Alabama is, generally, a shall-issue state with concealed weapons permits issued at the county level by the local sheriff’s office. However, a Sheriff may deny a permit application if a determination has been made that the person is prohibited from the possession of a pistol or firearm pursuant to state or federal law, or has a reasonable suspicion that the person may use a weapon unlawfully or in such other manner that would endanger the person’s self or others.
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.
Alabama allows open carry without a permit. Any person who is at least 19 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses.
On March 10, 2022, Gov. Kay Ivey signed HB 272, or the constitutional carry bill, into law. Beginning on January 1, 2023, any law-abiding Alabama resident or other law-abiding citizen (regardless of the state in which he or she resides) who is at least 19 years old or older and legally permitted to carry a firearm will no longer be required to obtain a permit in order to carry a concealed pistol. The bill does not address the age for carry. However, Alabama Rep. Shane Stringer’s office indicated that Alabama Code Section 13A-11-72 prohibits a minor from possessing a firearm unless engaged in a competition, at the range, hunting, etc. under the supervision of an adult. See (f) 1 to 7.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with an Alabama Pistol Permit and for non-residents with 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 that are at least 19 years old may obtain Alabama pistol permits. However, the county sheriff may issue a permit to active-duty military stationed in Alabama (18 years old and older) 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.
Where can I carry with my Alabama permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
No. Not mentioned in state statutes.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No, however the information is available for law enforcement.
carry while using alcohol or controlled substances?
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.
red flag law?
No. Alabama does not have a red flag law.
driver's license linked to permit?
No. Your Alabama driver’s license is not linked to your Alabama pistol permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will not be notified that you are a concealed carry permit holder immediately when he or she runs your driver’s license. However, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency launched the Firearm Prohibited Person Database (FPP) on Jan. 1, 2023, which permits an officer to check if an individual is prohibited from carrying a firearm.
non-resident permitting?
No.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
Yes. Any person who knowingly possesses a pistol or firearm concealed on or about his or her person or in a vehicle occupied by the person, and who is asked by a law enforcement officer operating in the line or scope of his or her official duties whether he or she is armed with a concealed pistol or firearm, shall immediately inform the law enforcement officer that the person is in possession of a pistol or firearm.
brandishing?
No. No definition of brandishing was found in Alabama law. In addition, Alabama code specifically addresses that the mere carrying of a visible pistol, holstered or secured, in a public place, in and of itself, is not considered disorderly conduct.
preemption?
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.
Carry Basics
open carry permitted?
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 19 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No.
magazine limits for handguns?
No.
constitutional carry?
Yes. As of January 1, 2023, any person who is legally entitled to possess a firearm can concealed carry.
minimum age for concealed carry?
19.
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.
gun permit licensure?
Shall issue, with discretion.
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS and Tasers - 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]
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes, but its use for any other reason is prohibited. Restrictions apply to size and strength; containers holding more than 15 grams or sprays with over 2% capsaicin are considered controlled substances. Section 13A-6-27
PEPPER GUNS - Considered firearms under Alabama law. To carry or possess one, a valid concealed carry permit is required, and registration with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is mandatory.
BEAR SPRAY - Legal in Alabama. Bear spray is considered a pesticide under U.S. law and must comply with EPA regulations. It can be purchased and carried for self-defense against wildlife, but its use against humans is highly discouraged and may result in legal consequences.
BLUGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry openly or concealed without a permit. Alabama law does not classify batons as "dangerous weapons," making them permissible for self-defense purposes.
Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal to own and carry without restrictions unless used with criminal intent.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal to own in Alabama; but, carrying brass knuckles concealed requires a permit. Concealing brass knuckles without a permit is prohibited and can result in misdemeanor charges.
byrna's?
Yes, they are legal to purchase and carry openly or concealed without a permit. Byrna guns are classified as non-lethal self-defense weapons under Alabama law. Misuse can lead to legal consequences.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
minimum age to possess and transport?
19 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:
[Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-57, 13A-11-76][Ala. Code §13A-11-72(f)]
background checks for private gun sales?
