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 Vermont gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Green Mountain State.

Can You Carry a Gun in Vermont

Vermont is a constitutional carry state. Both open carry and concealed carry are legal without a permit in Vermont. Anyone at least 18 years old and not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm can carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit.

Vermont Concealed Carry Permit

Vermont is the only U.S. state that does not issue concealed carry permits. 

Stand Your Ground

Vermont does not have Castle Doctrine or a “stand your ground” law. But courts have consistently ruled that there is no duty to retreat when attacked in your dwelling. The law in Vermont states, “If a person kills or wounds another under any of the circumstances enumerated below, he or she shall be guiltless: (1) In the just and necessary defense of his or her own life or the life of his or her husband, wife, parent, child, brother, sister, master, mistress, servant, guardian or ward; or (2) In the suppression of a person attempting to commit murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, burglary or robbery with force or violence.”

Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements

There is no firearms registration or waiting period after purchasing a handgun. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in the state.

Firearms transfers must be completed through a licensed firearms dealer and require a background check. There are exemptions for transfers between immediate family members and transfers to another person in order to prevent imminent harm.

While Vermont does not have any ammunition restrictions, magazine capacity is limited to no more than 15 rounds for handguns.

On March 25, 2022, Gov. Phil Scott signed S. 4 into law, which permits a non-resident to transport a high-capacity magazine into the state for the exclusive purpose of use in an organized shooting competition sponsored by an entity registered with the secretary of state. The device also must be lawfully possessed under the laws of another state. It went into effect on July 1, 2022.

Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons

Stun guns, Tasers, batons and pepper spray are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. Tear gas and bear spray are also legal but subject to general misuse laws. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Vermont. 

Where Can One Carry Concealed in Vermont?

  • Restaurants that serve alcohol (unless posted)
  • State/national parks
  • State/national forests
  • Wildlife Management Areas
  • Places of worship (unless posted)

Locations where carry is prohibited include:

  • Any elementary, middle or high school, including buildings and grounds and on a school bus
  • Mud Creek Controlled Hunting Area in Alburg
  • Residential Treatment Program properties
  • Any private preserve without written consent of the owner or person having the exclusive right to take fish or wild animals on such lands
  • The Bomoseen State Game Refuge
  • Any courthouse
  • Any state institution
  • Any state building
  • Any hospital
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation

Can You Have a Loaded Gun in Your Car in Vermont?

Anyone at least 18 years old and not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm can carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle and at roadside rest areas without a permit. 

 

Ready to Learn More About Vermont 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 Vermont’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Vermont 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.