Alabama
Concealed carry: permit required from county of residency, sheriff has some discretionary authority, no
reciprocity for licensees from other states. Law enforcement officers from any state not required to
obtain permit.
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: uniform throughout state, local units prohibited from enacting ordinances
regulating handguns
Vehicle carry and transportation: handguns must be unloaded and cased in the trunk unless one has an
Alabama permit to carry concealed.
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan.
Attorney General�s Office
11 South Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
(P) (334) 242-7300
Carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle or concealed on or about one's person is illegal unless one has an Alabama
permit to carry. Such permits are limited to Alabama residents and may be revoked by the issuing authority for
good cause
State law does not prohibit carrying a loaded handgun if it is unconcealed and one is on foot while carrying the
weapon. However, if traveling in a vehicle, all handguns should be unloaded and cased in the trunk or rear storage
area to avoid any illegalities.
Alaska
Concealed carry: licenses granted to residents on a "shall issue" basis, no reciprocity for non-residents
with carry permits from their home states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: no preemption statute, home rule in major cities
Vehicle carry and transportation: a loaded handgun may be carried in passenger compartment if it is in
plain view (glove compartment carry of a handgun is OK as well)
Attorney General�s Office:
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Wyoming, Utah.
Post Office Box 1103300
Juneau, AK 99811-0300
(P) (907) 465-3600
Alaska grants concealed carry permits to private citizens on a "shall issue" basis. No statutory provision exists
which would provide reciprocity for travelers with out-of-state carry permits. Vehicle carry of a loaded handgun is
permitted if the weapon is in plain view. Hidden under the seat or inside one's clothing is considered carrying
concealed and thus illegal. Glove compartment carry is legitimate under the law and generally accepted.
Alaska has no preemption statute. Major cities are permitted to enact laws regulating gun ownership without the
concurrence of the state legislature. Currently, very few local ordinances exist which would cause concern for the
gun owning traveler.
Arizona
Concealed carry: Arizona state permit required from Public Safety office, no reciprocity for licensees
from other states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: uniform throughout state, local units prohibited from enacting ordinances
regulating firearms
Vehicle carry and transportation: handguns may be loaded and carried in plain view or vehicle glove
compartment
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee,
Wyoming, Utah.
Attorney General�s Office
1275 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(P) (602)542-4266
Concealed carry is permitted if one obtains an Arizona license. Such licenses are granted on a "shall issue" basis to
Arizona residents only. The licensing authority has no discretionary control over issuance. Arizona does not provide
reciprocity for individuals with carry permits from other states.
The few laws that exist are uniform throughout the state. One law that harkens back to the Old West requires that a
patron to a business establishment open to the public must "check" his weapons if "politely" asked to do so by the
owner.
Open carry of firearms is permitted on foot or in one's vehicle. Handguns must be bolstered or contained in a
scabbard that allows for ready observation by third persons. Carrying a handgun in the glove compartment is legal
without a permit as such carry is not considered concealed under current statutes. All firearms may be carried in a
loaded state.
Arkansas
Concealed carry: Arkansas state permit required from state director, reciprocity available for licensees
from certain other states (see below)
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: uniform throughout state, local units prohibited from enacting ordinances
regulating firearms
Vehicle carry and transportation: handguns must be unloaded and cased, glove compartment carry of a
handgun is presumptively illegal
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, Tennessee,
Texas, Wyoming, Utah.
Attorney General�s Office
323 Center Street
Little Rock, AR 72201-2610
(P) (501) 682-2007
Arkansas recently began recognizing carry permits from states which recognize Arkansas permits. The Director of
the State Police is responsible for formulating a list of states whose permits are officially recognized in Arkansas.
Travelers may contact the Attorney General for status verification of their permits.
Individuals without an Arkansas license to carry concealed may not transport a loaded handgun in the passenger
compartment of a vehicle. Carry your handgun securely cased and unloaded.
Despite the preemption act, Arkansas still restricts the carry of "loaded" center fire weapons (excluding shotguns)
in certain parts of specific counties. Travelers should carry such firearms in an unloaded state unless otherwise
advised.
California
Concealed carry: heavily restrictive licensing procedure very difficult to obtain a concealed carry
permit unless one has political influence
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: preemption act, localities may not regulate the licensing or registration of
firearms
Vehicle carry and transportation: firearm must be unloaded and cased in trunk or vehicle storage
compartment unless one has a California permit to carry concealed
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan.
Attorney General�s Office
1300 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814
(P) (916) 324-5437
Concealed carry in California is illegal unless one possesses a California license to carry. California does not
currently provide reciprocity for out-of-state licenses. Vehicle transport is limited to cased and unloaded firearms
stowed in the trunk or vehicle storage compartment. Any firearms located in the glove compartment or under the
seat are considered concealed.
Handguns carried openly in belt holsters in rural areas of the state are legal. Loaded firearms in plain view may not
be carried in public areas where the discharge of a weapon is prohibited. This restriction includes most
incorporated portions of California. The law that prohibits the loaded carry of firearms in public areas contains a
specific exemption for carry at a campsite or temporary residence. RV owners should take note of this aspect.
