U.S. Concealed Carry Landscape — 2026
29
Constitutional Carry
12
Shall-Issue Only
9
May-Issue / Restricted
0
No-Issue States
Concealed carry regulations vary dramatically across the United States, shaped by state statutes, ongoing litigation, and federal restrictions that apply nationwide. This guide provides an overview of current carry frameworks and directs you to state-specific requirements.
Quick Definitions
Understanding permit types across the country
🟢 Permitless / Constitutional Carry
Adults who are not legally prohibited may carry concealed without a permit, subject to age, residency, and location restrictions that vary by state.
🔵 Shall-Issue
The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet objective criteria (background check, training, fees); no general right to carry without a permit.
🟠 May-Issue / Restricted
Licensing authorities retain discretion through "good moral character" reviews, extensive training requirements, or other standards beyond basic disqualifiers.
🔄 Reciprocity
Recognition of another state's permit, determined individually by each state through statute or agreement—not federally mandated.
Federal Restrictions
These apply everywhere, regardless of state law or permit status
🚫 Universal Prohibitions
- Federal prohibited persons – Felons, certain domestic violence offenders, individuals under restraining orders, and other federally disqualified individuals cannot possess firearms under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).
- K–12 schools – Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act prohibits firearms within 1,000 feet of school grounds unless exemptions apply; permitless carriers typically do not qualify.
- Federal facilities – Possession is prohibited in buildings where federal employees work (Social Security offices, VA facilities, post offices, federal courts).
- Airport secure areas – No carry past TSA checkpoints or on commercial aircraft; firearms must be unloaded in checked baggage.
- State courts and government buildings – Nearly all states prohibit carry in courthouses and secured government facilities, even with permits.
⚡ Important Notes
- Many permitless states still require permits for specific locations, such as state parks in Tennessee or under certain conditions in Nebraska.
- Age requirements typically default to 21, though some states allow military members or permit holders to carry at 18–20.
Reciprocity Summary
How states recognize each other's permits
Reciprocity is not a federal right—each state decides which permits to honor through statute or formal agreement. States like Utah and Idaho recognize permits from all 50 states, while others recognize only a handful or none. Washington, for example, recognizes permits from fewer than ten states that meet specific criteria: reciprocal recognition, minimum age 21, and fingerprint-based background checks.
Recognition is often asymmetrical—some states honor only resident permits from certain jurisdictions, or only "enhanced" permits, while the issuing state may accept a broader range. Florida, Michigan, and Colorado resident permits are treated differently by various states than non-resident versions.
✓ Key Takeaways
- Verify your specific permit type (resident vs. non-resident, standard vs. enhanced) is accepted in the destination state.
- You must follow the host state's carry rules, not your home state's.
- Some states recognize many permits; others recognize none.
- Proposed federal reciprocity bills remain legislative proposals, not law.
✈️ Interstate Travel Checklist
Check Every State Research laws for each state you'll pass through, not just your destination.
Verify Permit Type Confirm your exact permit (resident/non-resident, standard/enhanced) is accepted.
Vehicle Carry Rules Some states require unloaded/cased storage; others allow loaded carry.
Prohibited Locations Know where carry is banned—schools, government buildings, private property.
Duty to Inform Some states require you to notify law enforcement during traffic stops.
Carry Documentation Always carry your permit, ID, and know local emergency contacts.
🎯 Common Misconceptions
✕
"Permitless carry means I can carry anywhere."
Federal law and state statutes still prohibit carry in schools, federal facilities, courts, and many other locations. Some permitless states require permits for specific places like parks.
✕
"Federal school-zone law doesn't apply to permitless carry."
The Gun-Free School Zones Act exempts individuals licensed after a background check. Permitless carriers typically do not meet this exemption and can face federal charges near schools.
✕
"My permit works everywhere that honors my state."
Reciprocity varies by permit type, residency, and class. Always verify acceptance before traveling.
✕
"Post-Bruen, states can't restrict carry locations."
Bruen affirmed the validity of historically supported sensitive-place restrictions. New York, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, and Maryland have enacted extensive sensitive-place laws—many under active litigation.
✕
"Loaded carry in my vehicle is legal everywhere."
Vehicle carry rules differ dramatically. Some states require permits for loaded handguns in vehicles; others mandate firearms be unloaded and cased.
✕
"Reciprocity is a federal mandate."
There is currently no federal statute requiring states to honor each other's permits.
State-by-State Concealed Carry Laws
Select your state for permits, reciprocity, and prohibited locations
Constitutional Carry 29 States — No permit required for residents
AlabamaPermitless AlaskaPermitless ArizonaPermitless ArkansasPermitless FloridaPermitless GeorgiaPermitless IdahoPermitless IndianaPermitless IowaPermitless KansasPermitless KentuckyPermitless LouisianaPermitless MainePermitless MississippiPermitless MissouriPermitless MontanaPermitless NebraskaPermitless New HampshirePermitless North DakotaPermitless OhioPermitless OklahomaPermitless South CarolinaPermitless South DakotaPermitless TennesseePermitless TexasPermitless UtahPermitless VermontPermitless West VirginiaPermitless WyomingPermitless
Shall-Issue 12 States — Permit required, must be issued if criteria met
May-Issue / Restricted 9 States — Discretionary issuance, additional requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common concealed carry questions
What is concealed carry reciprocity?
Reciprocity refers to one state recognizing another state's concealed carry permit. This is not federally mandated—each state independently decides which permits to honor through legislation or formal agreements. Recognition can be full, partial, or nonexistent depending on the states involved.
How many states have permitless carry?
As of mid-2025, approximately 29 states allow some form of permitless (constitutional) carry. However, conditions vary significantly—some apply only to residents, others have age restrictions, and most still have location-based prohibitions where carry is not permitted.
Can I carry concealed in all 50 states with my permit?
No. There is no permit that grants carry rights in all 50 states. Each state sets its own reciprocity rules. Some states like Utah and Idaho recognize permits from all states, while others like California and New York have very limited or no reciprocity.
What is the difference between shall-issue and may-issue states?
Shall-issue states must grant permits to applicants meeting objective legal criteria (background check, training, fees). May-issue states give licensing authorities discretion to deny permits based on subjective standards like "good moral character" or demonstrated need, even if basic requirements are met.
Does the Gun-Free School Zones Act apply to concealed carry?
Yes. The federal Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)) prohibits firearms within 1,000 feet of K-12 school grounds. While permit holders may qualify for an exemption, permitless carriers typically do not—making this a potential federal offense even in constitutional carry states.
What did the Bruen decision change for concealed carry?
The 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision struck down "proper cause" requirements for permits, establishing that the Second Amendment protects carrying firearms in public for self-defense. However, states may still restrict carry in "sensitive places" with historical analogues.
Can I carry in my vehicle across state lines?
Vehicle carry laws vary dramatically by state. Some states require permits for loaded handguns in vehicles, others mandate firearms be unloaded and stored separately from ammunition. Federal law (FOPA) provides limited protection for transporting firearms through restrictive states, but only if the firearm is unloaded and inaccessible.
Do I need a permit if my state has constitutional carry?
While you may legally carry without a permit in your home state, obtaining a permit is often still advisable. Permits provide reciprocity benefits in other states, exemption from the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act, and may be required for carry in certain locations even within permitless states.
Legal Disclaimer: Concealed carry laws change frequently and are subject to ongoing litigation. This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current statutes and court rulings with official state licensing authorities and consult an attorney for specific legal questions. Information current as of publication date.