If you’re considering carrying a firearm for personal protection, one of the first questions you may have is whether you need a concealed carry permit.
The answer depends largely on where you live.
Concealed carry laws vary significantly from state to state. Some states require eligible individuals to obtain a permit before carrying a concealed firearm, while others allow permitless carry for individuals who meet certain legal requirements. Even in states where a permit isn’t required, however, there may still be good reasons to obtain one.
Whether you’re a first-time concealed carrier or an experienced gun owner planning to travel, understanding how concealed carry permits work can help you stay informed about the laws that apply to you.
What Is a Concealed Carry Permit?
A concealed carry permit is a state-issued license that authorizes an eligible individual to carry a concealed firearm, subject to applicable state and federal laws.
Depending on the state, you may hear these permits referred to by different names, including:
- Concealed Carry Permit (CCP)
- Concealed Carry Weapon Permit (CCW)
- Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)
- Concealed Pistol License (CPL)
- License to Carry (LTC)
- Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP)
The terminology isn’t the only thing that varies. Eligibility requirements, fees, training requirements, application procedures and permit duration can all differ by state.
That makes one thing especially important: Always check the concealed carry permit requirements for the state where you live or intend to obtain a permit.
Do You Need a Permit to Carry Concealed?
Not necessarily.
A growing number of states have adopted some form of permitless carry, sometimes called “constitutional carry.” Generally, these laws allow qualifying individuals to carry a concealed handgun without first obtaining a carry permit.
But “permitless” doesn’t mean “lawless.”
State restrictions concerning who may possess or carry a firearm, where firearms may be carried, age requirements and other rules still apply. The details can also vary considerably from one permitless carry state to another.
Additionally, states that allow permitless carry may continue to issue concealed carry permits.
So why would someone get a permit if the state doesn’t require one?
There are several potential advantages.
Why Get a Concealed Carry Permit?
1. Concealed Carry Reciprocity
One of the biggest reasons to obtain a concealed carry permit is reciprocity.
Concealed carry reciprocity or recognition refers to one state recognizing a concealed carry permit issued by another state. Reciprocity rules vary widely. Some states recognize permits from many other states, while others recognize few or no out-of-state permits.
A permit can therefore provide additional carry options when traveling with a firearm across state lines.
However, having a permit doesn’t mean your home state’s carry laws travel with you. When carrying in another state, you’re generally responsible for following the laws of the state you’re physically in.
Before crossing state lines with a firearm, check the laws of every jurisdiction involved in your trip.
Visit the USCCA Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map
2. Carrying in Other States
Permitless carry laws generally apply only within the jurisdiction that enacted them. Your ability to carry without a permit in your home state doesn’t automatically give you the same ability in another state.
A recognized concealed carry permit may allow you to legally carry in states where you otherwise couldn’t.
For gun owners who frequently travel, this can make obtaining a permit worthwhile even when their home state doesn’t require one.
3. Firearms Training
Depending on the state, obtaining a concealed carry permit may require completing an approved firearms training course.
Training requirements vary, but courses may address subjects such as firearms safety, safe handling, storage, applicable laws and the use of deadly force.
Meeting the minimum requirements for a permit shouldn’t be viewed as the end of your training. Responsible gun owners should consider continuing to develop their firearm-handling, decision-making and defensive skills.
4. Understanding Your State’s Gun Laws
Applying for a concealed carry permit also gives gun owners a reason to become more familiar with the laws governing concealed carry in their state.
That can include questions such as:
- Where can you legally carry a firearm?
- Are “No Guns” signs legally enforceable?
- Can you carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol?
- What are the rules for carrying in a vehicle?
- Do you have a duty to inform law enforcement that you’re carrying?
- Are there restrictions involving schools, government buildings or other sensitive locations?
A permit doesn’t exempt you from these laws. Knowing where and how you can legally carry remains the responsibility of the individual gun owner.
How Do You Get a Concealed Carry Permit?
There is no single nationwide application process. Concealed carry permits are generally issued under state law, and the requirements depend on the jurisdiction.
However, the process commonly involves some combination of the following steps.
Step 1: Determine Whether You’re Eligible
Before applying, review your state’s eligibility requirements.
Requirements may address factors such as age, residency and whether an applicant is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Some states also issue permits to qualifying non-residents, while others restrict permits primarily or entirely to residents.
Step 2: Complete Required Firearms Training
Some states require applicants to complete firearms training before receiving a permit.
The required course may include classroom instruction, live-fire qualification or both. Other states may accept certain previous training, military experience or other documentation.
And some states don’t require training at all.
Always verify exactly what your issuing authority requires before paying for a course.
Step 3: Gather Your Documentation
Required documents vary by state and sometimes by issuing authority.
Applicants may need to provide items such as government-issued identification, proof of residency, a training certificate, fingerprints, photographs or other documentation.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Depending on the state, applications may be submitted through a state agency, county sheriff, local law enforcement agency or another designated issuing authority.
Some jurisdictions allow online applications, while others require applicants to appear in person.
Application and processing fees also vary.
Step 5: Complete Fingerprinting or a Background Check
Depending on the jurisdiction, the application process may include fingerprinting and a criminal history or other background check.
Applicants should carefully review the state’s eligibility and disqualifying criteria before applying.
Step 6: Receive and Maintain Your Permit
If your application is approved, your permit will generally remain valid for a specified period.
Pay attention to the expiration date.
Renewal procedures can differ from the original application process, and some states require permit holders to complete additional steps before renewing.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Concealed Carry Permit?
There is no universal answer.
Processing times depend on the state, issuing authority, application requirements and other factors. Some permits may be issued relatively quickly, while others can take weeks or longer.
State law may also establish deadlines within which an issuing authority must approve or deny a completed application.
For current processing information, check with the agency responsible for issuing permits in your jurisdiction.
How Much Does a Concealed Carry Permit Cost?
Permit costs vary by state.
When calculating the total cost, remember that the application fee may not be the only expense. Depending on your state, you could also have costs associated with:
- Firearms training
- Fingerprinting
- Photographs
- Background checks
- Application or processing fees
- Renewal fees
Our state-specific concealed carry guides provide more detailed information about the requirements and costs in each jurisdiction.
What Is a Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permit?
Some states issue concealed carry permits to people who don’t live there.
These are generally referred to as non-resident concealed carry permits.
Gun owners sometimes obtain non-resident permits because they regularly travel to a particular state or because a non-resident permit may be recognized by additional states.
But reciprocity can get complicated quickly.
A state may recognize another state’s resident permit but not its non-resident permit. Other states may impose additional restrictions based on age, residency or permit type.
Never assume that obtaining a non-resident permit automatically allows you to carry throughout a particular group of states.
What Are the Best Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits?
Does a Concealed Carry Permit Work in Every State?
No.
There is currently no concealed carry permit that functions as a universal license to carry throughout the United States.
States determine which out-of-state permits they recognize through statutes, reciprocity agreements or other provisions of state law. For example, Pennsylvania explains that recognition may arise through written reciprocity agreements or mutual statutory reciprocity.
That means your permit may be recognized in one state but not another.
And even when another state recognizes your permit, you must still comply with that state’s laws regarding where, when and how firearms may be carried.
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218, allows qualified law enforcement officers (LEOs) and qualified retired law enforcement officers (RLEOs) to carry concealed in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) FAQs
Permitless Carry vs. Concealed Carry Permits
Permitless carry and permitted carry aren’t necessarily an either-or decision.
If your state allows permitless carry, you may be able to legally carry without obtaining a permit as long as you satisfy the applicable requirements. Obtaining a permit, however, may still offer benefits, particularly when it comes to carrying while traveling in states that recognize your permit.
This is why gun owners should look beyond the simple question of, “Do I need a permit?”
A better question may be:
“What advantages would having a permit give me?”
For someone who rarely leaves a permitless carry state, the answer may be different than it is for someone who regularly drives across multiple state lines.
Know the Law Before You Carry
Obtaining a concealed carry permit is only one part of being a responsible concealed carrier.
Gun laws can change, and the rules governing concealed carry vary significantly across the country. Reciprocity can change as well. Even state agencies caution permit holders that firearm laws vary from state to state and that individuals are responsible for knowing the laws where they carry.
Before carrying a firearm, especially when traveling, check current laws concerning:
- Permit and licensing requirements
- Reciprocity
- Prohibited locations
- Vehicle carry
- Firearm transportation
- Magazine or ammunition restrictions
- Duty-to-inform requirements
- Alcohol and firearms
- Applicable self-defense laws
Never assume that the rules in your home state apply somewhere else.
Find Concealed Carry Permit Requirements in Your State
Ready to find out what it takes to obtain a concealed carry permit?
Select your state below to learn about eligibility requirements, required training, application fees, processing, renewals and other important concealed carry information.
