For nearly a century, Vermont gun laws were among the only in the nation that explicitly allowed concealed carry without a permit.
The Vermont Supreme Court established in the 1903 case State v. Rosenthal that the requirement for citizens to carry a concealed pistol only with permission of a mayor or chief of police is "repugnant to the Constitution."
Vermont's minimalist gun laws also preempt municipal and county governments from establishing local firearm and ammunition laws, according to 24 V.S.A. SS 2295.
What To Know About Vermont Concealed Carry
Just because in Vermont doesn't require a permit, doesn't mean there .
Aside from current statutes, bills were introduced in the house and senate in early 2017, requiring background checks for transferring firearms if the measures are passed.
Within the state, residents and nonresidents may carry handguns without a permit, but there are restrictions on who may carry and where firearms may be carried.
One may not carry in Vermont if they've been convicted with a violent crime, as per Title 13 Chapter 85 SS 4017, unless rights have been restored under 18 U.S.C. SS 925(c). Federal prohibitors under 18 U.S.C. SS 922(d) and (g) still apply.
Weapons are not allowed within Vermont court houses, as per Title 13 Chapter 85 SS 4016, or on school property, school buses or in school buildings unless given permission from authorities, according to Title 13 Chapter 85 SS 4004.
Carrying in state parks and in cars is allowed.
Deadly weapons may not be carried with the intent of injuring others, per SS 4003.
Consider also that furnishing firearms to children under the age of 16 can result in a $10-$50 fine under SS 4007 if one isn't an instructor/teacher providing lessons for instructions and drills, and children under the age of 16 generally may not possess or control firearms under SS 4008, unless parental permission is granted.
Vermont Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Given that permits aren't required for residents or nonresidents, Vermont doesn't necessarily have reciprocity laws.
It's free game -- with the previously mentioned restrictions, of course. Those traveling to the state should keep in mind locations that bar firearms.
However, Vermont residents may need to apply for a nonresident permit, if offered, when traveling to states that require permits, and will be required to follow the respective state's laws -- for example, the age restrictions may be five years higher than Vermont's (21 as opposed to 16). As this isn't legal advice, be sure to contact out-of-state authorities when traveling.
Check out our for more information on Vermont's reciprocity with other states.
Vermont Concealed Carry Laws Are A Historic Bookmark On Gun Legislation
Technically, Vermont concealed carry, reinforced by that 1903 case, has always been constitutional carry -- not requiring a permit to carry a concealed firearm. They never enacted legislation that restricted carrying concealed firearms.
Many states in early American history had a similar approach, but this changed. Alabama enacted statutes restricting concealed weapons and upheld the law in its supreme court in 1840 in State v. Reid.
Shortly after Indiana became a state, it also enacted similar measures in 1831. Arkansas in 1839 upheld a local firearm statute that limited concealed weapons, "except on a journey." Other states pushed similar measures to this, contained in the Uniform Firearms Act, according to a paper in the Duke Law Scholarship Repository.
It was finally decided in the 1897 Supreme Court case Robertson vs. Baldwin, 165 U.S. 275, that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms (Art. II) is not infringed by laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons."
FAQs
Who can carry concealed firearms in Vermont?
Vermont does not require a permit to carry concealed firearms. Any person legally allowed to possess a firearm can carry it concealed or openly without a permit.
Is a concealed carry permit required in Vermont?
Vermont neither issues nor requires permits or licenses to carry concealed or openly. The state has had permitless carry laws for decades.
Are there any restrictions on carrying firearms in Vermont?
Carrying firearms is prohibited in schools, on school buses, in courthouses, government buildings, polling places, bars, and on private property where firearms are banned by signage or owner directive. Federal gun laws also apply.
Does Vermont perform background checks on firearms purchases?
Yes, Vermont requires background checks on all gun sales, including private sales, at the point of sale.
Does Vermont regulate ghost guns and high-capacity magazines?
Yes, Vermont prohibits ghost guns by requiring serial numbers and background checks for firearm components and bans magazines with capacities over a prescribed limit.
Are there any waiting periods or safe storage laws in Vermont?
Since 2023, Vermont enacted suicide prevention laws that include a waiting period on firearm purchases and requirements for secure firearm storage to prevent unauthorized access.
Does Vermont recognize concealed carry permits from other states?
While Vermont does not issue permits, its constitutional carry status means residents can carry without a permit. Those traveling with permits from other states should check local reciprocity, which Vermont's laws do not explicitly address.
Is open carry regulated differently than concealed carry in Vermont?
No, both open and concealed carry are legal without a permit. However, both are subject to the same restrictions regarding prohibited areas.
What laws protect firearm owners in Vermont?
Vermont law bars certain individuals with violent misdemeanors from carrying, enforces laws blocking gun possession during emergency restraining orders, and allows legal accountability for firearm industry misconduct.
Are there upcoming legislative changes affecting concealed carry in Vermont?
Recent and pending legislation focuses on expanding background checks, regulating ghost guns, increasing safe storage, and maintaining permitless carry. Proposed local ordinances occasionally seek to regulate firearms more strictly.
|
About The Author Jake Smith (@notjakesmith) is a copywriter and photographer based in the pacific northwest. He graduated from the University of Idaho with degrees in public relations and apparel. |