Wyoming gun laws & concealed carry reciprocity map

Wyoming is a shall-issue state. Wyoming Concealed Firearms Permit (CFP) applications are processed on a local level by the county sheriff’s office and issued by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Local law enforcement has some discretion in determining whether or not to issue a concealed weapons permit to an applicant.

No permit is needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual, no background check is required, there is no waiting period and there is no firearms registration in the state. Background checks are required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer. However, a Wyoming CFP exempts the holder from the federal requirement of a background check prior to purchase of a firearm.

Open carry is legal without a permit for anyone who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm.

As of July 1, 2021, permitless concealed carry is legal for any legal resident of the U.S. who is 21 years old or older, and who may lawfully possess a firearm. The minimum age to purchase and possess a handgun is 21 years old — 18 years old for shotguns or rifles. Some areas are off-limits, including schools as well as businesses primarily devoted to the sale and consumption of alcohol. A Wyoming CFP requires a firearms-training course that has been state approved or experience with a firearm through participation in an organized shooting competition or military service. Wyoming does not issue non-resident permits. In terms of reciprocity, Wyoming honors permits from other states that recognize Wyoming permits.

Where can I carry with my Wyoming permit?

Yes

Yes, Constitutional Carry

Yes, Other Restrictions

No

49 States Honored | 36 Reciprocating States

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Permitless Carry States Include: Wyoming, Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida, West Virginia, Mississippi, Ohio, Alaska, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, New Hampshire, Montana, Idaho, Maine, Indiana, South Carolina, Iowa, Oklahoma, Missouri, South Dakota, Nebraska, Utah, Kentucky, North Dakota, Vermont, Alabama, Kansas, Arkansas

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.

Wyoming Concealed Carry Reciprocity Details

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Self-Defense Laws
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Key Wyoming Gun Laws

Important Firearm Laws

"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?

Yes

Yes. A person is guilty of criminal trespass if he enters or remains on or in the land or premises of another person, knowing he is not authorized to do so, or after being notified through personal communication or posted signs prohibiting firearms to depart or to not trespass. 

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-3-303]

red flag law?

No

Wyoming does not have a red flag law.

public access to concealed carry registry?

No

No, however the information is available for law enforcement.

non-resident permitting?

No

No. Wyoming does not issue permits to non-residents.

duty to inform officer you're carrying?

No

There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm unless the officer asks.

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(b)]

driver's license linked to carry permit?

Yes

Yes. Your Wyoming driver’s license is linked to your Wyoming concealed firearms 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.

carry while using alcohol or controlled substances?

See details

According to the Game and Fish Code, no person shall carry a firearm with a cartridge therein, or take any wildlife in Wyoming, while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance as defined in Wyo. Stat. § 35-7-1002.

[Wyo. Stat. § 23-3-307]

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.

brandishing?

No

No definition of brandishing was found in Wyoming law. However, any person who knowingly points a firearm at or in the direction of another, whether or not the person believes the firearm is loaded, is guilty of reckless endangering unless reasonably necessary in defense of his person, property or abode or to prevent serious bodily injury to another.

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-2-504]

preemption?

Yes

Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Wyoming.

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-401(c)]

Carry Basics

gun permit licensure?

See details

Wyoming is shall-issue, with discretion.

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(g)]

weapons other than handguns allowed?

No

No. A Wyoming CFP does not permit weapons besides handguns.

open carry permitted?

Yes

Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm can open carry.

magazine limits for handguns?

No

No. There are no handgun magazine capacity limits in Wyoming.

ammunition restrictions?

No

No. Wyoming law does not restrict handgun ammunition types.

minimum age for concealed carry?

See details

The minimum age to apply for a Wyoming Concealed Firearms Permit is 21 (or at least 18 years of age if the local sheriff makes a personal recommendation on the applicant’s behalf).

permitless carry?

Yes

Yes. As of July 1, 2021, permitless concealed carry is legal for any legal resident of the U.S. who is 21 years old or older, and who may lawfully possess a firearm.

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(a)(iv)]

non-lethal weapons?