California's preemption act prohibits localities from regulating most aspects of firearms licensing and registration.
This uniformity, however, is overshadowed by the fact that current state laws are extremely restrictive. Travelers
passing through the state may transport the weapons cased and unloaded in the trunks or storage compartments of
their vehicles.
Colorado
Concealed carry: license required, some local discretion over issuance, no reciprocity for non-residents
with permits from their home states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: no preemption act, local units may pass their own gun laws
Vehicle carry and transportation: handguns may be carried loaded and in plain view, rifles and shotguns
must be unloaded and in plain view
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan.
Attorney General�s Office
1525 Sherman Street, 5th floor
Denver, CO 80203
(P) (303) 866-3052
Colorado issues concealed carry permits on a discretionary basis to qualified residents. Currently, the state does
not recognize carry permits issued by other states.
A traveler may carry a loaded handgun in his vehicle so long as the weapon is in plain view. "Unloaded" under
Colorado law applies only to the chamber of the weapon. Individuals may carry loaded firearms openly while on foot
subject to local ordinance.
Colorado does not have a state preemption act. Local governmental units may enact laws regulating the carry and
possession of firearms.
Connecticut
Concealed carry: license required, locally issued, valid throughout state (non-resident licenses from
states that issue concealed carry licenses are honored in Connecticut if possessor of license is
traveling to a recognized firearm competition)
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: local gun laws preempted by judicial ruling
Vehicle carry and transportation: individuals not licensed to carry concealed in either Connecticut or
their home state may not legally transport firearms into the state (see below)
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Wyoming.
Attorney General�s Office
55 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
(P) (860) 808-5318
Vehicle carry of any firearm must be accompanied by a Connecticut carry permit. These permits are granted to Connecticut
residents by the local police of the applicant's hometown on a "shall issue" basis. Connecticut will also honor carry permits of
travelers from other states who are traveling into the state for a recognized firearms competition. This makes it much easier for
non-residents with out-of-state carry permits to transport firearms so long as they are traveling to such an event. If a traveler is
not going to a firearms competition or is a Connecticut resident who lacks a carry permit, he should leave all firearms at home.
Needless to say, open carry of a firearm on foot in most public areas is not recommended.
Connecticut strictly prohibits the transportation of any "dangerous or deadly weapon" in a vehicle without a permit. A perusal of
case law indicates that this prohibition applies to all firearms.
Delaware
Concealed carry: licenses granted on a discretionary basis, no reciprocity for nonresidents with carry permits from home states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: state preemption act, local firearm laws enacted before 1985 are grand-fathered (see below)
Vehicle carry and transportation: a loaded handgun may be carried openly or secured in the trunk if hidden from view ' rifles
and shotguns must be unloaded when carried in any motor vehicle
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Wyoming.
Attorney General�s Office
820 North French Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(P) (302) 577-8400
Handguns concealed on or about the person are illegal unless the individual has a Delaware permit to carry concealed. Delaware does not
recognize out-of-state licenses. However, individuals who do not possess a Delaware permit to carry concealed may still carry a handgun
openly so long as it is properly secured in a visible belt holster. The state has a preemption law which has been in force since 1985. This
effectively prevents localities from enacting new gun restrictions that would only serve to harass the unfamiliar traveler. However, travelers
should note that pre-85 local laws regulating firearms may still exist in some areas.
Vehicle carry of a loaded handgun is permitted if the weapon is in plain view or stored in an inaccessible area such as the trunk (glove
compartment carry is not permitted). Travelers should also be sure that local firearm laws passed before 1985 do not prohibit such activity.
Generally, this is only a concern in urban, public areas.
District of Columbia
Concealed carry: no provision for concealed or open carry
Handgun ownership: totally restricted, no handgun sales or possession
Firearm law uniformity: laws are uniform all right, anything that shoots is banned
Vehicle carry and transportation: firearms not registered with the D C. police may not be brought into the District
(this basically means everything)
Corporation Counsel of D.C.
441 4th Street NW
Washington D.C. 20001
(P) (202) 727-6284
Since the mid-1970s, all handguns have been banned from possession, sale, and carry. Travelers to D.C. are prohibited from
carrying any firearms into the District in a concealed or open manner. Technically, D.C. law forbids the transport of firearms
through the District as well. However, police have stated they will not harass a non-resident passing through the District if his
firearms are unloaded, boxed and locked in the trunk. The traveler may not stop anywhere in the District or his "passing
through" status will cease to exist. Aside from this exception, anything that shoots is clearly VERBOTEN
Florida
Concealed carry: license granted on a "shall issue" basis, no reciprocity for non-residents with concealed carry
permits from their home states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Reciprocity: Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New
Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Wyoming
Firearm law uniformity: state preemption act, gun laws uniform throughout state
Vehicle carry and transportation: firearms may be concealed and loaded while carried in a private vehicle provided
they are "securely encased or otherwise not readily accessible" (see below)
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Wyoming.
