Alabama is a shall-issue state with concealed weapons permits issued at the county level by the local sheriff’s office.
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry is legal in Alabama without a permit. The minimum age is 18 years old. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses.
Concealed carry is legal with a concealed carry permit/license. Alabama does not require the applicant to complete a firearms safety course or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety prior to issuance of a pistol permit. Only residents can obtain Alabama pistol permits. However, the county sheriff may issue a permit to active-duty military stationed in Alabama and their spouses. Active duty military veterans that meet the qualifications can obtain or renew their pistol permits free of charge. In terms of reciprocity, Alabama honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits.
Alabama is a Castle Doctrine state. Use of force in self-defense is generally presumed to be legal when that force is necessary to prevent imminent harm or injury to one's self or another. There are several circumstances in which the law allows a person to use deadly force for self-defense purposes, including: when a person reasonably believes that another is about to use unlawful deadly force; when a person reasonably believes that a burglar is about to use physical force; when a person is attempting to thwart another who is engaged in the act of rape, kidnapping, assault or robbery; or when another attempts to unlawfully enter a person’s home or vehicle or attempts to remove a person from such in order to occupy it. You do not have a duty to retreat and are allowed to stand your ground, provided you are in a place where you have a right to be and you are not engaged in an unlawful activity.
Constitutional Carry?Does Alabama allow constitutional carry? |
No. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Alabama? |
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Alabama requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
Shall issue, with discretion. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Alabama to get a concealed carry permit? |
18 |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you conceal carry weapons other than handguns in Alabama with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
No. |
Non-Resident Permitting?Does Alabama issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
No. |
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?Does Alabama allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No, however the information is available for law enforcement. |
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle in Alabama? |
Yes, with a permit. Without a permit, handguns must be unloaded and locked in a compartment or container that is in or affixed securely to the vehicle and out of reach of the driver and any passenger in the vehicle. [Ala. Code 13A-11-73(b)] |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Alabama? |
Yes. |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Alabama? |
Yes. Handguns only in state parks and WMAs. [Ala. Admin. Code § 220-2-.08] [Ala. DCNR Admin. Code § 220-5-.08(1)] |
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in Alabama? |
Yes, unless posted. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does Alabama have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
A public or private employer may not prohibit the transportation or storage of a lawfully possessed firearm in an employee’s privately owned motor vehicle while parked in a public or private parking area if the employee is a concealed handgun license holder. The firearm must be out of sight while the employee is attending the vehicle. While the vehicle is unattended, the firearm must be kept out of sight and locked within a compartment, container or in the interior of the vehicle, or in a compartment or container securely affixed to the vehicle. [Ala. Code 13A-11-90] |
Must Notify Officer You're Carrying?Are you required to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Alabama? |
No. [Ala. Code § 13A-11-73] |
Magazine Limits for Handguns?Does Alabama have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. |
Ammunition Restrictions?Does Alabama have ammunition restrictions? |
Yes. Alabama law prohibits the possession or sale of brass or steel teflon-coated handgun ammunition and other like ammunition designed to penetrate bullet-proof vests (armor piercing). This prohibition does not apply to the possession or sale of teflon-coated lead or brass ammunition designed to expand upon contact. [Ala. Crim. Code § 13A-11-60] |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Alabama? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
No. Not mentioned in state statutes. |
Preemption?Does Alabama have [preemption laws](https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/terminology/firearms-and-ammunition/preemption) related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes. There is full state preemption of all gun laws in Alabama. Local authorities are only allowed to pass ordinances that regulate the discharge of firearms and to levy taxes. [Ala. Code § 13A-11-61.3] |
Red Flag Law?Does Alabama have a red flag law? |
No. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Alabama? |
Yes. Stun guns and tasers are legal to carry without a permit in most of the state. However, per Sec. 62-23, a City Permit from the local police is required in the City of Mobile and stun guns and tasers are not allowed to be possessed on school property including storage in a vehicle on school property in the City of Montgomery [Sec. 18-114]. |
(a) Every citizen has a fundamental right to bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state. Any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny. (b) No citizen shall be compelled by any international treaty or international law to take an action that prohibits, limits or otherwise interferes with his or her fundamental right to keep and bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state, if such treaty or law, or its adoption, violates the United States Constitution. "
Which states' permits does Alabama honor?