Yes

STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase without a permit.

PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Wyoming imposes no restrictions on size or concentration. Prohibited in schools, government buildings, and other restricted areas.

TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense but subject to general misuse laws.

BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. No specific state restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.

BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to won and carry in Wyoming. Batons are not classified as "dangerous weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.

Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.

BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal under Wyoming law. Brass knuckles are not classified as "prohibited weapons," so their possession, sale, or carry is permitted.

byrna's?

Yes

Yes. These are legal for purchase and possession. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Wyoming law. 

Handgun Purchase & Possession

minimum age to possess and transport?

See details

You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in Wyoming.

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104]

possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?

See details

Although residents can concealed carry and open carry without a permit, Wyoming Statutes don’t specifically address carry on private property.

wyoming permit exempts from background check?

Yes

Yes.

handgun registration?

No

No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Wyoming.

waiting period?

No

No. There is no waiting period to buy a handgun in Wyoming.

background checks for private gun sales?

No

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.

purchase permits?

No

No. You are not required to get a special permit before purchasing a handgun in Wyoming.

Important Concealed Carry Information

Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Wyoming Residents

Concealed Carry Basics Faq

hunter harassment law?

Yes

Yes. No person shall with the intent to prevent or hinder the lawful taking of any wildlife.

[Wyo. Stat. § 23-3-405]

what are the knife laws in wyoming?

See details

It is legal to own and open carry any type of knife. It is legal to concealed carry a deadly weapon for anyone who has a valid weapon permit or is otherwise eligible to hold a weapon permit. There are restrictions for schools, school, college or professional athletic facilities, bars, government meetings, jails, a state penal institution, the Wyoming boys' school, Wyoming girls' school, and correctional facilities.

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(a) and (t) and 6-5-209]

carry while bow hunting?

Yes

Yes. However, the law does prohibit the use of firearms in taking or finishing off any big or trophy game animals during the archery season.

[WY Game & Fish FAQs]

carry while gun hunting?

Yes

Yes.

wear a covid mask & carry?

Yes

There is no known statute in Wyoming making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.

where can't i carry a concealed firearm in wyoming?

See details
  • Any elementary or secondary school facility;
  • Any school, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms;
  • Any college or university facility without the written consent of the security service of the college or university;
  • Any facility used primarily for law enforcement operations or administration without the written consent of the chief administrator;
  • Any detention facility, prison or jail;
  • Any courtroom, except that nothing shall preclude a judge from carrying a concealed weapon or determining who will carry a concealed weapon in the courtroom;
  • Any meeting of a government entity;
  • Any meeting of the legislature or a committee thereof;
  • Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic liquor and malt beverages for consumption on the premises, if primarily devoted to that purpose;

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(t)]

  • The Wyoming boy's and girl's schools; 
  • The state hospital; and

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-5-209]

where can i carry a concealed firearm in wyoming?

See details
  • Carry in restaurants that serve alcohol? You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol without a permit, unless posted. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
  • Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm. 
  • Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm. 
  • Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm. 
  • Carry in places of worship? Yes, without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm. 
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Wyoming Concealed Carry License Information

Residency Changes:

Moving to Wyoming and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Wyoming issues permits to residents only. You can apply for your permit with the sheriff of your county once you have been a resident of Wyoming for at least six months or hold a valid statewide concealed firearm permit issued in another state that recognizes Wyoming permits.

Moving from Wyoming and have a Wyoming resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Wyoming permit remains valid?If a person with a Wyoming concealed firearms permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided the individual notifies the DCI within 30 days of his or her move. Once the individual's permit expires it will not be renewed since a permit can only be issued to a Wyoming resident.

Lost/Stolen Permits:

You will need to complete a Duplicate Permit Application, furnish a notarized statement to the DCI that the permit has been lost or destroyed and pay a $5 fee for a duplicate. The county sheriff's departments maintain all required forms and collect all funds for CFPs. They may also have notary publics, so they can complete all forms, make copies for their records and send the fees and completed forms to the DCI.

