Which States Allow Open Carry in 2025? [Updated Firearm Law Guide]

Open carry laws in the United States vary widely by state. In some states, residents can openly carry a firearm without a permit, while others require a license—or ban it entirely.

This guide provides a full breakdown of open carry states, categorized as permitless, licensed, or prohibited, based on 2025 regulations. Whether you're traveling, relocating, or exercising your Second Amendment rights, knowing where and how you can legally carry a firearm openly is crucial.

What are the Three Types of Open Carry Laws?

Across the United States, open carry regulations fall into three main legal categories. These classifications define how and where a person can publicly carry a firearm in public spaces, and whether or not a permit is required under state-level gun laws. Each category reflects a state's approach to balancing Second Amendment rights with public safety policy.

1. Unrestricted Open Carry (Permitless)

In permitless open carry states, any individual who can lawfully possess a firearm under federal and state law is allowed to openly carry a handgun—no permit required. These states recognize Second Amendment protections without additional licensing, often referred to as constitutional carry when applied to both open and concealed carry.

Key Features:

• No open carry permit or license required

• Applies to handguns and, in some cases, long guns

• Must still comply with restrictions in gun-free zones and sensitive public locations

• Carrier must be legally eligible (e.g., not a felon, domestic violence offender, etc.)

This category is most consistent with a broad interpretation of public carry rights, enabling individuals to carry a visible firearm in most public spaces, such as sidewalks, parks, and vehicles—unless posted otherwise.

2. Licensed Open Carry

States in this category require individuals to obtain a state-issued permit or firearms license before carrying a firearm openly in public. These laws may align with a shall-issue or may-issue policy, depending on how strictly the issuing authority enforces permit requirements.

Key Features:

• Permit required for public open carry of handguns

• Application may include background checks, training, fingerprinting

• May vary between residents and non-residents

• Often includes reciprocity agreements with other states

While this framework still supports lawful possession and public carry of firearms, it imposes an administrative step—typically designed to ensure responsible handling and enhance public safety. Most licensed states still restrict open carry in schools, government buildings, and federal properties.

3. Prohibited Open Carry

In prohibited open carry states, the open carry of firearms in public is generally not allowed, even for individuals who hold valid concealed carry permits. These states have adopted stricter state-level gun laws aimed at reducing the visible presence of firearms in public or densely populated areas.

Key Features:

• Open carry of handguns is banned or highly restricted

• May allow concealed carry with a permit, but not open carry

• Violations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges

• Often includes urban regulation zones or local enforcement ordinances

Some states in this category may technically allow open carry under narrow conditions (e.g., during hunting or while on private property), but prohibit it in practice due to overlapping restrictions. These laws reflect a policy preference to limit the public display of firearms and reduce potential conflict during law enforcement encounters.

2025 Open Carry States List

There are no states that have open carry laws without restrictions of any kind; state and federal laws prohibit anyone besides law enforcement from carrying in certain locations such as federal buildings, prisons, schools and so on.

Besides the obvious, however, here are the states with the most permissive open carry laws:

