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 provide a comprehensive overview of Louisiana gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Bayou State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Louisiana?
The state of Louisiana does not prohibit the open carry of firearms in public. Therefore, it is legal without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including parades and bars. Louisiana is a constitutional carry state. As of July 4th, 2024, anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm, may concealed carry a firearm without a permit.
Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit
Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permits are available for residents and members of the military permanently stationed in the state. An applicant must be at least 21 years old and a resident of Louisiana and must complete a firearms training course. As of July 4th, 2024, anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm, may concealed carry a firearm without a permit.
Learn How to Get a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit
Open Carry Gun Laws in Louisiana
Open carry is legal in Louisiana without a permit for any adult who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm. Although Louisiana state law indicates 17 as the minimum age, federal law dictates the minimum age as 18 years old. Some areas are off-limits, including parades and bars.
Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground
Louisiana is a Castle Doctrine state with a “Stand Your Ground” statute. In Louisiana, deadly force is legal when preventing a forcible crime against you or a forcible crime or trespass against your property only if the force or violence used is reasonable and apparently necessary to prevent the crime. The law applies if you are lawfully inside a dwelling, a place of business or a motor vehicle when the conflict begins. The force must also be against a person who is attempting to make an unlawful entry or who has made an unlawful entry. And you must reasonably believe that the force or violence is necessary to prevent the entry or to compel the intruder to leave. There is no duty to retreat before using force or violence.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
Permits are not required when buying a handgun, and there is no firearms registration in Louisiana. No background check is required when buying a handgun from a private individual. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases.
Does Louisiana Have Ammunition and Magazine Restrictions?
There are no magazine-capacity restrictions. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Stun guns, Tasers and defensive sprays such as pepper spray are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.
Where Can One Carry in Louisiana?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Louisiana’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 by permit holders include:
- Restaurants that serve alcohol, but not in the bar area (unless posted)
- Places of worship, with permission from someone with authority
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
- Roadside rest areas
Locations where carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:
- Any school campus or school bus or within 1,000 feet of a school
- A law enforcement office, station or building
- A detention facility, prison or jail
- A courthouse or courtroom
- A polling place
- A municipal building or other public building or structure
- The State Capitol building
- Any portion of an airport facility where the carrying of firearms is prohibited under federal law
- A parade or demonstration for which a permit was issued by a governmental entity
- A private residence of another without first receiving the consent of that person
- Any establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises (for restaurants with bars, the bar areas are off-limits)
- Designated gaming areas of casinos
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Louisiana?
Per the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Concealed Handguns Frequently Asked Questions, under most circumstances, carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle is legal in Louisiana. There are no state laws prohibiting vehicle carry.
Can You Concealed Carry in a Bar in Louisiana?
Any establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises is off-limits for concealed carry permit holders. For restaurants with bars, the bar areas are off-limits. In addition, some establishments may post signs stating that firearms are not allowed. Concealed carry is not allowed while under the influence of alcohol (BAC of 0.05 or greater) or a controlled dangerous substance (when a blood test or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in L.R.S. 40:961 and 40:964).
No weapons, as defined in the Louisiana Criminal Code, are permitted in the designated gaming areas of casinos. This excludes guns in the possession of full-time commissioned law enforcement officers who are on duty and within their respective jurisdictions as well as on-duty gaming security personnel who are licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners.
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 judgement, 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Louisiana gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community. It 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.
