Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Georgia's concealed carry laws. Applying for a WCL varies by state.
Read about the process for getting a Georgia Weapons Carry License below.
COMPLETE the application online or, if your county isn’t listed online, make an appointment with the probate court in your county.
SUBMIT your application.
You will need the following documents in order to submit your application:
Provide your fingerprints. (Depending on the probate court’s process, it will either take your fingerprints there or give you a law enforcement affidavit to have your fingerprints taken at a police department. You will need to do this within five days of submitting your application.)
Pay the fee.
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX. You will be notified within 60 days if your application has been approved.
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.
An applicant must:
*In some situations, you can ask for approval from the county probate judge. 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 Georgia.
60 Day Processing Time
~$75 for Initial Application. Fees vary by County.
Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue
~$35 for Permit Renewal. Fees vary by County.
Yes, but only to members of the military permanently stationed in Georgia. The process is the same as for residents.
Moving to Georgia and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?Georgia issues licenses to residents and members of the military only. You can apply for your license to the sheriff of your county once you have established your residence in that county. If you have a valid concealed carry license in any other state that recognizes a Georgia weapons carry license, you may carry a weapon in Georgia for 90 days after you become a Georgia state resident provided, however, you carry the weapon in compliance with Georgia laws and you submit a weapons carry license application as soon as practicable, and that you remain licensed in the other state until you obtain your Georgia weapons carry license.
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?If a person with a Georgia weapons carry license establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. 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.
COMPLETE the online application. If your county isn't listed online, make an appointment with the probate court in your country.
SUBMIT your renewal application.
You will need the following documents in order to submit your application;
Pay the fee.
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX. You will be notified within 60 days if your renewal has been approved.
The USCCA has the CCW Permit Resources You Need
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Make sure you understand Georgia Gun Laws and Georgia concealed carry reciprocity with other states.