Whether you’re new to concealed carry or a long-time permit holder planning to travel, one fact remains: firearms laws differ dramatically from state to state. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map helps you determine where your permit is legally recognized so you can stay compliant and avoid legal issues while crossing state lines.
Carrying with confidence requires a clear understanding of the legal landscape. You need to know the types of permits available, how state laws vary and which states have reciprocity agreements. These details are important — whether you’re protecting your family at home or exercising your rights on the road.
History of U.S. Gun Laws and Firearms Eligibility
Concealed carry legislation in the United States is relatively young and constantly evolving. Until 1934, firearms were largely unregulated at the federal level. That changed with the National Firearms Act — Congress’s first major gun-control law, which imposed steep taxes and registration requirements on items like machine guns, short-barreled rifles and silencers.
The next major step came in 1968, when the Gun Control Act was passed amid national turmoil and political assassinations. It established minimum age limits for firearms purchases and prohibited ownership by specific categories of individuals, such as:
- Those convicted of felonies or certain misdemeanors (unless state law restores their rights)
- Fugitives from justice
- Unlawful users of depressant, narcotic or stimulant drugs
- Individuals adjudicated as mentally defective, incompetent or committed to a mental institution with a current dangerous mental illness
- Non-citizens, unless permanently immigrating or holding a valid U.S.-issued hunting license
- Illegal aliens
- Anyone who has renounced U.S. citizenship
- Minors under 18 (except in Vermont, where individuals can possess firearms at age 16)
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence
- Those under indictment for crimes punishable by more than one year in prison
If you don’t fall into a prohibited category, you’re federally eligible to own firearms and apply for a concealed carry permit in most states. However, state and local gun laws vary greatly, which is why understanding state-specific rules is crucial.
Concealed Carry Laws in All 50 States
With Illinois the last to enact legislation, all 50 states now allow some form of concealed carry. But the method of regulation differs:
- Constitutional carry states allow eligible individuals to carry without a permit.
- Shall-issue states must issue permits to applicants who meet all legal requirements.
- May-issue states allow authorities to deny permits even if legal requirements are met.
These shifts reflect a growing legal and cultural recognition of the right to self-defense. That evolution began with Florida’s 1987 law, which opened the door to the modern shall-issue movement. Today, 29 states have embraced permitless or constitutional carry.
How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit
If you live in a shall-issue state, getting your concealed carry permit typically requires you to:
- Meet the minimum age requirement
- Provide proof of residency
- Have no history of substance abuse
- Maintain a clean criminal record (felonies and domestic violence convictions are automatic disqualifiers)
- Legally possess firearms under federal and state law
- Complete training in the legal use of force, self-defense laws and firearms safety
- Demonstrate firearms proficiency through testing or certification
If you live in a may-issue state, the process is more subjective. Even if you meet all legal requirements, you may be denied for lack of “good cause.” Some states allow applicants to appeal a denial, but the process can be time-consuming and costly.
Pro Tip: Want to understand the key differences between may-issue and shall-issue laws? Review this in-depth breakdown to see how your state compares.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Carry Permits
A resident permit is usually the most straightforward to obtain and may come with broader reciprocity from neighboring states. However, a non-resident concealed carry permit can be a powerful option for those who travel frequently or need recognition in additional states.
To get a non-resident permit, you typically must:
- Obtain your home state’s resident permit first
- Meet additional state-specific eligibility criteria
- Pay higher fees and fulfill documentation requirements
- In some cases, demonstrate business, property ownership or employment ties to the issuing state
Some states limit non-resident permits to military members, property owners or neighboring-state residents.
Use the USCCA Reciprocity Map to confirm whether these permits are recognized in your destination state.
Pro Tip: Not sure which out-of-state permits are best? To better understand the difference between resident and non-resident concealed carry permits — and how each can affect reciprocity when traveling — check out this blog post.
Responsible Concealed Carry Starts With You
Regardless of whether you carry under a resident permit, a non-resident permit or constitutional carry, your responsibility remains the same: Know the law, seek proper training and act responsibly at all times.
Prohibited Locations for Concealed Carry
Both federal and state governments designate off-limits firearm locations where carrying is strictly prohibited — even if you have a valid permit. These typically include:
- Courtrooms
- Jails and detention centers
- Police stations
- School zones
- Secure (sterile) areas of airports
Understanding Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Concealed carry reciprocity refers to whether your permit is honored in another state. Reciprocity agreements vary:
- Full reciprocity: Recognize all valid out-of-state permits
- Partial reciprocity: Only honor specific states’ permits
- No reciprocity: Do not recognize any out-of-state permits
States assess one another’s training standards, background checks and permitting criteria before establishing reciprocity agreements. Because each jurisdiction has its own laws and nuances, understanding concealed carry reciprocity is essential for any responsibly armed American.
Travel Tips for Concealed Carry
- Check the USCCA Reciprocity Map before each trip
- Carry printed or digital copies of your permit(s)
- Know local laws on firearms transport, use-of-force and signage
- Consider a non-resident permit from a widely recognized state if you travel often
How to Use the USCCA Reciprocity Map
The USCCA Reciprocity Map is an interactive tool that helps you:
- Check which states recognize your concealed carry permit(s)
- Understand state gun laws and carry regulations
- Identify off-limits firearms locations before you travel
- Avoid legal issues related to firearms transport
To use the map:
- Select your state of residence.
- Choose each state where you currently hold a concealed carry permit.
- Submit to generate a customized overview of where your permit is valid — and what specific laws apply in each state.
Whether you’re crossing one border or planning a multi-state road trip, this map gives you the confidence and clarity to travel legally and responsibly.
Carry With Confidence, Not Confusion
Concealed carry is a constitutionally protected right — but it’s governed by a complex patchwork of state laws. As a responsibly armed citizen, you owe it to yourself, your family and your community to stay informed, well-trained and legally protected.
The USCCA Reciprocity Map is your go-to resource for traveling legally and confidently across state lines. Use it often. Carry responsibly. And never stop learning.
Take the Next Step: Get Trained to Carry With Confidence
Understanding concealed carry reciprocity is essential — but real confidence comes from hands-on training. Whether you’re applying for your first permit or looking to sharpen your skills, the USCCA’s concealed carry classes offer expert instruction on firearms safety, legal use of force and responsible self-defense.
Find a class near you and start your training today.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is concealed carry reciprocity?
Concealed carry reciprocity refers to whether a state recognizes a concealed carry permit issued by another state. Some states have full reciprocity, while others are more selective — or offer none at all. Always check current agreements using a trusted tool like the USCCA Reciprocity Map before crossing state lines with your firearm.
Can I carry a concealed weapon in another state with my current permit?
It depends on the state. Some states honor permits from other jurisdictions, while others do not. Factors like training requirements and background checks affect whether your permit is recognized. To stay compliant, confirm recognition and review local laws before traveling.
How do I find out if my concealed carry permit is valid in another state?
The easiest way is to use the USCCA Reciprocity Map. Select your state(s) of residence and the states you plan to visit to get an up-to-date breakdown of where your permit is legally recognized.
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.
