Traveling With a Firearm and Understanding Concealed Carry State Reciprocity

Domestic travel and seeing America can be safer — but more challenging — if you choose to take your self-defense firearm on the road.

Traveling With a Firearm

Legally traveling with a firearm requires advance research of the gun laws, rules or policies of every state along your route. Fortunately, the USCCA has packed all the information you need into one convenient Concealed Carry State Reciprocity Map. Don’t forget to also:

Verify that you are allowed to carry your firearm at your destination
Determine if and how you can lawfully cross state lines with a gun

We have covered some of the basics for the various forms of travel including:

Passenger trains (Amtrak)

Hotel Gun Policies

If you will be staying at a hotel or motel, you should consider whether you are allowed to carry or have your firearm in your room. Check out our page about handguns at hotels.

International Travel Guide for Gun Owners

Are you planning to travel internationally with a firearm? See our international travel page for tips to help you comply with customs, security and more.

Remember, these policies are subject to change, so verify with your carrier or ticketing agent prior to each trip you take to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Relevant Documents to Have

It is also a good idea to have relevant documents when carrying a gun while traveling:

Copies of your valid concealed carry permit(s)
A copy of the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA)
Copies of 18 USC § 926A code regarding interstate transportation of firearms
Printed reciprocity map(s) showing the states that recognize and honor your firearms permit
Documents proving that you legally own the firearms you are transporting

Top 3 Tips for Armed Travelers

Gun laws can change often and without notice, so we have several options to help you stay informed.

USCCA App to receive instant alerts when crossing state borders and learn the laws of every state

Become a member for all the latest info plus comprehensive education and training

Stay up to date with emails from the USCCA

Related Travel Articles From the USCCA Blog

Traveling With Your Firearms

KEVIN MICHALOWSKI — MARCH 14, 2019

A Few More Travel Tips

JOHN CAILE — MARCH 15, 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.