Know the Law

Concealed Carry & Open Carry Laws

Carry laws vary dramatically by state. This guide covers the three primary frameworks governing how Americans legally carry firearms in public.

Constitutional Carry

Constitutional carry — also called permitless carry — allows adults who are legally permitted to possess firearms to carry concealed without a government-issued permit. The term references the Second Amendment as the only "permit" needed. As of 2026, 30 states have adopted some form of constitutional carry.

Even in constitutional carry states, most still issue carry permits voluntarily. These permits are useful for interstate reciprocity — many states that require permits will honor permits from other states but will not recognize permitless carry from out of state.

Concealed Carry with a Permit

21 states require a government-issued permit or license to carry a concealed firearm. Requirements vary but typically include a background check, firearms safety training, and an application fee. Some states are "shall-issue" (must issue if requirements are met) while others are "may-issue" (issuing authority has discretion).

The 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen struck down "proper cause" requirements, holding that states may not require applicants to demonstrate a special need for self-defense. This shifted several may-issue states toward shall-issue frameworks.

Open Carry

Open carry refers to carrying a firearm visibly in public. Laws vary widely: some states allow open carry without any permit, others require a permit, and some prohibit it entirely. Open carry laws often differ between handguns and long guns. Many states that adopted constitutional carry for concealed weapons already permitted open carry.

Restricted locations

Even in states that allow permitless carry, firearms are typically prohibited in certain locations including federal buildings, courthouses, schools, airports (beyond security), and establishments that post signage prohibiting firearms. Specific restricted locations vary by state — always check your state's law for a complete list.

Federal resources

ATF.gov — State Laws and Published Ordinances →ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →

Carry Laws by State

AlabamaPermitless AlaskaPermitless ArizonaPermitless ArkansasPermitless FloridaPermitless GeorgiaPermitless IdahoPermitless IndianaPermitless IowaPermitless KansasPermitless KentuckyPermitless LouisianaPermitless MainePermitless MississippiPermitless MissouriPermitless MontanaPermitless NebraskaPermitless New HampshirePermitless North CarolinaPermitless North DakotaPermitless OhioPermitless OklahomaPermitless South CarolinaPermitless South DakotaPermitless TennesseePermitless TexasPermitless UtahPermitless VermontPermitless West VirginiaPermitless WyomingPermitless CaliforniaPermit req.ColoradoPermit req.ConnecticutPermit req.DelawarePermit req.HawaiiPermit req.IllinoisPermit req.MarylandPermit req.MassachusettsPermit req.MichiganPermit req.MinnesotaPermit req.NevadaPermit req.New JerseyPermit req.New MexicoPermit req.New YorkPermit req.OregonPermit req.PennsylvaniaPermit req.Rhode IslandPermit req.VirginiaPermit req.WashingtonPermit req.WisconsinPermit req.District of ColumbiaPermit req.

This page is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.