Know the Law
Interstate Carry Reciprocity
Concealed carry permits are issued by individual states, and each state decides which out-of-state permits it will honor. Understanding reciprocity is essential before traveling with a firearm.
How Reciprocity Works
Reciprocity agreements are arrangements between states to honor each other's concealed carry permits. These agreements are not uniform — State A may honor State B's permit while State B does not honor State A's. Some states honor all out-of-state permits, some honor none, and most fall somewhere in between.
Constitutional carry states generally allow any person who meets their carry requirements to carry within their borders, regardless of residency. However, this does not mean your home state's constitutional carry status extends to other states — it does not.
Key Principles for Interstate Travel
Research every state on your route
You must comply with the laws of each state you pass through, not just your destination. A legal firearm in your home state may be illegal in a state you drive through.
Federal Peaceable Journey law (FOPA)
Under 18 U.S.C. § 926A, you may transport a firearm through a state where it would otherwise be illegal, provided the firearm is unloaded, not readily accessible, and legal at both your origin and destination. This is a narrow protection — stops, detours, or overnight stays may void it.
Read full statute →Flying with firearms
TSA allows firearms in checked baggage only. The firearm must be unloaded, in a hard-sided locked case, and declared at check-in. Ammunition must be in its original packaging or a container designed for it. Check your airline's specific policies in addition to TSA rules.
Vehicle storage requirements vary
Some states require firearms to be stored in the trunk or a locked container while in a vehicle. Others allow loaded firearms in the passenger compartment with or without a permit. These rules differ significantly and can result in criminal charges if violated.
Magazine and ammunition restrictions
Some states restrict magazine capacity (commonly 10 or 15 rounds) or ban certain types of ammunition. A magazine that is legal in your home state may be a criminal offense in your destination state. Check before you travel.
No federal concealed carry reciprocity
There is currently no federal law requiring states to honor out-of-state concealed carry permits. Several bills have been introduced in Congress over the years, but none have been enacted. Until such a law passes, reciprocity is governed entirely by individual state agreements.
Check Your State's Laws
Select your state to see its full gun law summary, including carry permit details.
This page is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before traveling with firearms.