State	Permit Required	Notable Restrictions	Special Conditions
Alabama	No	Restricted on private property without landowner permission	Must have handgun permit to carry on someone else’s property
Alaska	No	Prohibited in schools, courthouses, and bars	Must notify law enforcement if approached
Arizona	No	Bars and polling places are off-limits	Must disclose firearm if asked by police
Arkansas	No	No carry in government buildings or school zones	Firearm must be visible and holstered
Colorado	No	Local jurisdictions like Denver prohibit open carry	State preemption doesn’t cover all cities
Delaware	No	Local restrictions apply; carry in state parks regulated	No state preemption—check local ordinances
Idaho	No	No carry in courthouses, jails, schools	Permitless carry applies to both residents and non-residents
Kansas	No	Firearms banned in government buildings and schools	State preemption law in place
Kentucky	No	No carry in schools or federal facilities	Must be 18+ and legally allowed to possess a firearm
Louisiana	No	No firearms in bars, schools, or places of worship	Law allows for local regulation in certain areas
Maine	No	Not allowed in Acadia National Park or federal land	Must notify police upon official contact
Michigan	No	Cannot carry in banks, churches, schools	Open carry allowed with CPL in pistol-free zones
Missouri	No	Restrictions in schools, bars, and government buildings	Some local control remains in place despite preemption
Mississippi	No	No carry in government meetings or schools	“Purse carry” legal under enhanced concealed permit
Montana	No	Prohibited in schools and some local jurisdictions	University campuses may enforce their own rules
Nebraska	No	Lincoln and Omaha have local ordinances restricting carry	Permitless carry passed in 2023, overrides some city rules
Nevada	No	No carry in schools, airports, and legislative buildings	Some cities like Las Vegas enforce stricter rules
New Hampshire	No	Restricted in federal and school zones	Open carry allowed statewide for handguns and long guns
New Mexico	No	No carry in government buildings or alcohol-serving places	Local governments may impose additional restrictions
North Carolina	No	Prohibited in protests, parades, schools	Some counties restrict open carry during states of emergency
North Dakota	No*	Permit required to carry loaded handgun	Unloaded open carry legal without permit
Ohio	No	Cannot carry in schools, government buildings	Permitless carry law signed in 2022
Oregon	No	Local jurisdictions (e.g., Portland) ban open carry	No state preemption for firearm laws
Pennsylvania	No	Permit required to open carry in cities of the first class (e.g., Philly)	Open carry legal elsewhere without a permit
South Dakota	No	No carry in courthouses or schools	Permitless carry effective since 2019
Vermont	No	No firearm registration or permitting system	Among the most permissive states for both open and concealed carry
Virginia	No	Localities may restrict open carry in public spaces	Check city ordinances before carrying (e.g., Richmond, Alexandria)
Washington	No	Open carry restricted in state capitol and permitted events	Magazine capacity limits affect what can be carried
West Virginia	No	Firearms restricted in federal facilities and courthouses	Permitless carry expanded in 2016
Wisconsin	No	No carry in schools, police stations, or state buildings	Must be 18+ and not prohibited from firearm ownership
Wyoming	No	No carry in schools, correctional facilities, federal buildings	Non-residents can carry openly without a permit since 2021

 

In these states, no permit is required to open carry. However, there may be restrictions on where a person may carry.

Rural Open Carry Only

There are some states which only allow for rural open carry. In other words, open carry is perfectly fine outside of city limits but concealment is required once within them.

States with rural carry only include the following:

• Colorado
• Iowa
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia

Each of these states have restrictions on where you can open carry beyond the obvious (school zones, etc.) and thus could be considered "rural open carry" states. However, it isn't necessarily as simple as open carry without a permit being totally fine outside of city limits.

Colorado open carry is legal without a permit except in the city and county of Denver. Colorado is something of an anomaly, as Denver's handgun laws predate the state's preemption law and thus supersede it. In Denver, open carry is illegal. Besides, the last real firepower in that town was Peyton Manning.

In Iowa, open carry without a permit is legal outside city limits, but not inside them.

In Missouri, permitless carry in an open fashion is generally legal, though the state's laws permit cities and towns to prohibit open carry without a license. That said, if you have a license...no need to worry.

Open carry is also restricted in certain jurisdictions within Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Generally, these will be larger cities such as Portland, OR or Philadelphia, PA. (Though the beer in Portland more than makes up for it.) That said, you can generally open carry outside city limits without issue In these states.

, however, is another matter.

States Requiring a Permit for Open Carry (2025)

Some open carry states require a permit to open carry. However, it isn't quite that simple, which will be discussed further down below. That said, the following states require a permit (to an extent - more on that later) for open carry:

