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Alabama

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Updated: 2019-08-29
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Carry allowed with my Alabama permit?
No
Yes
Yes, With Restrictions
Yes, Permitless Carry
Yes, Selected State
797k
Permits Issued
48
STATES HONORED
32
RECIPROCATING STATES
4.9M
STATE POPULATION
18
MINIMUM AGE TO CC
19
ATTORNEYS IN USCCA NETWORK
16.27%
PERMIT PERCENTAGE
1 - 5
YEARS PERMIT VALID
48
USCCA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Summary of Alabama Gun Laws

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. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses. 

Concealed carry is legal with an Alabama Pistol Permit or a permit from a state that Alabama honors. 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.

Alabama Gun Laws Quick Links
Reciprocity | Permit Information | Permit Application | Permit Renewal | LEOs & RLEOs | Location Restrictions | Recent Updates
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Alabama Gun Laws at a Glance

Open Carry/ Concealed Carry Basics

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 concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Alabama with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?

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 purchase and possess without a permit in most of the state. However, ​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.

[Mobile Code of Ordinances Sec. 62-23]

[Montgomery Code of Ordinances Sec. 18-114].
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 Locations

Carry in Vehicle?

Can you carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle in Alabama?

Yes, with an Alabama Pistol Permit or a permit from a state that Alabama honors. 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, with an Alabama Pistol Permit or a permit from a state that Alabama honors.
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, with an Alabama Pistol Permit or a permit from a state that Alabama honors. 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, with an Alabama Pistol Permit or a permit from a state that Alabama honors, 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]

Additional Related State Laws

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 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.
Carry While Using Alcohol or Prescription Medication?

Does Alabama have laws regarding carrying a firearm while using alcohol or prescription medication?

Not addressed in state statutes.

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.

Handgun Purchase & Possession

Purchase Permits?

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Alabama?

No.
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Alabama?

No. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
Waiting Period?

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Alabama?

No.
Handgun Registration?

Do handguns Need to Be Registered in Alabama?

No.
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Alabama?

18 years old.

However, this does not apply to a transfer by inheritance of title to, but not possession of a pistol to a minor. There are certain instances where a minor can possess a firearm including:

  • When on real property under the control of the minor's parent, legal guardian or grandparent;
  • When attending a firearms safety course, target shooting at an established range or at organized competitions;
  • While hunting or fishing pursuant to a valid license, if required;
  • As a member of the armed services or National Guard; and
  • While traveling by motor vehicle to any of the locations or activities listed above, with written permission to possess the pistol by his or her parent or legal guardian. The pistol must be unloaded, locked in a compartment or container that is in or affixed securely to the motor vehicle and is out of reach of the driver and any passenger in the motor vehicle.

[13A-11-57, 3A-11-76]

[AL Stat §13A-11-72(f)]

Carry While Hunting

Carry While Gun Hunting?

Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Alabama?

Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit, provided the handgun is for your personal protection and is not used to hunt, take or to attempt to take wildlife except as otherwise provided by law or regulation.

[Ala. Admin. Code § 220-2-.10] 
Carry While Bow Hunting?

Can you concealed carry while bowhunting in Alabama?

Yes, with a valid concealed carry permit, provided the handgun is for your personal protection and is not used to hunt, take or to attempt to take wildlife except as otherwise provided by law or regulation. 

[Ala. Admin. Code Section 220-2-.10] 

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State Constitutional Provision
(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."
ARTICLE 1, § 26

Alabama Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States

Which states' permits does Alabama honor?

Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida (handguns only)
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York (New York City permits not recognized)
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

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.

Other States' Reciprocity With Alabama

Which states honor permits from Alabama?

Indiana
Montana
North Dakota

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.

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Alabama

Colorado (at least 21 years old)
Florida (at least 21 years old)
Georgia (at least 21 years old)
Idaho (at least 21 years old)
Iowa (at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old)
North Carolina (at least 21 years old)
Ohio (at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old)
Tennessee (at least 21 years old)
Texas (at least 21 years old)
Utah (at least 21 years old)
Virginia (at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (at least 21 years old)

Permitless Carry States

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.

Arizona (if at least 21 years old)
Alaska (if at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (if at least 21 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 21 years old)
Missouri (if at least 19 years old)
New Hampshire (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)

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Alabama Concealed Carry Permit Information

Requirements:

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Reside in the county where he or she files the application;
  • Be a suitable person to be licensed;
    • Not be a registered sex offender;
    • Not have been found guilty but mentally ill in a criminal case;
    • Not have asserted a defense in a criminal case of not guilty by reason of insanity or mental disease or defect;
    • Not have required involuntary inpatient treatment in a psychiatric hospital or similar treatment facility for any reason, including drug use;
    • Not have been the subject of a prosecution or of a commitment or incompetency proceeding that could lead to a prohibition on the receipt or possession of a firearm under the laws of Alabama;
    • Not have caused justifiable concern for public safety;
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.
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 meet 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.
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.

Alabama Concealed Carry Permit Application Process

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.

Firearms Training Requirements in Alabama

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.

Find a USCCA Class Near You

Find a Gun Range in Alabama

Alabama Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process

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 complete application.

Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs

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.

Alabama Location Restrictions

Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Alabama?
  • Carry in restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes.
  • Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? No.
  • Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
  • Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and WMAs? Yes. Handguns only in state parks and WMAs.
  • Carry in places of worship? There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Alabama?

Places off-limits even with a permit/license
  • Premises of a public K-12 school;
  • School bus for K-12 grades;
  • Demonstrations at public places;
  • Alabama State House;
  • University of Alabama;
  • Police, sheriff or highway patrol stations;
  • Prison, jail, halfway house, community corrections facility or other criminal or juvenile detention facility;
  • Inside any facility hosting an athletic event (not related to firearms) which is sponsored by an elementary, secondary or post-secondary school;
  • Inside any building or facility to which access is limited during normal hours of operation by the continuous posting of guards and the use of other security features;
  • Inside a facility which provides inpatient or custodial care of those with psychiatric, mental or emotional disorders;
  • Inside a courthouse or courthouse annex;
  • Courthouse or building in which a district attorney’s office is located;
  • Building in which a county commission or city council is currently having a meeting; and
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

FAQ: Alabama Concealed Carry Questions

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.

Related Information & Links for Alabama Gun Laws

Alabama Gun Laws Updates:

Date Details
2019-08-29

Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table
2019-08-13

Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary
2019-07-24

Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table
2019-05-20

Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table

2019-04-25

Added permit renewal and name/address change info
2019-04-16

Links checked
2019-03-14

Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA)
2019-02-20

Added info to vehicle carry in At A Glance table
2019-02-15

Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology
2019-02-13

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
2019-02-12

Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table
2019-02-06

Added red flag law info to At A Glance table
2019-01-25

Links checked
2019-01-24

Added FAQ about alcohol or prescription medication
2019-01-22

Added church info to location restrictions section
2019-01-10

Mag limit added to At A Glance table
2018-12-12

Added preemption info
2018-11-29

Added parking lot storage to At A Glance table

2018-11-02

11/2 Added permit app county sheriff's link and AG info link
2018-10-22

Added initial CCW law and reciprocity information for Alabama

Did We Miss Something?

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.

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email support@uscca.com and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!

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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