Application:

Link to application

Link to WY Resident Military Personnel and Spouses Stationed Out Of State info and application

Valid For:

5 years

Requirements:

An applicant must:

  • Be a citizen of the United States;
  • Have been a resident of Wyoming for at least 6 months or hold a valid statewide concealed firearm permit issued in another state that recognizes Wyoming permits;
  • Be at least 21 years of age (or at least 18 years of age if the local sheriff makes a personal recommendation on the applicant’s behalf);
  • Demonstrate familiarity with a firearm by past experience or through the completion of certain safety or training courses;
  • Not be prohibited by state law from possessing a firearm;
  • Not suffer from a physical infirmity that would prevent the safe handling of a firearm;
  • Not have been committed to a state or federal facility for the abuse of a controlled substance within the previous year;
  • Not have ever been convicted of certain state or federal felony crimes relating to controlled substances, and has not been convicted of certain state or federal misdemeanor crimes relating to controlled substances within the previous year;
  • Not chronically or habitually use alcoholic liquor or malt beverages to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired, and not have been involuntarily committed within the past 1-year period to any residential facility as a result of the use of alcohol;
  • Not currently be adjudicated to be legally incompetent, and not have been committed to a mental institution; 
  • Not have been found guilty of, or have pled no contest to, 1 or more misdemeanor crimes of violence within the last 3 years; and
  • Meet federal law requirements.

*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 Wyoming.

Processing Time:

90 days

Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:

Wyoming doesn't issue permits to non-residents.

Name/Address Changes:

You will need to complete an Address & Name Change Form and provide documentation for name changes and email or mail the completed form to the address on the form. New permits are NOT issued for address changes.

Fees:

Initial Permit $64 (The sheriff’s office may charge a separate fee for processing and fingerprinting.)

Renewal $45

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How do I get a concealed carry permit in Wyoming?

Wyoming has its own step-by-step application process. For the full walkthrough, see our complete guide on how to get a concealed carry permit in Wyoming.

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Concealed Carry Locations FAQ

carry in restaurants that serve alcohol?

See details

You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol without a permit, unless posted. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(t)(vii)]

carry/possess at a hotel?

See details

Wyoming 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?

See details

Not addressed in Wyoming state law.

carry at roadside rest areas?

Yes

Yes, without a permit 

carry in vehicle?

Yes

Yes. Without a permit for anyone at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm. 

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104]

carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?

Yes

Yes, without a permit, although the use of firearms is prohibited in all state parks, campgrounds, recreational grounds, historic landmarks or historic sites unless otherwise designated by the state Fish and Game Commission (Wy Admin. Rule 024.0002.1.16). See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Wyoming.  

tribal land

Yes

Northern Arapaho - With a valid Wyoming permit.
Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes of the Wind River Indian Reservation - With a valid Wyoming permit.

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Wyoming Self-Defense Laws

Criminal Immunity

A person who uses legal, reasonable defensive force shall not be criminally prosecuted for that use of reasonable defensive force.

[Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104(g)]

 

Self-Defense

Wyoming is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. There is no duty to retreat, and the law applies at a person’s home or habitation or any place where the person is lawfully present.

The use of defensive force is reasonable when it is the defensive force that a reasonable person in like circumstances would judge necessary to prevent an injury or loss and no more, including deadly force, if necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to the person employing the deadly force.

A person is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury to himself or herself or another when using defensive force, including deadly force if:

  • The intruder against whom the defensive force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering or had unlawfully and forcibly entered, another’s home or habitation, or if that intruder had removed or was attempting to remove another against his or her will from one’s home or habitation;  and
  • The person who uses defensive force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible act was occurring.

A person who unlawfully and by force enters or attempts to enter another’s home or habitation is presumed to be doing so with the intent to commit an unlawful act involving force or violence.

Wyoming Gun Law Updates

DateDetails

2025-04-09

Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.

2021-05-19

Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table

2021-04-22

Per HB 116, added permitless carry info to the Summary and At A Glance sections

2021-03-03

Added info and link for military permit applications in the Permit Info section

2020-09-03

Added information on Self Defense in the Summary

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