Do You Need A Permit To Carry: A State-By-State Guide
Did you know that you may not be required to obtain a permit to carry a firearm? In fact, as of January 2023, half of the states in the U.S. will no longer require a permit to carry. There are currently four types of legislation in place regarding firearm carry permits in the United States: no permit, concealed carry permit only, open carry and concealed carry permit, and no open carry. This guide provides a complete guide to the current legislation in each state.
No Permit
There are 25 states that do not require a permit to carry a firearm, however, each state has specific requirements for who can carry it or how it is carried. Some states have a constitutional carry legislature, which means that any resident can carry a firearm if they legally own it. Other states have permitless carry laws which require individuals to meet requirements, such as having a clean legal record, to be able to carry.
States that do not require a permit to carry as of January 2023 include the following: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montanna, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Permit Required For Concealed Carry
Some states allow gun owners to open carry without a permit but still require a permit for concealed carry. To be able to open carry without a permit in these states, residents must meet certain requirements, such as legally owning a gun, meeting age restrictions, and having a clean criminal record.
States that require a permit for concealed carry only include the following: Colorado, Delaware, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Permit Required For Open and Concealed Carry
Some states require a permit to carry any firearm with separate permits for open carry and concealed carry. Each state decides what requirements must be met to obtain a license and if the requirements vary by permit type.
States that require a permit for both open carry and concealed carry include the following: Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and South Carolina.
Open Carry Prohibited
Finally, some states prohibit open carry altogether; however, concealed carry is still allowed with a permit. This is the most restrictive legislature to date.
States that prohibit open carry include the following: California, Florida, Illinois, and New York.
For more information about permits to carry, contact a local professional.