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun.
alabama permit exempts from background check?
No.
handgun registration?
No.
possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?
Yes. A permit is not required for a person who is at least 19 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a pistol openly or concealed, on land under the person's control, abode or fixed place of business.
purchase permits?
No.
waiting period?
No.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Alabama Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
carry while bow hunting?
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.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. No person shall willfully and knowingly prevent, obstruct, impede, disturb, or interfere with, or attempt to prevent, obstruct, impede, disturb, or interfere with any person in legally hunting or fishing pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the law of the State of Alabama.
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.
wear a covid mask & carry?
There is a law in Alabama that prohibits people from wearing masks while loitering in public. However, the state’s attorney general said in April 2020, his office would not be enforcing that law during the pandemic.
carry while gun hunting?
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.
Residency Changes:
Moving to Alabama and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Alabama issues permits to residents only. You can apply for your permit to the sheriff of your county once you have established your residence in that county.
Moving from Alabama and have a Alabama resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Alabama permit remains valid?If a person with an Alabama pistol permit establishes residency in another state, the pistol permit expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
Fees:
New Permits and Renewals - Set by county sheriff, but generally $20 per year, so $100 for a 5-year permit.
Effective January 1, 2022, 1-year or 5-year permit fees will be determined by local law. If there is no law on the subject, $25 per year or $300 for lifetime, or $150 for lifetime if the applicant is over 60 years of age.
Active Duty Military Veterans/RetireesAny non-disability 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.
Requirements:
An applicant must:
Since the Sheriff my deny a permit application if there is a reasonable suspicion that the person may use a weapon unlawfully or in such other manner that would endanger the person's self or others. In making such determination, the sheriff may consider whether the applicant:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Alabama.
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.
Processing Time:
30 days
Valid For:
Applicant chooses between 1 to 5 years.
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:
Alabama doesn't issue permits to non-residents, except the county sheriff may issue a permit to active-duty military stationed in Alabama and their spouses.
Application:
Check online for your county sheriff’s office. Some have applications available for download.
Step 1:
Obtain the application form from your local county sheriff. Some counties have a permit application that can be downloaded from their website. Some counties such as Elmore County and Jefferson County have online permitting systems.
Step 2:
Complete the form.
Step 3:
Submit your application to the sheriff’s office in your county.
Pay the fee.
Step 4:
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
store in a vehicle 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.
tribal lands
Poarch Creek Indian Reservation - No
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
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 at roadside rest areas?
Yes, with an Alabama Pistol Permit or a permit from a state that Alabama honors.
carry in vehicle?
Yes. As of January 1, 2023, Alabama does not require a permit or license to carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
Yes, with an Alabama Pistol Permit or a permit from a state that Alabama honors, unless posted.
carry/possess at a hotel?
State law indicates a person may carry a pistol about his person on private property not his own, only if the person has a valid concealed weapon permit or the consent of the owner or legal possessor of the premises. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and you should contact the individual hotel to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
Civil and Criminal Immunity
Self-Defense
Alabama is a Castle Doctrine state. Per Alabama gun laws 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.
Use of Force in Defense of Property Other than Premises
A person is justified in using physical force, other than deadly physical force, upon another person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission by the other person of theft or criminal mischief with respect to property other than premises.
Use of Force in Defense of Self or Another
A person is justified in using physical force in order to defend himself or herself or a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by that other person, and he or she may use a degree of force which he or she reasonably believes to be necessary for the purpose.
There are several circumstances in which the law allows a person to use deadly force for self-defense purposes, including:
Use of Force in Defense of Premises
A person in lawful possession or control of premises or a person who is licensed or privileged to be there, may use physical force when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass by the other person.
A person may use deadly physical force in defense of property only when the person reasonably believes it necessary to prevent the commission of arson in the first or second degree by the trespasser.
Alabama Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-03-31
Added Non-Lethal section under carry basics.
2024-11-13
Added Tribal Land Section
2022-03-11
Added update regarding constitutional carry.
2021-05-17
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
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