Georgia Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
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I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Georgia, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
Based on our most recent research, the USCCA has identified just two states with statutes against carrying a concealed firearm while wearing a mask: California and Illinois (although sheriffs and county prosecutors in Illinois have made statements indicating that wearing a mask to protect others from COVID-19 while carrying a gun isn’t illegal as long as the wearer isn’t wearing the mask while committing a crime). Due to the large number of inquiries, some states have publicly addressed their laws regarding wearing masks, clarifying that they actually refer to individuals concealing their identity with the intention to commit illegal acts or to specifically hide their identity, and do not address wearing a mask while legally carrying a concealed firearm. Although § 16-11-38 makes it illegal to wear a mask, to conceal the identity of the wearer, on April 13, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order No. 04.13.20.02 related to the COVID-19 emergency, ordering that § 16-11-38 shall not apply to any person wearing “a mask for the purpose of complying with the guidance of any healthcare agency or to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
If you have further questions, we recommend that you reach out to your local law enforcement office, or district attorney.
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Summary of Georgia Gun Laws
Georgia is a shall-issue state with concealed weapons permits issued at the county level and filed with the probate court in the county of residence.
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry is legal in Georgia only with a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) or a concealed carry permit from a state Georgia honors. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses.
Concealed carry is legal for residents of Georgia with a WCL and non-residents with a license/permit issued by a state that Georgia honors. There is no firearms training required to obtain a Georgia WCL. You must be at least 21 years old (18 for members of the military) to get a concealed carry permit in Georgia. No license is needed to carry a handgun in a person’s home, vehicle, place of business, while fishing or hunting, or unloaded in a case. The city of Kennesaw has a law enacted in 1982 requiring every head of household within city limits to maintain a firearm. In terms of reciprocity, Georgia reciprocates in recognizing firearms licenses with states that recognize Georgia permits. Typically a permit holder is allowed a 90-day window just before expiration or a 30-day period immediately following expiration to renew without penalty. But all such time limits are now frozen by virtue of a statewide emergency order that went into effect amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. Any license that shows an expiration date during the emergency period will not expire until thirty days after October 10, 2020. If the judicial emergency period extends beyond that date, the weapons carry license renewal period will be further extended.
Self-Defense
Georgia is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” statute. There is no duty to retreat in defense of a forcible felony, such as rape, armed robbery or kidnapping.
Defense of Habitation
A person is justified in threatening or using force when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes that such threat or force is necessary to prevent or terminate such other’s unlawful entry into or attack upon a habitation; however, such person is justified in the use of deadly force only if:
- The entry is made or attempted in a violent and tumultuous manner for the purpose of assaulting or offering personal violence to any person in the dwelling;
- That force is used against another person who is not a member of the family or household and who unlawfully and forcibly enters or has entered the residence; or
- The person using such force reasonably believes that the entry is made or attempted for the purpose of committing a felony.
Defense of Property Other Than Habitation
A person is justified in threatening or using force when and to the extent that he reasonably believes that such threat or force is necessary to prevent or terminate trespass on or other tortious or criminal interference with real property other than a habitation or personal property:
- Lawfully in his possession or in the possession of a member of his immediate family
- Belonging to a person whose property he has a legal duty to protect
The use of deadly force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to prevent trespass on or other tortious or criminal interference with real property other than a habitation or personal property is only justified if it is necessary to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
“Habitation” means any dwelling, motor vehicle or place of business.
“Personal property” means personal property other than a motor vehicle.
