How To Get Your Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit
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 Louisiana's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CHP varies by state.
Read about the process for getting a Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit below.
Steps To Get A Louisiana Concealed Carry Permit
COMPLETE a firearm training course.
DOWNLOAD the application or apply online.
CONTACT your local police office, sheriff’s department or the Louisiana State Police headquarters in Baton Rouge for fingerprinting.
GATHER the following documents to mail in with your application:
- Application with the three affidavits completed and notarized
- Copy of Louisiana driver’s license or state identification card
- Correct fee
- Proof of training
- Two sets of fingerprints on an FBI Applicant Card
- Marital status: If you are divorced, copies of the divorce settlement, decree or final judgment along with any orders or injunctions of the court must be included
- Arrests: If you have been arrested, you must include certified-true copies of court minutes as requested in the “Arrests, Detention and Litigation Section” of the application (You must still list violations that were expunged, dismissed or set aside or for which you were pardoned.)
- Military: If you have served in the U.S. armed forces, you must include a copy of your DD-214, and if you are currently serving, you must include a copy of your current orders or a copy of your military ID if allowed
- Medical summary disposition: If you answered “yes” to any medical questions in No. 13 to 19, the medical summary must be completed by the treating physician (This information must be included with your application.)
MAIL your application and documents to:
Louisiana State Police
Concealed Handgun Permit Unit
P.O. Box 66375
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
Find a CCW Training Class
What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Louisiana?
An applicant shall demonstrate competence with a handgun by any one of the following:
- Completion of any National Rifle Association handguns safety or training course conducted by a National Rifle Association certified instructor
- Completion of any Department of Public Safety and Corrections approved firearms safety or training course or class available to the public offered by a law enforcement agency, college or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school
- Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement
- Completion of small arms training while serving with the U.S. armed forces as evidenced by a DD-214 or service record evidence of having successfully completed small arms training and qualification
- Completion of the National Rifle Association’s personal protection course
PERMIT RENEWAL REQUIRES LIVE RANGE FIRE AND CLEANING PROCEDURES THAT INCLUDES:
- 6 feet - 12 rounds
- 10 feet - 12 rounds
- 15 feet - 12 rounds
- Perform at least one safe reload at each distance;
- Score 100 percent hits within the silhouette portion of a target with at least 36 rounds.
Refresher training is required for all permit renewal applications.
What Are the Louisiana License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?
An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Have completed a firearms training course;
- Be a resident of the state of Louisiana or a member of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana;
- Be a U.S. citizen;
- Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor in this or any other state relating to a controlled dangerous substance within the last 5 years;
- Not have been convicted of a crime of violence within the last 5 years;
- Not have been convicted of a crime of violence or any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of 1 year or greater. However, a person who has been convicted of a violation of 18 U.S.C. 491(a) shall be permitted to qualify for a concealed handgun permit if 15 or more years have elapsed;
- Not have a history of engaging in violent behavior (there is a rebuttable presumption that an applicant has a history of engaging in violent behavior upon proof that, within the last 10 years, the applicant has, on 3 or more occasions, been arrested for or charged with any “crime of violence,” or has on 2 or more occasions been arrested for or charged with any crime of violence punishable by death);
- Not have had a permit revoked within 4 years prior to the most recent application;
- Not have had a permit denied within 1 year prior to the most recent application;
- Not be a fugitive from justice;
- Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana, depressants, stimulants or narcotic drugs;
- Not have been adjudicated to be mentally deficient or been committed to a mental institution (unless the applicant’s right to possess a firearm has been legally restored);
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States; 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 Louisiana.
What are the Fees and Terms?
No Processing Time Law On File
Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue OR Lifetime Permit
$125 Initial Permits & Renewals; $500 Lifetime Permits. Additional $50 fee if applicant has not continuously resided in Louisiana for 15 years.
$62.50 Initial Permit / $250 Lifetime Permit for 65+ OR Active Duty Military Personnel. Kentucky exempts HONORABLY DISCHARGED veterans from any fees associated with permits.
Where Can I Find Application Forms?
What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?
Residency Changes:
Moving to Louisiana and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Louisiana issues permits to residents and members of the military permanently stationed in Louisiana with a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID only. You can apply for your permit with the Department of Public Safety once you have a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana state ID.
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?According to LAC 55:I:1309.F, when a permittee ceases to reside in Louisiana the permit becomes invalid and must be returned to the Department of Public Safety. If the individual returns to Louisiana, he or she must reapply for a permit.
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 Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Louisiana?
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:
- Instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures for a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol;
- Instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting;
- Instruction on handgun shooting positions;
- Instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution which shall include a review of Louisiana R.S. 14:18-14:22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to use of deadly force;
- Instruction on child access prevention; and
- Actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures including:
- A minimum 12 rounds each at 6 feet, 10 feet and 15 feet for a total of 36 rounds;
- Perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance;
- Score 100 percent hits within the silhouette portion of a target with at least 36 rounds.
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.
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 a firearms refresher training course within one year of renewal.
COMPLETE the online renewal application OR complete the mailed application and submit the following:
- Your training certificate;
- A photocopy of your driver's license; and
- The appropriate fees.
Paper applications and/or other documentation must be submitted to:
Concealed Handgun Permit Unit ATTN: RENEWAL DEPT.
PO Box 66375
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.
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.
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Make sure you understand Louisiana Gun Laws and Louisiana concealed carry reciprocity with other states.