Open carry refers to the practice of carrying a firearm in public where it is fully or partially visible to others — whether in a holster or not. It is distinct from concealed carry, which involves hiding the firearm from plain view. The definition of open carry varies by jurisdiction; in some states, a weapon must be fully visible to qualify, while in others, partially visible is sufficient.
If you’re wondering, “What does open carry mean?” or “What states allow open carry?” you’re not alone. Understanding open carry laws by state is essential for any responsible gun owner. Below, we break down open carry by state into four main legal categories and identify the states that do and don’t allow it.
How Many States Allow Open Carry?
Currently, 46 states allow open carry in some form. The remaining four states — California, Florida, Illinois and New York (plus Washington D.C.) — generally prohibit it.
Among those that allow it, laws differ: some states allow open carry without a permit, while others require a license or have local restrictions.
Four Categories of Open Carry Laws
To better understand open carry states, it helps to divide them into these categories:
- Permissive Open Carry States
These states allow individuals to carry firearms openly without a permit, as long as they can legally own a firearm.
- Licensed Open Carry/Not Addressed States
Open carry is legal only with a permit or is not specifically addressed in state statutes but still requires a license to carry.
- Anomalous Open Carry States
Here, open carry may be legal under state law but differ from local laws or may be extremely limited. (Certain criteria may differ for residents vs. non-residents.)
- Non-Permissive Open Carry States
These states do not allow open carry or permit it only under very limited conditions (e.g., hunting) or when legally used for self-defense.
States That Allow Open Carry Without a Permit
If you’re wondering which state allow open carry, here are the open carry states that fall under the permissive category:
Alabama: At least 18 years old
Alaska: At least 21 years old
Arizona: At least 18 years old
Arkansas: At least 18 years old
Delaware: At least 18 years old
Idaho: At least 18 years old
Indiana: At least 18 years old
Iowa: At least 21 years old
Kansas: At least 18 years old
Kentucky: At least 18 years old
Louisiana: At least 18 years old
Maine: At least 21 years old
Mississippi: At least 18 years old
Montana: At least 18 years old
Nevada: At least 18 years old
New Hampshire: At least 18 years old
New Mexico: At least 19 years old
North Carolina: At least 18 years old
(Note: Some localities can restrict where you are legally allowed to open carry, which may differ from other localities.)
Ohio: At least 18 years old
Oklahoma: At least 21 years old (18 for veterans or members of the military)
Pennsylvania: At least 18 years old
(Note: Open carry is legal, except in vehicles. It is not permitted in the city of Philadelphia.)
South Dakota: At least 18 years old
Tennessee: At least 21 years old (18 for military)
Texas: At least 21 years old (Note: The firearm must be holstered.)
Utah: At least 21 years old
Vermont: At least 18 years old
Virginia: At least 18 years old
(Note: Some localities can restrict where you are legally allowed to open carry, such as at public gatherings.)
Washington: At least 21 years old
(Note: Open carry is legal, except in a vehicle.)
West Virginia: At least 18 years old
Wisconsin: At least 18 years old
Wyoming: At least 18 years old
Anomalous Open Carry States
These states allow open carry, but local rules may differ or significantly limit it:
Colorado: At least 18 years old
Michigan: At least 18 years old
(Note: The gun must be registered in your name. Non-residents must have a valid permit from a state that Michigan recognizes.)
Missouri: At least 19 years old (18 for military)
Nebraska: At least 18 years old
Oregon: At least 18 years old
Open Carry States That Require a Permit or Are Not Explicitly Addressed
In these states, open carry is allowed only with a permit or is unclear but regulated:
Connecticut: At least 21 years old
(Note: However, an appellate court has recognized that “Depending on the specific circumstances, a person who openly carries a pistol conceivably may be subject to arrest for violating several statutes … even if § 29–35 does not prohibit a permit holder from carrying a pistol openly.” See Peruta v. Commissioner of Public Safety.)
Georgia: At least 21 years old (18 for military)
(Note: Open carry is not addressed in the new Constitutional Carry Bill.)
Hawaii: At least 21 years old
(Note: Open carry is only valid in the county for which the permit was issued.)
Maryland: At least 21 years old (18 for employment purposes)
Massachusetts: Open carry is only permitted if you have a current, valid Class B permit/license. No new class B licenses are being issued.