[Ga. Code Ann. §§ 16-3-21, 16-3-23, 16-3-23.1, 16-3-23, 16-3-24 & 16-3-24.1]
Georgia Gun Laws at a Glance
Open Carry/ Concealed Carry Basics
Constitutional Carry?Does Georgia allow constitutional carry? |
No. Georgia does not allow constitutional carry. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Georgia? |
Yes. Open carry is allowed with a Georgia Weapons Carry License or a permit from a state Georgia recognizes. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If Georgia requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
Georgia is a shall issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Georgia to get a concealed carry permit? |
You must be at least 21 years old to get a concealed carry permit in Georgia. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Georgia with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
Yes. Knives are allowed with a Georgia Weapons Carry License or a license/permit issued by a state that Georgia honors. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Georgia? |
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. However, it is illegal to carry any stun gun or Taser within 1,000 feet of any real property owned by or leased to any public or private K-12 school. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Georgia? |
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Georgia. |
Non-Resident Permitting?Does Georgia issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
Yes, but only to members of the military permanently stationed in Georgia. |
Public Access to Concealed Carry Registry?Does Georgia 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 handgun in a vehicle in Georgia? |
Yes, any person not prohibited by law from possessing a handgun may carry a weapon openly or concealed without a permit in his or her own vehicle (owned or rented). In a vehicle you do not own, you must have the permission of the person who has legal control of the vehicle. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Georgia? |
Yes. Carrying a concealed firearm at rest areas is allowed in Georgia. |
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 Georgia? |
Yes. Concealed firearms are allowed in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Georgia. |
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Georgia? |
Yes. There is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a Georgia Weapons Carry License or a license/permit issued by a state that Georgia honors, unless posted. |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Georgia? |
Georgia statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does Georgia have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
No private or public employer, including the state and its political subdivisions, shall condition employment upon any agreement by a prospective employee that prohibits an employee from entering the parking lot and access thereto when the employee's privately owned motor vehicle contains a firearm or ammunition, or both, that is locked out of sight within the trunk, glove box or other enclosed compartment or area within such privately owned motor vehicle, provided that any applicable employees possess a Georgia weapons carry license. This provision does not apply to an employer providing a secure parking area not accessible to the general public or to an area used for parking on a temporary basis, among other exceptions. In addition, this provision does not restrict the rights of private property owners or persons in legal control of property, and when a private property owner or person in legal control of property is also an employer, his or her rights as a private property owner or person in legal control of property govern. State law allows a license holder to possess a firearm in a motor vehicle parked in a parking facility of a government entity, courthouse, jail, prison, place of worship, bar or school safety zone, so long as the firearm is in the locked compartment of the vehicle, or in a locked container in or a locked firearms rack on the vehicle. [Ga. Code Ann. §§ 16-11-127(a)(5)] |
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 Georgia? |
No. You are not required to notify an officer you are carrying. |
Magazine Limits for Handguns?Does Georgia have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. Georgia does not have magazine capacity limits for handguns. |
Ammunition Restrictions?Does Georgia have ammunition restrictions? |
No. Georgia does not have ammunition restrictions. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Georgia? 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. "No Weapons Allowed" signs are not enforced in Georgia. |
Preemption?Does Georgia have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes. The authority to regulate firearms is reserved to the state, except local municipalities may regulate:
|
Brandishing?Does Georgia state law define brandishing? |
No. However, a person commits the offense of disorderly conduct when such person acts in a violent or tumultuous manner toward another person whereby such person is placed in reasonable fear of the safety of such person's life, limb or health or acts in a violent or tumultuous manner toward another person whereby the property of such person is placed in danger of being damaged or destroyed. A person is guilty of a crime when he intentionally and without legal justification points or aims a gun or pistol at another, whether the gun or pistol is loaded or unloaded. |
Red Flag Law?Does Georgia have a red flag law? |
No. Georgia does not have a red flag law. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?Does Georgia have laws regarding carrying a firearm while using alcohol or drugs? |
Not while under the influence of alcohol (BAC of 0.08 or greater) or any drug or any combination of alcohol and any drug to the extent that it is unsafe for the person to discharge such firearm except in the defense of life, health, and property. In addition, any amount of marijuana or a controlled substance, as defined in GA Code § 16-13-21, present in the person's blood or urine, or both, including the metabolites and derivatives of each or both without regard to whether or not any alcohol is present in the person's breath or blood, is illegal. 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 Georgia? |
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Georgia. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in Georgia? |
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. |
Georgia Permit Exempts from Background Check?Does my current Georgia concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
Yes. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Georgia? |
No. There is no waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Georgia. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in Georgia? |
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Georgia. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Georgia? |
18 years old. A person must be at least 18 years of age to possess and transport a handgun in Georgia. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? |
Yes. A license is not needed for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm to carry a handgun in a person's home, vehicle, or place of business. |
Related Blog Posts
Georgia Gun Laws: What You Should Know
USCCA — April 8, 2019
Which States Require a Background Check for Handgun Purchases?
