As a responsibly armed American, you already know how challenging it may be to stay updated on gun laws.
Wyoming gun owners, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked firearms questions in your state. Read on for answers to some of the top questions regarding Wyoming gun laws. (Not from Wyoming? Check the Legal & Second Amendment tab for your state.)
Can I Carry a Gun in My Car in Wyoming?
Yes. Wyoming residents who can legally own a firearm can carry it concealed on their person in a vehicle without any type of permit/license. Non-residents must have a permit/license from a state recognized by Wyoming to carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle. Any person who can legally possess a firearm is allowed to open carry a loaded handgun inside a vehicle as long as it is visible.
Can Non-Residents Open Carry in Wyoming?
Yes. Open carry is legal in Wyoming without a permit for anyone at least 18 years of age that is not prohibited from carrying a firearm.
Is Wyoming a Gun-Friendly State?
In general, yes Wyoming would likely be considered a gun-friendly state. Open carry is legal without a permit for residents and non-residents who are at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm. Concealed carry is legal for residents of Wyoming without a permit/license and for non-residents that have a permit/license from a state that Wyoming honors. Wyoming Concealed Firearms Permits operate on a shall-issue basis. No permit is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual in Wyoming. There is no waiting period and no firearms registration in the state. There are no handgun magazine capacity limits or restricted handgun ammunition in the state.
Do You Need a Concealed Carry Permit in Wyoming?
That depends. Concealed carry is legal for residents of Wyoming without a permit/license and for non-residents that have a permit/license from a state that Wyoming honors. Some areas are off-limits, including schools, as well as businesses primarily devoted to the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Which States Honor My Wyoming Concealed Carry Permit?
There are 36 states that honor a Wyoming Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). This includes 23 states with full reciprocity and the currently 13 permitless carry states.
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Permitless Carry States
- Arizona (if at least 21 years old)
- Alaska (if at least 21 years old)
- Arkansas (if at least 18 years old)
- Kansas (if at least 21 years old)
- Kentucky (if at least 21 years old)
- Maine (if at least 21 years old)
- Mississippi (if at least 18 years old)
- Missouri (if at least 19 years old)
- New Hampshire (if at least 18 years old)
- Oklahoma (if at least 18 years old)
- South Dakota (if at least 18 years old)
- Vermont (if at least 18 years old)
- West Virginia (if at least 21 years old)
Is Wyoming a Stand Your Ground State?
Yes. Wyoming is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. Any person who uses force as reasonably necessary in defense of his person, property or abode or to prevent injury to another is immune from civil action for the use of the force. There is no duty to retreat and the law applies at a person’s home or habitation or any place where the person is lawfully present.
Do You Need a Background Check to Buy a Gun in Wyoming?
That depends. No permit is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual, no background check is required, there is no waiting period and there is no firearms registration in the state. Background checks are required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer. However, a Wyoming CHP exempts the holder from the federal requirement of a background check prior to the purchase of a firearm.
Ready to Learn More About Wyoming 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 Wyoming’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Wyoming 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.