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Louisiana is a shall-issue state. Concealed weapons permits are processed at the state level by the Department of Public Safety.
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.
The state of Louisiana does not prohibit the open carry of firearms in public. Therefore, it is legal in Louisiana without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old that is not prohibited from possessing a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including parades and bars.
Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and for non-residents with a permit/license from a state recognized by Louisiana. As of August 1st, 2022, constitutional carry is legal for active duty military and veterans only. CHPs are available for residents and members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana; non-resident permits are not available. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a resident of LA and complete a firearms training course. There are exemptions for non-residents who are in the military and have a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. In terms of reciprocity, Louisiana honors permits issued by states that recognize Louisiana permits.
Louisiana is a Castle Doctrine state with a “stand your ground” statute. There is no duty to retreat in any place a person has the legal right to be before using force or violence and a person may meet force with force.
Use of Force in Defense
The use of force is justifiable under either of the following circumstances:
Defense of Others
It is justifiable to use deadly force when it is reasonably apparent that the person attacked could have justifiably used such means himself, and when it is reasonably believed that such intervention is necessary to protect the other person.
Constitutional Carry?Does Louisiana allow constitutional carry? |
No. Louisiana does not allow constitutional carry. As of August 1st, 2022, constitutional carry is legal for active duty military and veterans only. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Louisiana? |
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 Louisiana requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
Louisiana is a shall-issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in Louisiana to get a concealed carry permit? |
You must be at least 21 years old to concealed carry in Louisiana. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Louisiana with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
No. A Louisiana concealed carry permit only allows for the carrying of handguns. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Louisiana? |
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Louisiana? |
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in Louisiana. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?Does Louisiana have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. Louisiana places no restrictions on capacity for handgun magazines. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does Louisiana have ammunition restrictions? |
Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited. |
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Louisiana? |
Yes. Per the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Concealed Handguns Frequently Asked Questions, under most circumstances, carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle is legal in Louisiana. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Louisiana? |
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 Louisiana? |
Yes, with a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit or a permit from a state Louisiana recognizes. [La. Rev. Stat. § 56:1691 and La. Admin. Code Tit. 25 Part IX § 313(C)] |
Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a concealed firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in Louisiana? |
Any establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises is off-limits for concealed carry permit holders. For restaurants with bars, the bar areas are off-limits. In addition, some establishments may post signs stating that firearms are not allowed. Based on the Louisiana State Police website, for purposes of concealed handgun law, a permittee is considered under the influence of alcohol when a blood alcohol reading of .05% or greater by weight of alcohol in the blood is obtained, or a blood or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a CDS. |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Louisiana? |
Louisiana 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 Louisiana have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
No property owner, tenant, public or private employer, or business entity shall prohibit any person who lawfully possesses a firearm from transporting or storing a firearm in a locked, privately-owned motor vehicle in any parking lot, parking garage, or other designated parking area. However, firearms must be hidden from plain view or within a locked case or container within the vehicle. This does not apply to properties where the possession of firearms is prohibited under state or federal law. |
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Louisiana? |
Yes. By Louisiana state law, you have a duty to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed weapon. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry Permit?Is my Louisiana driver’s license linked to my Louisiana carry permit? |
Yes. Your Louisiana driver’s license is linked to your Louisiana concealed handgun permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer will be notified immediately that you are a concealed carry permit holder if they run your driver’s license. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Louisiana? 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 Louisiana have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes. As of August 1, 2020, there is statewide preemption of all gun laws. |
Red Flag Law?Does Louisiana have a red flag law? |
No. Louisiana does not have a red flag law. |
Brandishing?Does Louisiana state law define brandishing? |
No definition of brandishing was found in Louisiana law. However, negligent carrying of a concealed handgun is the intentional or criminally negligent carrying by any person when it is foreseeable that the handgun may discharge, or when others are placed in reasonable apprehension that the handgun may discharge, or when the handgun is being carried, brandished or displayed under circumstances that create a reasonable apprehension on the part of members of the public or a law enforcement official that a crime is being committed or is about to be committed. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or a Controlled Dangerous Substance?Does Louisiana have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance? |
Not while under the influence of alcohol (BAC of 0.05 or greater) or a controlled dangerous substance (when a blood test or urine test shows any confirmed presence of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in L.R.S. 40:961 and 40:964). [La. Rev. Stat. § 40:1379.3(I)(1)] 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. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?Does Louisiana issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?Does Louisiana allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No. The public cannot access the Louisiana concealed carry registry. |
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Louisiana? |
No. You do not need a permit to buy a handgun in Louisiana. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in Louisiana? |
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. |
Louisiana Permit Exempts from Background Check?Does my current Louisiana concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
Yes. Five-year concealed handgun permits issued on or after March 9, 2015 qualify. Lifetime permits do not qualify. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Louisiana? |
No. There is no waiting period to purchase a handgun in Louisiana. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in Louisiana? |
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Louisiana. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Louisiana? |
You must be at least 18 years old to transport or possess a handgun in Louisiana. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? |
Yes. Carrying a handgun is permitted for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm, without a license, in or on property that the person carrying the handgun legally controls. [La. Rev. Stat. 14:95.2(C)(4)] No individual to whom a concealed handgun permit is issued may carry such concealed handgun into the private residence of another without first receiving the consent of that person. |
Louisiana Gun Laws: What You Need to Know
USCCA — September 23, 2019
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Louisiana
USCCA — January 17, 2021
Which states' permits does Louisiana honor?
Louisiana honors permits issued by states that recognize Louisiana permits. The minimum age to conceal carry is 21 years old. Louisiana residents must have a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) to carry in the state.
