can disarm you, should they deem it necessary. However, just because your state doesn't specifically state that you must let an officer disarm you doesn't mean they have no authority to, so be aware that it's a possibility.
No Guns Allowed Signs
Another thing to be aware of is legally posted signs. Some states give such signage force of law (such as 30.06 and 30.07 signs in Texas), while others do not.
Every state in the union allows for private property owners and operators to forbid possession of weapons on their property. This includes businesses and, of course, private residences. Possession of a firearm where expressly prohibited may be specified as a crime, typically a misdemeanor but in some cases a felony.
However, just because signage doesn't have force of law doesn't mean you can ignore them. Being on private property implies that you agree to do or not do certain things to be welcome there. If you violate that agreement (say by carrying a gun where not welcome), you are trespassing, which you can be charged with if asked to leave and you refuse.
Be aware of what signage laws are in your state, or in any states you visit.
Gun Free Zones: Prohibited Locations
Both the federal and state governments designate certain areas as gun-free zones, in that firearms and other dangerous weapons are prohibited there.
The federal government prohibits the possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons in federal buildings such as offices, post offices and federal prisons, and forbids possession of firearms at schools without a permit.
Regulations regarding schools and government buildings vary by state. Most allow for a lawfully carried gun to be kept in one's car while on school grounds. Others allow you to carry on school grounds but not in buildings, and others still forbid guns on school property whether you have a permit or not.
That may or may not include institutions of higher education, such as colleges, universities or trade schools. Some states allow such institutions to set their own policy, and others don't. Make sure to learn what it is in your state.
Restaurants and bars are also commonly regulated areas. Some states forbid carrying a gun in a bar or tavern but don't in a restaurant that serves alcohol, while others forbid it in any establishment that serves alcohol.
What's most common is forbidding the carrying of a firearm in the licensed area, meaning the actual bar area itself. All states forbid possession of a weapon while under the influence, and most prohibit being served or consuming alcohol while carrying. After all, guns and alcohol don't mix.
Carrying a firearm is generally allowed in national parks or national forests, so long as it is legal for you to carry in the state the national park/forest is in. However, ranger stations and other official facilities are federal buildings, so you'll have to disarm yourself prior to entering.
If you live in a state that has tribal reservations, or travel through them regularly, be aware that tribal land is sovereign territory. Some tribes recognize or honor the permits or constitutional carry law of the state the reservation resides in, and some do not.
As with so many other laws pertaining to the possession of a concealed firearm, know what the tribal law is in the tribal area you are close to and/or traveling through.
It is your responsibility to know what areas are and aren't gun-free zones in your city and state. Again, make sure you understand the laws of your city and state, and those of any state you travel to.
Concealed Carry in Every US State
Alabama Concealed Carry
In 2022, Alabama passed legislation removing the permit requirement to carry a pistol in public, making Alabama a constitutional carry state. It takes effect in 2023.
For residents who wish to obtain one, Alabama will still issue permits on a shall-issue basis. Open carry doesn't require a permit, but the gun must be holstered.
To be eligible, you must be 19 years of age, a resident of Alabama, and eligible to possess a firearm per federal and state laws. Alabama doesn't issue non-resident permits, but honors any valid permit issued by another state.
Applications are submitted to the sheriff of your county of residence. The applicant can choose the term of the permit for up to five years.
State law allows law enforcement the ability to deny a permit if the county sheriff has "a reasonable suspicion that the person may use a weapon unlawfully or in such a manner that would endanger the person's self or others." Permits can also be revoked for criminal conduct, with written notice and cause being required.
A person with an Alabama Pistol Permit may carry a loaded gun in the car, if concealed on their person. If you don't have a permit, the gun must be unloaded and stored in a locking container that cannot be accessed by passengers while in the car.
Alabama forbids carrying firearms in certain locations, including courthouses, police stations, jails, and mental health facilities. It's also forbidden to carry near demonstrations, in athletic facilities, schools and athletic facilities hosting school athletic events unless you have a permit.
More information is available by visiting the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website.
Alaska Concealed Carry
Alaska is a constitutional carry state. Any resident 21 years of age or older can carry openly or concealed without a permit, so long as they are not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The state does, however, offer a permit for those who want one on a shall-issue basis. To be eligible, you must be 21 years of age, legally eligible to possess a firearm, and a resident of Alaska. Alaska does not issue permits to non-residents but does honor any valid permit issued by another state.
Permits are issued through the Alaska Department of Public Safety, and application packets are submitted to the Alaska State Troopers.
To apply, you must submit the application packet with proof of completing a state-approved training course and fingerprints from a state-approved fingerprint service provider. Permits expire five years after the permit holder's closest birthday to the issue date, whether before or after.
Alaska is a duty-to-inform state, so anyone carrying in Alaska must declare to a police officer that they are armed upon contact with law enforcement.
Alaska prohibits carrying weapons at schools, childcare facilities, courthouses and "justice-related agencies," domestic violence and/or sexual assault shelters, and in bars. Carrying in a restaurant that serves alcohol is allowed, but you can't be served alcohol. You are allowed to keep your gun in your car unloaded and in a secure container while in school zones.
Learn more at the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
Arizona Concealed Carry
Arizona is a constitutional carry state. Anyone 21 years or older, who isn't prohibited from possessing a gun, can carry openly or concealed without needing a permit, whether they're a resident or not.
Arizona does offer permits on a shall issue basis to both residents and non-residents. Permit requirements are the same for constitutional carry. Those 18 to 21 are eligible, if they are currently serving in or were honorably discharged from the US military.
The issuing authority is the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Applications are mailed to AZ DPS and in addition to the application form, must include two sets of fingerprints and proof of completing an approved in-person training course.
Once issued, the permit is then good for five years.