Minnesota: At least 21 years old
New Jersey: At least 21 years old
(Note: Open carry is not explicitly prohibited under New Jersey law.)
North Dakota: At least 18 years old
Rhode Island: At least 21 years old
(Note: Open carry is only allowed when a permit issued by the attorney general).
South Carolina: At least 21 years old
States Where Open Carry Is Not Allowed
Only four states and the District of Columbia currently do not allow open carry under most conditions:
California: It is generally prohibited to carry a firearm openly in California. However, the sheriff of any county with a population under 200,000 people, or the chief of police of a city within that county, may issue licenses to carry a loaded, exposed handgun. These licenses are only valid in the county where they are issued.
Florida: Residents are only permitted to open carry when engaged in fishing, camping, lawful hunting or target practice at an indoor range.
Illinois
New York
Washington, D.C.
How Is Open Carry Different Than Concealed Carry?
Let’s begin by defining concealed carry, especially since we’ve already outlined what open carry means. Concealed carry is the practice of carrying a handgun or other weapon in public in a way that it remains hidden from plain view. This often means placing the firearm under clothing or securing it in a discreet location, such as a bag or purse specifically designed for safe firearms storage.
To effectively conceal a firearm, many concealed carriers use cover garments like suit jackets, sweaters or untucked shirts. The firearm itself may be positioned on the waistband, ankle or carried off-body, depending on the individual’s training, gear and personal preference. Comfort, ease of access and concealment effectiveness are all factors that influence a person’s everyday carry setup.
In contrast, open carry involves wearing a firearm so that it is clearly visible to others, typically in an external holster. The focus with open carry isn’t concealment, but rather accessibility and visibility.
While both methods are lawful in many jurisdictions, they differ significantly in presentation, setup and intent. Understanding the physical and functional distinctions between open carry and concealed carry is vital for choosing the method that best fits your personal-defense plan and complies with your state’s laws.
Is It Better to Concealed Carry or Open Carry?
Just because you live in an open carry state doesn’t mean you should automatically choose to carry openly. While open carry may be your only option — such as if you’re not yet old enough or unable to apply for a permit — it’s not always the most practical method of carrying a firearm for self-defense.
Even in states that allow open carry, it’s important to remain situationally aware at all times. This is especially critical when you’re openly carrying, as a visible firearm can provide a tactical advantage to your adversary. A bad actor can take the time to formulate a plan specifically because he or she can see that you are armed.
In addition, open carry laws by state may vary at the local level. In North Carolina, for example, some localities prohibit the display of firearms on public roads, sidewalks, alleys or other public areas, even if you have a permit. Similarly, in Virginia, cities like Alexandria and Newport News may ban open carry in public buildings, parks and during special events.
Although open carry is not explicitly prohibited in most states, it remains relatively uncommon and may cause unnecessary alarm in public spaces. This is another factor responsible gun owners should consider when choosing how to carry.
Ultimately, while concealed carry may offer certain advantages over open carry, the right choice depends on your personal circumstances, your understanding of the law and your comfort level. The decision between open carry vs. concealed carry is highly individual. As responsible gun owners, it’s vital to continue your education and respect the rights and choices of others.
What to Remember About Open Carry State Laws
Whether you’re asking, “What states have open carry?” or “What are the differences between open carry and concealed carry?” it’s vital to educate yourself about open carry laws by state. Even in states that allow open carry, local laws and specific contexts — such as public events or government buildings — may impose restrictions.
Before you carry openly in any state, consult up-to-date laws and consider concealed carry as an alternative depending on your environment. Responsible gun ownership starts with knowing your rights — and your responsibilities.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four categories of open carry laws?
Open carry laws fall into four categories: permissive states allow open carry without a permit; licensed or not addressed states require a permit or have unclear statutes; anomalous states permit it under state law but allow local restrictions; and non-permissive states generally prohibit open carry or allow it only in limited cases such as hunting.
Are there any states that do not allow open carry at all?
Yes. As of now, California, Florida, Illinois and New York prohibit open carry in most circumstances. The District of Columbia also restricts open carry. These states fall under the non-permissive category, meaning open carry is either banned or allowed only under very limited conditions.
Does open carry have different rules for military members or veterans?
Yes. Some states have lower age thresholds for military members or veterans. For example, Oklahoma and Tennessee allow individuals as young as 18 to open carry if they are in the military, while the general minimum age is 21. Always verify whether military exemptions apply in your state.