Which states honor permits from Louisiana?
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.
Louisiana offers resident and non-resident (military with Louisiana State ID's) permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Louisiana resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
*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 Louisiana. |
Fees: |
Initial permits and renewals - $125 (65 years and older or active duty military personnel - $62.50) *Note Louisiana exempts HONORABLY DISCHARGED veterans of the U.S. armed forces from all fees associated with 5-year or lifetime concealed handgun permits. This Act doesn’t affect currently active military personnel. Active duty personnel remain eligible to receive the half price discount with a copy of your most recent orders. *Note If any applicant has not continuously resided in Louisiana for the past 15 years an additional $50.00 fee is required (HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS ONLY are exempt from this fee). |
Valid For: |
5 years |
Processing Time: |
No state law on file |
Application: |
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Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Yes, but only for members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID. The process is the same as for residents. |
Name/Address Changes: |
Any permittee must notify the Department of any address or name change within 30 days of the change. Failure to timely notify the department of a name or address change may result in suspension of the permit for up to 30 days. Complete the online change of address form. |
Lost/Stolen Permits: |
If your permit is lost or stolen, you need to notify the Concealed Handgun Permit Unit in a notarized written statement completely describing the loss or theft. Include a copy of any police reports made pertaining to this matter. A new permit will be mailed to your address of record. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to Louisiana and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Moving from Louisiana and have a Louisiana resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Louisiana permit remains valid? However, LRS 40:1379.3 J (4) states that a person who maintains a dwelling in Louisiana, but is residing elsewhere as a member of the United States military or as a student, is still considered to be a resident of Louisiana. |
How to Apply for a Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete a firearm training course if required. |
Step 2: |
Download the application form or apply online. |
Step 3: |
Contact your local police office, sheriff’s department or State Police Headquarters in Baton Rouge for fingerprinting. |
Step 4: |
You will need some of the following documents:
|
Step 5: |
Submit your application and documents by mail to: Louisiana State Police |
Step 6: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
An applicant shall demonstrate competence with a handgun by any one of the following:
Refresher training is required for all permit renewal applications.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew a Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. Permit holders will be notified in writing at their address of record, approximately 120 days prior to the expiration of the permit. The renewal application should be returned to the Department no less than 90 days prior to the expiration of the permit to allow sufficient time for processing. A renewal application must be submitted within 60 days of the expiration date. If the permit expired over 60 days, a new permit application is required. Complete firearms refresher training within one year of renewal. All applicants shall demonstrate competence with a handgun by attending a course taught by a department approved instructor consisting of the following:
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Step 2: |
Apply for a renewal permit in one of the following ways:
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Step 3: |
Complete the renewal application, and submit the following:
Paper applications and/or other documentation must be submitted to: |
Step 4: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. Online applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submission of their application and another email upon acceptance of their application. The acceptance email will contain a link to submit a credit card payment. If payment is not made within 30 days, the application will be purged from the system and will require a new submission to proceed. |
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.
Louisiana Rev. Stat. §§ 40:1379.1.3 and 1.4 establish the state requirements for LEOs and RLEOs to carry under LEOSA. The statutes indicate that once qualified, the officers may carry a concealed firearm anywhere in the state, including any place open to the public. Annual firearm qualification is conducted by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST). The POST procedures state that if a retired officer was certified at the time of retirement and has not experienced a five-year break in full-time law enforcement service, the officer need only qualify with his weapon. If the retired officer failed to maintain his firearms qualification, he must successfully complete the Pre-Academy Firearms Course as prescribed by POST. POST has over 600 certified firearms instructors across the state.
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Louisiana? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Louisiana?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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What Are the Knife Laws in Louisiana? |
It is legal to own and open or concealed carry any knife in Louisiana, except that it is not legal to concealed carry an automatic switchblade or any other automatic knife. Knives may not be carried on the property of elementary, secondary, high schools, vocational-technical schools, school buses and school functions/activities. The City of Shreveport prohibits possession of weapons at government facilities and facilities owned by the city. |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Louisiana, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? |
There is no known statute in Louisiana making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. A state statute was identified, making it illegal to wear a hood, mask, or facial disguise with the intention of concealing the person’s identity in any public place. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Louisiana? |
Yes. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Louisiana? |
Yes. Bow hunters may carry any caliber of firearm on their person, while hunting with a bow. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Louisiana? |
Yes. No person shall interfere with the lawful taking of a wild animal by a hunter, trapper, or fisherman or interfere with the process of taking, with intent to prevent the taking on lands or waters managed by the state or upon private lands or waters. |
Date | Details |
---|---|
2022-08-01 | Added information regarding constitutional carry for military in the Summary |
2021-05-18 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
2020-08-03 | Updated page regarding church carry and preemption laws that went into effect on 8/1/2020 |
2020-07-01 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
2020-06-17 | Updated info on preemption in At A Glance table, per HB 140 |
2020-06-15 | Updated places of worship can't carry section, per HB 334 |
2020-06-04 | Added info and statutory links for ammunition restrictions in At A Glance table |
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 |
2020-04-06 | 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 |
2020-02-19 | Added related blog posts with links |
2020-02-14 | 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 |
2019-11-18 | 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 |
2019-07-25 | 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 |
2019-04-30 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
2019-04-18 | Links checked |
2019-03-28 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
2019-03-12 | Removed school from Where I Can't Carry section due to enactment of HB 602 based on member's info (Thanks!). Permitholders are now exempt from this gun-free zone. |
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 |
2019-01-25 | Links checked |
2019-01-25 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. 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 [email protected] 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.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.