USCCA — February 16, 2020
Carry While Hunting
Carry While Gun Hunting?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Georgia? |
Yes, with a valid weapons carry license. |
Carry While Bow Hunting?Can you concealed carry while bowhunting in Georgia? |
Yes, with a valid weapons carry license. |
Hunter Harassment Law?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Georgia? |
Yes. It is unlawful for any person to:
|
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State Constitutional Provision
Georgia Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does Georgia honor?
Georgia reciprocates in recognizing firearms licenses with states that recognize Georgia permits. Georgia residents must have a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) to carry in the state.
Other States' Reciprocity With Georgia
Which states honor permits from Georgia?
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 Georgia
Georgia offers resident and non-resident (members of the military permanently stationed in Georgia) permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Georgia resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
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.
Georgia Concealed Carry Permit Information
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
|
Fees: |
Initial License ~$75, varies by county Renewal (within renewal period) ~$35 |
Valid For: |
5 years |
Processing Time: |
60 days |
Application: |
|
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Yes, but only to members of the military permanently stationed in Georgia. The process is the same as for residents. |
Name/Address Changes: |
If you would like an updated permit with an address change, and the new address on the updated license is in another county in Georgia, you must attach the following: A. Affidavit for Name Change or Address Change to Another County 1. For Address Change
2. For Name Change
C. Fees — The fee for an updated permit with address change and/or name change is $6.00. (Payable by check with check number 500+ made payable to Henry County Probate Court or money order.) |
Lost/Stolen Permits: |
Report it to the judge of the probate court of the county in which it was issued within 48 hours of the time the loss or damage becomes known. The judge of the probate court will issue a cancellation order and provide a replacement license. A replacement fee will be charged. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to Georgia and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply? Moving from Georgia and have a Georgia resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Georgia license remains valid? |
Georgia Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for a Georgia Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete the application online or pick one up from the probate court in your county. |
Step 2: |
You will need the following documents in order to submit your application;
Pay the fee. |
Step 3: |
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. |
Firearms Training Requirements in Georgia
No firearms training is required in Georgia. 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.
Georgia Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew a Georgia Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
You can apply to have a license renewed 90 days prior to the expiration date or within 30 days after the license has expired. It is recommended that you go to court to apply for renewal at least 2 months before your license expires. A new application will need to be made if the license is more than 30 days past the expiration date. Any service member whose weapons carry license or renewal license expired while serving on active duty outside of Georgia shall be authorized to carry any weapon in accordance with such expired license for a period of 6 months from the date of his or her discharge from active duty or reassignment to a location within Georgia. |
Step 2: |
|
Step 3: |
You will need the following documents in order to submit your application;
Pay the fee. |
Step 4: |
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. |
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) 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.
Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-130 exempts LEOs and RLEOs from Georgia’s concealed carry law. The Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) Council is responsible for training standards and according to Ch. 464-4-.03.1, a minimum of 3 hours of annual firearms training by a POST-certified instructor are required in addition to annual firearm qualification.
Georgia Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Georgia? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Georgia?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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FAQ: Georgia Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in Georgia? |
It is legal to carry, open or concealed, a knife that is less than 12 inches in length without a permit. Knives greater than 12 inches in length can be carried with a concealed carry permit. |
Related Information & Links for Georgia Gun Laws
Georgia Gun Laws Updates:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
| 2020-06-30 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
| 2020-06-05 | Updated info about grace period for WCL renewals due to COVID 19 to Summary section |
| 2020-05-05 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-17 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
| 2020-04-10 | Added info about grace period for WCL renewals due to COVID 19 to Summary section |
| 2020-04-10 | Added info about grace period for WCL renewals due to COVID 19 to Summary section |
| 2020-04-03 | Added info on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
| 2020-02-18 | Added related blog posts with links |
| 2020-02-13 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
| 2020-01-28 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
| 2020-01-10 | Updated info on carry while using alcohol or controlled substances in At A Glance table |
| 2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-11-15 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
| 2019-10-31 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-14 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-09-06 | 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 |
| 2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-04-29 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
| 2019-04-17 | Links checked |
| 2019-03-25 | 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 |
| 2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication to the At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-22 | Added church carry info and statutory reference to location restrictions section |
| 2019-01-10 | Mag limit info added to At A Glance table |
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.” 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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