With concealed carry becoming increasingly popular, more people are seeking permits to carry a firearm for personal protection. However, the application process varies widely depending on where you live. This guide will walk you through the steps to get a concealed carry permit across all 50 states, covering the different types of permits, requirements, and best practices for applicants.
1. Understanding Permit Types and Requirements
States have different regulations around concealed carry permits, and they fall into three primary categories:
- Shall-Issue States: In these states, permits are granted to applicants who meet basic requirements, like passing a background check and completing training.
- May-Issue States: Here, applicants must demonstrate a need or “good cause” to carry concealed, and issuing authorities have discretion in granting permits.
- Permitless Carry States: Also known as “constitutional carry,” these states allow qualified individuals to carry concealed without a permit.
Some states also offer non-resident permits, which are useful for individuals who travel frequently and want to carry in multiple states.
2. General Requirements for a Concealed Carry Permit
While requirements vary by state, there are some general eligibility criteria:
- Minimum Age: Most states require applicants to be at least 21 years old, though some permit 18-year-olds to apply.
- Clean Criminal Record: A background check is conducted to ensure applicants have no felony convictions or other disqualifying criminal history.
- Firearms Training: Many states mandate completion of a firearms training course, which may cover safe handling, laws, and live-fire exercises.
- Residency Requirements: Most states require applicants to be residents, though non-resident permits are available in certain states.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit by State
Let’s break down the permit process for each state. This is a general overview; always refer to your state’s official website for specific details.
Alabama to Georgia
Alabama: Shall-issue state. Applicants need to apply through their local sheriff’s office, complete background checks, and meet minimum residency requirements.
Alabama State Firearms Information
Alaska: Constitutional carry state, but residents can obtain a permit for reciprocity with other states.
Alaska Concealed Carry Information
Arizona: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity. Requires applicants to complete firearms training.
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Arkansas: Permitless carry state. Permits are available for reciprocity.
Arkansas State Police Firearms Safety
California: May-issue state, with strict requirements, including demonstrated “good cause” and a background check.
California DOJ Firearms Information
Colorado: Shall-issue state; applicants must complete firearms training and pass background checks.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Firearms
Connecticut: May-issue state; applicants must complete an approved training course and background check.
Delaware: May-issue state; applicants must publish an intent to carry in a local newspaper and submit personal references.
Florida: Shall-issue state; applicants must complete a firearms training course and submit fingerprints.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Georgia: Shall-issue state; applicants apply through their county probate court and undergo a background check.
Georgia Concealed Carry License
Hawaii to New York
Hawaii: May-issue state with restrictive requirements; few permits are issued.
Idaho: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Illinois: Shall-issue state; applicants must complete 16 hours of training and pass a background check.
Illinois State Police Firearm Services Bureau
Indiana: Shall-issue state with simple application procedures and limited requirements.
Iowa: Shall-issue state with training requirements.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
Kansas: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Kansas Attorney General's Office
Kentucky: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Louisiana: Shall-issue state; applicants must complete training and background checks.
Louisiana State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Unit
Maine: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Maryland: May-issue state with strict requirements.
Maryland State Police Licensing Division
Massachusetts: May-issue state with extensive requirements.
Massachusetts Firearms Records Bureau
Michigan: Shall-issue state; applicants must complete firearms training and a background check.
Minnesota: Shall-issue state; training and background checks are required.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Mississippi: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Missouri: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Missouri Department of Public Safety
Montana: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Nebraska: Shall-issue state with training requirements.
Nevada: Shall-issue state; training and background checks required.
Nevada Department of Public Safety
New Hampshire: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
New Hampshire Department of Safety
New Jersey: May-issue state with stringent requirements.
New Mexico: Shall-issue state with training requirements.
New Mexico Department of Public Safety
New York: May-issue state; requires a good cause for issuance and has strict regulations.
New York State Police
North Carolina to Wyoming
North Carolina: Shall-issue state; training and background checks required.
North Carolina Department of Justice
North Dakota: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Ohio: Shall-issue state with training requirements.
Oklahoma: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
Oregon: Shall-issue state; training requirements apply.
Pennsylvania: Shall-issue state; permits issued by county sheriffs.
Rhode Island: May-issue state; training and background checks required.
South Carolina: Shall-issue state with training requirements.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
South Dakota: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
South Dakota Department of Public Safety
Tennessee: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Texas: Constitutional carry; permits are available for reciprocity.
Texas Department of Public Safety
Utah: Shall-issue state with training requirements; non-resident
Utah Department of Public Safety
Vermont: Constitutional carry state, no permits issued or required.
Virginia: Shall-issue state with training requirements.
Washington: Shall-issue state; background check and fingerprinting required.
Washington State Department of Licensing
West Virginia: Constitutional carry; permits available for reciprocity.
Wisconsin: Shall-issue state with training requirements.
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Wyoming: Constitutional carry; permits available for reciprocity.
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation
