Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Alabama gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Heart of Dixie below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Alabama?
On March 10, 2022, Gov. Kay Ivey signed HB 272, or the constitutional carry bill, into law. As of January 1, 2023, anyone who is 21 years old or older and legally permitted to carry a firearm is no longer required to obtain a permit in order to carry a concealed pistol.
Alabama Concealed Carry Permit
Only residents who are at least 19 years old may obtain Alabama Pistol Permits. However, the county sheriff may issue a permit to active-duty military members stationed in Alabama and their spouses.
An Alabama pistol permit is honored in 32 states, although this is subject to change. This includes the 29 permitless carry states (although age restrictions may apply). Alabama honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits. Visit the Alabama gun laws page for up-to-date information.
Effective January 1, 2022, 1-year or 5-year permit fees will be determined by local law. If there is no law on the subject, the fee will be $25 per year or $300 for lifetime, or $150 for lifetime if the applicant is over 60 years of age. Active-duty military and non-disability retirees from active military duty who meet the conditions are eligible to obtain the pistol permit without paying a fee.
Open Carry Gun Laws in Alabama
Open carry is legal in Alabama without a permit. Any person who is at least 19 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry, although some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
Permits are not required when buying a handgun. There is no firearms registration in Alabama. No background check is required when buying a handgun from a private individual. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases.
Does Alabama Have Ammunition and Magazine Restrictions?
Alabama law prohibits the possession or sale of brass or steel Teflon-coated handgun ammunition and other like ammunition (armor-piercing) designed to penetrate bulletproof vests. This prohibition does not apply to the possession or sale of Teflon-coated lead or brass ammunition designed to expand upon contact. There are no magazine-capacity restrictions.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit in most of the state. However, a city permit from the local police is required in the City of Mobile, and stun guns and Tasers are not allowed to be possessed on school property, including storage in a vehicle on school property in the City of Montgomery. Defensive sprays such as pepper spray are allowed, provided such is not used against another person in the commission of a crime or against a law enforcement officer while he or she is performing his or her official duties.
Where Can One Carry Concealed in Alabama?
- Restaurants that serve alcohol (unless posted)
- Places of worship (unless posted)
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Roadside rest areas
Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permit holders
- Prisons, jails, halfway houses, community corrections facilities, or other criminal or juvenile detention facilities
- Police, sheriff or highway patrol stations
- Inside facilities which provide inpatient or custodial care of those with psychiatric, mental or emotional disorders
- Buildings in which a county commission or city council is currently having a meeting
- Inside courthouses or courthouse annexes
- Inside any facilities hosting an athletic event (that is not related to firearms) which is sponsored by an elementary, secondary or post-secondary school (However, concealed handgun license holders may carry on the premises with permission)
- Inside any facility hosting a professional athletic event (However, concealed handgun license holders may carry on the premises with permission)
- Inside any buildings or facilities to which access is limited during normal hours of operation by the continuous posting of guards and the use of other security features
- Courthouses or buildings in which a district attorney’s office is located
- Demonstrations at public places
- Alabama State House
- University of Alabama (based on their firearms policy)
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Alabama?
As of January 1, 2023, Alabama does not require a permit or license to carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle.
Can You Concealed Carry in a Bar in Alabama?
Those with an Alabama pistol permit or a permit from a state that Alabama honors may concealed carry in bars. If the establishment is posted restricting guns, however, one must abide by those rules.
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Ready to Learn More About Alabama Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Alabama’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Alabama gun laws page now…
Additionally, continued firearms training is crucial to protecting your family. Find a shooting range in Alabama through our “Find a Range” resource — made possible by our partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation and WhereToShoot.org.
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
