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Georgia

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Updated: 2019-09-06
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Carry allowed with my Georgia permit?
No
Yes
Yes, With Restrictions
Yes, Permitless Carry
Yes, Selected State
1M
Permits Issued
32
STATES HONORED
33
RECIPROCATING STATES
10.5M
STATE POPULATION
21
MINIMUM AGE TO CC
22
ATTORNEYS IN USCCA NETWORK
9.52%
PERMIT PERCENTAGE
5
YEARS PERMIT VALID
95
USCCA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

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 with a WCL or 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.

Georgia is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” statute. Per Ga. Code § 16-3-21, a person does not have a duty to retreat and is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes that such threat or force is necessary to defend himself or herself or a third person against such other’s imminent use of unlawful force, or to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or herself or a third person, or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony, such as rape, armed robbery or kidnapping.

Georgia Gun Laws Quick Links
Reciprocity | Permit Information | Permit Application | Permit Renewal | LEOs & RLEOs | Location Restrictions | Recent Updates
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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 permit.  
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.

[Ga. Code Ann. §16-11-125.1]
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.

[Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-127.1(a)(2)]
Non-Resident Permitting?

Does Georgia issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?

No. Georgia does not issue non-resident permits.
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 firearm 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.

[Ga. Code Ann. §16-11-126]
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.

[Ga. Code Ann. §16-11-126(g)]
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?

Can you carry a firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in Georgia?

Yes. Carry in restaurants that serve alcohol is allowed with a Georgia Weapons Carry License or a license/permit issued by a state that Georgia honors, unless posted.
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)]

[Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-135(a)]

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.

[Ga. Code Ann. §16-11-137]
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:

  • The discharge of firearms;
  • The transport, carrying or possession of firearms by county or city employees in the course of their employment; and
  • Requiring heads of households to own guns.

[Ga. Code Ann. §16-11-173]
Red Flag Law?

Does Georgia have a red flag law?

No. Georgia does not have a red flag law.
Carry While Using Alcohol or Prescription Medication?

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

Yes, but not while under the influence.

[GA Code § 16-11-134]

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. 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 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.

[Ga. Code Ann.§ 16-11-132]

Carry While Hunting

Carry While Gun Hunting?

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

Yes, with a valid weapons carry license. 

[O.C.G.A. 27-3-1.1]
Carry While Bow Hunting?

Can you concealed carry while bowhunting in Georgia?

Yes, with a valid weapons carry license.

[GA Code § 27-3-6]

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State Constitutional Provision
The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, but the General Assembly shall have power to prescribe the manner in which arms may be borne."
ARTICLE 1, § 1, PARAGRAPH VIII

Georgia Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States

Which states' permits does Georgia honor?

Alabama (at least 21 years old)
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida (handguns only)
Idaho
Indiana (at least 21 years old)
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine (at least 21 years old)
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri (at least 21 years old)
Montana (at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (at least 21 years old)
North Carolina
North Dakota (at least 21 years old)
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota (at least 21 years old)
Tennessee
Texas
Utah (at least 21 years old)
Virginia
West Virginia (at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Georgia reciprocates in recognizing firearms licenses with states that recognize Georgia permits.

Other States' Reciprocity With Georgia

Which states honor permits from Georgia?

Alabama
Colorado
Florida
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

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

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 (permit recognized; see Maine Reciprocity section for details)
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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Georgia Concealed Carry Permit Information

Requirements:

An applicant must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age or 18 if in the military;
  • Be a resident of the county in which he or she files the application;
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful alien;
  • Not have been convicted of an offense arising out of the unlawful manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance or other dangerous drug;
  • Not have been convicted of a felony which has not been pardoned, or against whom felony proceedings are pending;
  • Not have been under restraint or supervision resulting from a conviction for carrying a weapon without a weapons carry license, carrying a weapon or long gun in an unauthorized location, or a misdemeanor involving the use or possession of a controlled substance during the 5 years immediately preceding the application;
  • Not have been hospitalized as an inpatient in a mental hospital or alcohol or drug treatment center within the 5 years preceding the application, although the judge retains discretion to issue a license to the individual in some circumstances;
  • Not be a fugitive from justice;
  • Not have had a weapons license revoked in the last 3 years; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.
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:

Georgia doesn't issue non-resident permits.
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
B. Supporting Documents

1. For Address Change

    • A Copy of your Georgia driver's license listing new county of residence; or
    • 2 documents linking your name to the new physical address. One must be directly associated with residence (i.e., a copy of lease, utility bill, etc.)

2. For Name Change

    • A Copy of your Georgia driver's license noting new name; or
    • A court order or marriage licenses showing new name.

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.)
D. Current Henry County Weapons Carry Permit.
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.

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;

  • Completed application form;
  • Copy of birth certificate or U.S. passport; and
  • Drivers license or state ID card.

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.

Find a USCCA Class Near You

Find a Gun Range in Georgia 

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.
Step 2:
Step 3:

You will need the following documents in order to submit your application;

  • Completed application form;
  • Copy of birth certificate or U.S. passport; and
  • Drivers license or state ID card.

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?
  • Carry in restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, in the restaurant and bar areas.
  • Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes, in your own vehicle only.
  • Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
  • Carry on public transportation? Yes. 
  • Carry on a college campus? Yes, inside any building or on real property, owned by or leased to, any public technical school, vocational school, college, university or other public institution of post-secondary education. Guns are still prohibited in the areas of campuses noted below.
  • Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and WMAs? Yes.
Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Georgia?

Places off-limits even with a permit/license
  • School buses;
  • School functions;
  • School safety zones – building or property leased or owned by any public or private elementary, secondary, technical or vocational school, college, university or other institute of post-secondary education;
  • Buildings or property used for athletic sporting events or student housing, including but not limited to, fraternity and sorority houses;
  • Preschools or child care spaces located on campus;
  • Specific areas of college campuses, including:
    • Rooms or spaces being used for classes related to a college and career academy or other specialized schools,
    • Rooms or spaces being used for classes in which high school students are enrolled through a dual enrollment program, and
    • Faculty, staff or administrative offices or rooms where disciplinary proceedings are conducted;
  • Secured area of an airport;
  • In a courthouse;
  • In a government building if restricted by security personnel;
  • In a church or place of worship, unless allowed by the governing body or authority of the place of worship;
  • In a jail or prison;
  • In a state mental health facility;
  • On the premises of a nuclear power facility;
  • Within 150 feet of any polling place when elections are being conducted; and
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

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
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 FAQ about alcohol or prescription medication
2019-01-22

Added church info and statutory reference to location restrictions section
2019-01-10

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

Added preemption info to At A Glance table
2018-11-29

Added parking lot info to At A Glance table
2018-11-26

Added link to Georgia FAQs
2018-10-22

Added initial CCW law and reciprocity information for Georgia

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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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