State	Permit Required	Notable Restrictions	Special Conditions
Connecticut	Yes	Open carry allowed with a pistol permit	Must be 21+ and have passed background checks
Georgia	Yes	Permit required for open carry of handguns	Weapons carry license needed; long guns excluded
Hawaii	Yes	Technically allowed but nearly impossible to obtain	Permits rarely issued to private citizens
Indiana	Yes	Permit required for handguns; rifles and shotguns exempt	Constitutional carry passed in 2022, but may not apply to open carry in some locations
Iowa	Yes (Urban areas)	Permit required for open carry within city limits	No permit needed in rural areas for open carry of handguns
Maryland	Yes	Permits are technically available but rarely issued	Highly discretionary approval; state considered restrictive
Massachusetts	Yes	License to carry (LTC) required for open carry	Local police chiefs control issuance; often strict
Minnesota	Yes	Open carry allowed with Minnesota Permit to Carry	No distinction between open and concealed in permit law
Missouri	Yes (some localities)	State law allows open carry, but some cities require permits	Kansas City and St. Louis enforce stricter local rules
New Jersey	Yes	Permits are technically allowed but almost never issued	Highly regulated; open carry is virtually banned in practice
North Dakota	Yes (Loaded firearms only)	Permit required to open carry a loaded handgun	Unloaded handgun carry permitted without a license
Oklahoma	Yes (under 21 or non-residents)	Permitless carry for residents 21+; others require permit	Military 18+ allowed with ID; reciprocity applies
Rhode Island	Yes	Permit required for both open and concealed carry	Subject to local law enforcement discretion
Tennessee	Yes	Open carry allowed with an Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit	Permitless concealed carry passed in 2021; open still requires ECP
Texas	Yes*	Open carry allowed only with a Texas LTC	Must be in a shoulder or belt holster; permitless concealed carry exists
Utah	Yes (Loaded firearms only)	Permit needed to carry a loaded firearm openly	Unloaded carry allowed without a permit

 

These states all require a permit to an extent...but to what extent depends on the state.

North Dakota, for instance, requires a permit to open carry a loaded handgun, but not an unloaded one. The same is true for Utah; in both states you may carry ammunition and a gun, but if the latter is loaded, a permit is required.

Iowa allows for carrying a loaded handgun openly without a permit outside of city limits, but within them requires a permit.

It should also be noted that while Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey allow for open carry with a permit, the chances that normal citizens will be granted the permit are virtually nil.

States Prohibiting Open Carry

As of right now, a small number of states prohibit open carry, as does the District of Columbia. Those states are:

State	Open Carry Legal?	General Status	Notable Exceptions
California	No	Open carry of firearms is prohibited in most public places	Permitted on private property and during lawful hunting, camping, or fishing in designated areas
District of Columbia	No	Total ban on open carry of handguns and long guns	No exceptions for civilians; only law enforcement and specific federal agents permitted
Florida	No	Open carry of firearms is prohibited in public spaces	Permitted while engaged in outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, camping, or hunting
Illinois	No	Statewide ban on open carry; only concealed carry with permit allowed	Transport of firearms allowed if unloaded and enclosed in a case; open carry strictly forbidden
New York	No	Open carry of firearms is completely prohibited	No legal exceptions; even licensed individuals may only carry concealed
South Carolina	No*	Open carry of a handgun requires a concealed weapons permit (CWP)	Since 2021, permit holders may carry openly in permitted locations; otherwise, still prohibited

 

In these states, open carry is not allowed for the most part. There are certain exceptions in some of the above states, such as if carrying during outdoor activities like fishing or hunting, or in one's home or fixed place of business though - again - it depends on the state. California, for instance, grants those exceptions while New York does not.

Firearm Types Allowed for Open Carry

Understanding which firearms are legally allowed for open carry helps to stay compliant with state-level gun laws. While many states broadly permit public carry of firearms, the type of weapon you carry—whether a semi-automatic pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun—can drastically impact legality and the risk of legal penalties.

Let’s break it down by weapon class.

Handguns (Pistols & Revolvers)

In most permitless open carry states, handguns—including semi-automatic pistols and revolvers—are the most commonly allowed firearm for open carry. These weapons are typically carried in a visible holster and are subject to fewer restrictions than long guns in many jurisdictions.

However, laws vary based on several factors:

• Holstered Weapon Requirement: Some states, such as Texas and Oklahoma, require the handgun to be carried in a shoulder or belt holster.

• Loaded vs. Unloaded: A few states (e.g., Utah and North Dakota) distinguish between carrying a loaded handgun vs. an unloaded one. In these states, carrying a loaded firearm openly may require a valid handgun permit.

