May Issue
What Does May Issue Mean?
May Issue means that applicants must pass basic requirements and the issuing authority (county sheriff, police department, etc.) is allowed to use their own discretion in either issuing or denying a permit. Some may-issue states require an applicant to show “good cause” for obtaining a permit, while others require the applicant to show he or she is of suitable character and may require character references in order to authorize a permit. Other states require a mental health records check. There are currently nine may-issue states.
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island (for permits issued by the Attorney General’s Office)
Related Articles From the USCCA Ask An Attorney Series
What Is the Difference Between May-Issue, Shall-Issue and Constitutional Carry?
USCCA — August 17, 2019
May-Issue vs. Shall-Issue Concealed Carry States
USCCA — April 20, 2019
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 for a specific case.
