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 will be providing you with a summary of basic carry laws for several states. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Heart of Dixie below.

Getting a Concealed Carry Permit in Alabama

Open carry is legal in Alabama without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry, although some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses.

On March 10, 2022, Gov. Kay Ivey signed HB 272, or the constitutional carry bill, into law. Beginning on January 1, 2023, anyone who is 21 years old or older and legally permitted to carry a firearm will no longer be required to obtain a permit in order to carry a concealed pistol.

Concealed carry is legal for residents with an Alabama Pistol Permit and for non-residents with a permit from a state that Alabama honors. Only residents who are at least 18 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. In addition, active-duty military veterans that meet the qualifications can obtain or renew their pistol permits free of charge. In terms of reciprocity, Alabama honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits.

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 or magazine-capacity 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.

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 Concealed Carry?

Vehicle carry is allowed for individuals with an Alabama Pistol Permit or a permit from a state that Alabama honors. Without a permit, handguns must be unloaded and locked in a compartment or container that is in or is affixed securely to the vehicle and out of reach of the driver and any passenger in the vehicle.

Locations where a concealed handgun may be carried include:

  • 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, include:

  • 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

Visit the USCCA Alabama gun laws page now…

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.