• Magazine Capacity Restrictions: States like California, Colorado, Connecticut, New York, and Vermont place limits on magazine capacity—typically capping it at 10 rounds. Even when open carry is permitted, exceeding the legal loaded magazine limit may result in criminal charges.

Additionally, open carry of handguns is still banned in sensitive locations, including:

• Public or private school zones

• Federal buildings (e.g., post offices, courthouses)

• Government offices

• Private property where the owner posts signage or otherwise prohibits carry

Even in firearm-friendly states, lawful possession does not override private property rights.

Long Guns (Rifles & Shotguns)

While long guns—such as bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, and pump-action shotguns—are not specifically prohibited in many open carry states, they are subject to a different level of scrutiny.

 Four states explicitly prohibit open carry of long guns:

1. California

2. Florida

3. Illinois

4. District of Columbia

In other states, the open carry of long guns is technically legal but often discouraged or subject to local restrictions. For instance:

• In Texas, open carry of long guns is lawful but brandishing or alarming behavior can still lead to arrest.

• In Colorado, cities like Denver ban the open carry of long guns despite statewide preemption laws.

• In Oregon and Pennsylvania, municipalities may enact local ordinances regulating visible rifles and shotguns, especially during protests or public gatherings.

Additional Notes:

• Rifle Barrel Length Laws: Short-barreled rifles (SBRs) are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and are generally not allowed for open carry unless registered with the ATF and carried in compliance with federal and state law.

• Shotguns: Open carry of shotguns is rare but legal in several rural states. However, many states prohibit the chambering of a round or carrying a loaded shell in the tube unless permitted by local law.

Loaded vs. Unloaded Carry

The distinction between loaded and unloaded firearms is a major legal variable in open carry statutes:

• Loaded Firearm: Typically defined as having a round in the chamber or a magazine inserted and ready to fire.

• Unloaded Firearm: No round in the chamber, no magazine inserted (or magazine inserted but no ammo present—definition varies by state).

Examples:

• Utah: Open carry without a permit is allowed only if the firearm is unloaded (two mechanical actions away from firing).

• North Dakota: Loaded open carry requires a permit; unloaded carry is generally lawful.

Summary for Responsible Carriers

When deciding what firearm to carry openly, consider:

• Weapon class legality in your state (handgun vs. long gun)

• Whether the firearm is loaded or unloaded

• Local restrictions on magazine capacity

• Prohibited areas like schools, federal buildings, and private properties

• Holster visibility and carry style compliance

Regardless of what the law allows, visible open carry of a long gun—especially in urban environments—often draws heightened attention from the public and law enforcement. Always verify both state statutes and local ordinances before open carrying any weapon in public spaces.

Are Open Carry Holsters Different?

Yes—they absolutely are. Holsters designed for open carry differ significantly from those made for concealed carry, especially in terms of retention and positioning. Most people who open carry opt for outside-the-waistband (OWB) rigs or drop-leg holsters, as these allow for faster access and are ergonomically suited for visible firearm carry in public spaces.

But visibility comes with risk.

If you’re going to openly carry a handgun, using a holster with active retention isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a smart safety decision. At a minimum, you should use a Level II retention holster, which typically includes a passive friction lock plus an active device like a thumb break or trigger guard lever. Level III retention holsters, which add a third locking mechanism, are even more secure and are standard in law enforcement for good reason.

There’s a reason police officers don’t carry in open-top holsters: retention saves lives.

If your firearm is visible to the public, you’re statistically more likely to face a confrontation or attempted disarm. An open carry setup without retention makes it easier for someone to grab your weapon—and harder for you to maintain control under stress.

That’s where quality matters.

Alien Gear Holsters, known for their American-made craftsmanship and modular designs, offers Level II and Level III OWB holsters that are ideal for open carry—especially if you're looking for retention without sacrificing draw speed. Their Rapid Force line was engineered specifically for law enforcement and serious civilian carriers who open carry for defensive readiness.

🔁 Bottom line:

If you're going to open carry, carry smart. Avoid open-top holsters, and don’t gamble with accessibility. Equip yourself with at least Level II retention—preferably from a trusted brand that understands how critical both security and draw performance are.