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 Arizona gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Grand Canyon State below.

Can You Carry a Gun in Georgia?

Open carry is legal in Georgia only with a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) or a concealed carry permit from a state Georgia honors. Concealed carry is legal for residents of Georgia with a WCL, any lawful weapons carrier, and non-residents with a license/permit issued by any other state.

Georgia Concealed Carry Permit

A non-resident can only obtain a handgun carry permit if he or she is a member of the military permanently stationed in Georgia. The minimum age required to obtain a Georgia WCL is 21 years old (or 18 for members of the military). In terms of reciprocity, Governor Kemp signed HB 218 into law on April 12, 2022, recognizing firearms licenses from all other states.
Find Georgia Concealed Carry Classes

Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground

Per Georgia Code § 16-3-21, a person has no duty to retreat and is justified in threatening or using force against another. This is only when the person reasonably believes such threat or force is necessary to defend himself or herself or a third person against another’s imminent use of unlawful force or to prevent death or great bodily injury. Force may also be used to prevent the commission of a forcible felony, such as rape, armed robbery or kidnapping.

A person is justified in threatening or using force against another when he or she reasonably believes that such threat is necessary to prevent or stop an unlawful entry into or attack upon a home. The use of deadly force is only justified if the entry is attempted or made for the purpose of assault or violence against any person in the house.

Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements

Permits are not required when buying a handgun, and there is no firearms registration in Georgia. No background check is required when buying a handgun from a private individual. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases or restrictions on magazine capacity and ammunition in Georgia.

Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons

Stun guns, Tasers and pepper spray are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. Training with your less-than-lethal tool is always recommended.

Where Can I Carry Concealed in Georgia?

Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Georgia’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.

Locations where a concealed handgun may be carried include:

  • Restaurants that serve alcohol (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:

  • School safety zones — building or property leased or owned by any public or private elementary, secondary, technical or vocational school, college, university or other institute of post-secondary education
  • School buses and functions
  • Specific areas of campuses of higher education
  • Secured area of an airport
  • Courthouses
  • Government buildings that are not restricted or screened by security personnel
  • Churches or places of worship, unless allowed by the governing body or authority of the place of worship
  • Jails or prisons
  • State mental health facilities
  • Premises of a nuclear power facility
  • Within 150 feet of any polling place when elections are being conducted
  • 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 Georgia?

Any person who is not prohibited by law from possessing a handgun or long gun may have or carry it in his or her vehicle (owned or rented by you). In a vehicle you do not own, you must have the permission of the person who has legal control of the vehicle.

 

Ready to Learn More About Georgia 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 Georgia’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and CCW training requirements, visit the Georgia 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 particular case, and laws are constantly changing; as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.