Arizona generally recognizes any valid permit from other states, so long as the permit holder is 21 or older. Arizona doesn't place many restrictions on where you can carry concealed or openly unless where possession of firearms is prohibited by federal law.
However, state law allows county or municipal by-laws to prohibit where you can carry a deadly weapon, so check local laws.
Arizona is not a duty-to-inform state; you don't have to declare to an officer that you're armed. You are legally obligated to present a permit if asked for one. In addition, much of Arizona is tribal land and almost the entire northeast quarter of the state is home to the Navajo and Hopi tribes. Be sure to check the reciprocity policy of tribes before traveling there.
Read more from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Arkansas Concealed Carry
Arkansas is a constitutional carry state, but residents (must be a resident of Arkansas for 90 days) can get a permit if they choose.
Permits are issued on a "shall issue" basis. To carry without a permit or to apply for one, you must be 21 years old, a resident of Arkansas for at least 90 days, and legally eligible to possess a firearm.
Arkansas does not offer non-resident permits except for active-duty military stationed in Arkansas or persons married to someone who is. Arkansas does, however, recognize any valid permit issued to residents of other states.
Arkansas has a tiered license model with a basic or enhanced carry license. Basic permits require a 5-hour training course, while enhanced permits require an 8-hour course.If pursuing a permit for reciprocity purposes outside of Arkansas, opting for the enhanced permit is recommended.
Licenses are issued by the Arkansas State Police, and along with the application packet, you'll need to submit proof of training as well as fingerprints.
Locations where carrying is prohibited in Arkansas includes schools (primary, secondary and colleges), churches/places of worship, most state/municipal buildings, such as courthouses and police stations, bars/restaurants that serve, and athletic events.
However, a person with a concealed carry permit is exempt in some instances, including certain state/municipal buildings (but not courthouses or jails), bars/restaurants, public universities and colleges, and athletic events. Arkansas signage does, however, have force of law; those who violate a sign are guilty of a misdemeanor.
For Arkansas concealed carry laws or permit information, please see more from the Arkansas State Police.
California Concealed Carry
California is one of the may-issue states, and their policies are going to be affected by the Bruen ruling. As of the time of this writing, exactly how it will affect California concealed carry remains to be seen.
California concealed carry requires a permit, which is issued on a may-issue basis. Open carry is illegal except in rural areas or if engaged in lawful outdoor activities like hiking, camping, hunting, fishing or ATV/horseback riding.
You must be 18 years of age and a resident of California. You must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm, pass a background check, get fingerprinted and submit proof of a California-approved training course.
Permits are issued by either the Chief of Police or County Sheriff of the jurisdiction in which you reside or work.
Certain jurisdictions have been either more or less accommodating than others in granting the permit over the years. Sacramento and Fresno were known to be quite accommodating, but San Francisco was famous for never granting a permit. After the Bruen ruling, the chief of police bragged about how he hadn't issued a permit in years. How the ruling will affect these jurisdictions will - again - remain to be seen. Legislation forbidding lawful carry in more public areas is already being fast-tracked.
Once you have your permit, California doesn't impose many restrictions on where you can carry besides schools (primary, secondary or tertiary, public or private), jails, and courthouses. You can't carry on school grounds, license or no, but you can inside a "school zone". California does, however, allow for permit-less carry in your home, fixed place of business or campsite. California does not issue permits to non-residents and recognizes no permits other than its own.
See more from the California Attorney General's Office and the California Penal Code.
Colorado Concealed Carry
Colorado requires a permit, which is issued on a "shall issue" basis.
Open carry does not require a permit in all of Colorado save Denver, which prohibits open carry. Colorado's concealed carry and other firearm laws post-date many gun laws in the city of Denver, which Colorado residents and visitors should be aware of.
Applicants must be 21 years of age, a resident of Colorado, and eligible to possess a firearm. You also cannot have a conviction for perjury, be subject to a protective order, or be a habitual user of drugs or alcohol.
Colorado does not issue non-resident permits but will issue a permit to members of the armed forces stationed in Colorado and/or their dependents. For non-residents, Colorado honors any resident permit from any state that A) recognizes Colorado permits and B) has equal or more stringent requirements for obtaining the permit.
Prohibited locations include schools (permit holders can store a loaded handgun in a locked car, though) and state or municipal buildings that screen for weapons with metal detectors.
Colorado also has a magazine restriction, in that any magazine with a capacity greater than 15 rounds is illegal unless manufactured/purchased/possessed prior to 2013, when it was enacted.
A loaded handgun may be transported in a vehicle without a permit "while traveling" for a person's protection but cannot be removed from the car if you don't have a permit.
See more from the Colorado State Patrol and the relevant Colorado Revised Statutes.
Connecticut Concealed Carry
While Connecticut is a may-issue state at law, court precedent from 1963 mandates that permit applications only be denied if the issuing authority can show good cause, making the state closer to "shall-issue" in practice.
It's not likely that the Bruen decision will affect how the state issues permits, but it may at some point.
Concealed and open carry both require a permit. To apply for the permit, you must be 21 years of age, have a business or residence in the jurisdiction in which you are applying, be fingerprinted, pass a background check, and submit proof of training.
During the background check the applicant can be disqualified for a number of convictions which can be seen here. The state has guidelines for approved courses, which must include classroom and live fire instruction.
Connecticut does not honor or recognize any non-resident permits, but anyone holding a valid permit from another state may apply for a Connecticut permit to carry in that state. Applications are submitted through local police or the County Sheriff's office. If denied, the denial can be appealed to the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners.
Prohibited locations include schools, and any building where legislators meet or legislate. Private property owners can forbid carrying of firearms on their premises and carrying contrary to their wishes is a misdemeanor. Learn more through the