How To Get Your Alabama Concealed Carry Permit

An applicant must:

• Be at least 19 years of age;
• Reside in the county where he or she files the application or be active-duty military stationed in Alabama or a spouse;
• Be a suitable person to be licensed;
  • Not be a registered sex offender;
  • Not have been found guilty but mentally ill in a criminal case;
  • Not have asserted a defense in a criminal case of not guilty by reason of insanity or mental disease or defect;
  • Not have required involuntary inpatient treatment in a psychiatric hospital or similar treatment facility for any reason, including drug use;
  • Not have been the subject of a prosecution or of a commitment or incompetency proceeding that could lead to a prohibition on the receipt or possession of a firearm under the laws of Alabama;
  • Not have caused justifiable concern for public safety;
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien; and
• Meet federal law requirements.

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:

• Has been found guilty but mentally ill in a criminal case;
• Has been found not guilty in a criminal case by reason of insanity or mental disease or defect;
• Has been declared incompetent to stand trial in a criminal case;
• Has asserted a defense in a criminal case of not guilty by reason of insanity or mental disease or defect;
• Has been found not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility under the Uniform Code of Military Justice;
• Has required involuntary inpatient treatment in a psychiatric hospital or similar treatment facility;
• Has required involuntary outpatient treatment in a psychiatric hospital or similar treatment facility based on a finding that the person is an imminent danger to himself or herself or to others;
• Has required involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital or similar treatment facility for any reason, including drug use;
• Is or was the subject of a prosecution or of a commitment or incompetency proceeding that could lead to a prohibition on the receipt or possession of a firearm under the laws of Alabama or the United States;
• Has falsified any portion of the permit application; or
• Has caused justifiable concern for public safety.

*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.