Alabama honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits pursuant to section 13A-11-85 of the Alabama Code. Any person who has a concealed carry permit in another U.S. state can legally carry his or her firearm in Alabama but will be subject to Alabama gun laws while in that state.
Which states honor permits from Alabama?
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Which states honor permits from Alabama with restrictions?
Anyone who can legally possess a firearm may carry it concealed in permitless carry states without a permit/license. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
|
Fees: |
New Permits and Renewals - Set by county sheriff, but generally $20 per year, so $100 for a 5-year permit. Active Duty Military Veterans/Retirees Any nondisability retirees from active duty military who meets the conditions for issuance of a pistol permit shall be eligible to obtain the pistol permit without paying a fee for the permit. Upon approval of the pistol permit application, the pistol permit shall be issued by the sheriff of the county in which the veteran resides upon presentation by the retired military veteran of the United States government issued Veteran Identification Card or a DD-214 Proof of Military Service form and sufficient proof that the person is a military retiree. The retired military veteran shall apply for renewal as required by law, but shall be eligible to obtain renewed pistol permits without paying a fee as long as he or she meets the conditions for renewal of the permit. |
Valid For: |
Applicant chooses between 1 to 5 years |
Processing Time: |
30 days |
Application: |
Check online for your county sheriff’s office. Some have applications available for download. Link to county sheriff’s websites |
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Alabama doesn't issue permits to non-residents. |
Name/Address Changes: |
You will need to contact the local county sheriff to change the information on your permit. |
Lost/Stolen Permits: |
You will need to contact your county sheriff to obtain a new permit. |
How to Apply for an Alabama Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Obtain the application form from your local county sheriff. Some counties have a permit application that can be downloaded from their website. |
Step 2: |
Complete the form. |
Step 3: |
Submit your application to the sheriff’s office in your county. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. |
Alabama does not require the applicant to complete a firearms safety course or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety prior to issuance of a pistol permit. However, the USCCA recommends that anyone who makes the choice to carry a concealed firearm obtain as much training as possible in order to be a responsibly armed American.
How to Renew an Alabama Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
You must renew an Alabama Pistol Permit before it expires. Mail or bring your old pistol license to your county sheriff’s office and complete a renewal application. Some counties have an option to renew online. |
Step 2: |
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved within 30 days of receipt of a completed application. |
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Alabama does not have a designated state agency that is responsible for LEOSA matters, so no qualification card is issued by Alabama.
The Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission (POST) is responsible for the oversight and regulation of firearms qualification issues for active, state-certified law enforcement officers. POST has an electronic system (ePOST) where retired officers from any state may log in to apply for the right to carry in Alabama. Retired officers must qualify annually with an NRA, FBI or FLETC certified firearms instructor and keep their most recent firearms scorecard, signed by a firearms instructor, with them at all times while armed. Qualification Application Form
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Alabama? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Alabama?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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Do firearms need to be registered in Alabama? |
No. |
Is a permit required to purchase a gun in Alabama? |
No. |
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Alabama? |
No. |
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a firearm in Alabama? |
No. |
What are the knife laws in Alabama? |
Most types of knives are legal and can be carried concealed, except bowie knives and anything similar to them. It is illegal to have a bowie knife in a vehicle. |
What are the laws regarding carrying a firearm while using alcohol or prescription medication in AL? |
Not addressed in state statutes. |
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 04/25/2019 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
| 04/16/2019 | Links checked |
| 03/14/2019 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
| 02/20/2019 | Added info to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
| 02/15/2019 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
| 02/13/2019 | Based on a member's comment, added info to the Genl Info and Permit Fees sections re: military vets obtaining/renewing permits free of charge |
| 02/12/2019 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
| 02/06/2019 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
| 01/25/2019 | Links checked |
| 01/24/2019 | Added FAQ about alcohol or prescription medication |
| 01/22/2019 | Added church info to location restrictions section |
| 01/10/2019 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
| 12/12/2018 | Added preemption info |
| 11/29/2018 | Added parking lot storage to At A Glance table |
| 11/02/2018 | 11/2 Added permit app county sheriff's link and AG info link |
| 10/22/2018 | Added initial CCW law and reciprocity information for Alabama |
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated, trained and legally protected at all times. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
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Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, "Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States: 2018.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
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.
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