Attorney General�s Office
The Capitol - PL 01
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050
(P) (904) 487-1963
Vehicle carry without a concealed carry license is permitted if the firearm is in plain view in a snapped holster or if it is
concealed under certain specific circumstances. These circumstances refer to a firearm that is "securely encased" or is "not
otherwise readily accessible." "Securely encased" includes carry in a glove compartment, gun case or a closed box or container.
"Not readily accessible" means locked in the trunk of a car or the storage compartment of a pickup truck or RV. Either of these
conditions are legal for concealed carry of a firearm in a vehicle. A traveler, however, may not carry a firearm concealed on his
person while occupying a vehicle. This would include under his clothing or beneath the seat. Unfortunately, Florida does not
recognize carry permits from other states.
Open carry of firearms by a person on foot in most public areas is illegal with or without a license. The open carry restriction is
unusual because most states with laws similar to Florida allow firearms to be carried in an open manner.
Georgia
Concealed carry: license required, locally issued, valid throughout state, Georgia recognizes permits from states
that recognize Georgia's permits
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout state
Vehicle carry and transportation: absent a recognized license to carry, loaded handguns may be carried in a visible
manner on one's person or secured from view in a glove compartment.
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee.
Attorney General�s Office:
40 Capitol Square, SW
Atlanta, GA 30334-1300
(P) (404)656-4585
Open carry of a handgun on one's person is illegal in Georgia without a recognized license. A statutory exception exists which
allows a motorist who does not possess a Georgia carry license to transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle if the handgun is in
plain view. The motorist may also transport a loaded handgun concealed from view if it is not on his person. It may be located in
an area which requires at least two motions to reach such as a glove compartment. Concealed transport of handguns or other
firearms are legitimate if the weapons are properly cased and unloaded.
Hawaii
Concealed carry: license issued on a discretionary basis, valid only in county where issued no reciprocity for
non-residents with carry permits from their home states
Handgun ownership: restricted, registration required within 48 hrs. of arrival
Firearm law uniformity: no preemption act, local units may pass their own gun laws
Vehicle carry and transportation: firearms not permitted in vehicles unless one possesses a Hawaii permit to carry.
(exception firearms being carried from point of purchase to home or from home to a bona fide public range may be
carried if securely wrapped and unloaded)
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Utah.
Attorney General�s Office
425 Queen Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(P) (808) 586-1282
Handguns may not be possessed without first acquiring an approval permit from the police. Vehicular travel is extremely limited
for all firearms. Licenses to carry are available to local residents in theory. In practice, the police will not issue permits to
anyone. An exception to the general prohibition on vehicular transport allows an individual to carry unloaded and securely eased
firearms from the point of purchase to home or from home to a firing range. Non-residents may have a difficult time fitting into
this exception unless they have relatives living in Hawaii. Concealed or open carry of a firearm by anyone on foot is strictly
prohibited. The bottom line for Hawaii is that firearms ownership, especially by non-residents, is difficult, if not impossible.
Idaho
Concealed carry: licenses issued on a "shall issue" basis, automatic reciprocity available for non-residents with
carry permits from their home states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout state
Vehicle carry and transportation: loaded handguns may be carried in plain view in one's vehicle, concealment is not
permitted without a license.
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan.
Attorney General�s Office
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0010
(P) (208) 334-2400
Under Idaho law, concealment refers to firearms that are not discernible by ordinary observation and are hidden either on one's
person or in close proximity thereof. Under the seat would be considered concealed and thus illegal. Inside the passenger side
glove compartment is acceptable if the handgun is unloaded. However, current law is unclear as to whether loaded carry of a
handgun in the glove compartment is acceptable. Idaho allows the carry of loaded, concealed firearms in a vehicle if the
individual has a concealed carry license. Non-residents with concealed carry permits from their home states enjoy automatic
reciprocity while visiting Idaho.
Concealed carry is also permitted under certain circumstances to those who do not possess a concealed carry permit. Outside
any incorporated town or city, firearms may be concealed so long as the concealment does not occur within a mining or logging
camp or on a public highway. This allowance for concealed carry is normally applied to outdoor recreational activities and does
not apply to vehicle carry. Open carry of firearms while on foot is permitted without a license.
Illinois
Concealed carry: no provision for concealed carry licensing
Handgun ownership: restricted, firearm identification card required
Firearm law uniformity: no preemption act. local units may pass their own gun laws
Vehicle carry and transportation: firearms or ammunition possessed by non-residents must be transported in an
unloaded, cased condition in the trunk or storage compartment of vehicle, any other transport mode is prohibited
Attorney General�s Office
100 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
(P) (312) 914-2503
Gun owners face a wide assortment of laws that are piled layer upon layer in the land of Lincoln. The effect of various state laws
is amplified by the fact that Illinois has no preemption act. Thus, travelers to Chicago and other major urban areas should be
prepared to face a confiscatory atmosphere very similar to Washington D.C.
From a statewide perspective, residents of Illinois are required to have a firearms identification card before they may purchase
or possess any rifle, shotgun. handgun or ammunition. This card is issued by the Department of State Police and is valid for five
years. Travelers passing through Illinois may possess firearms or ammunition without a state identification card if the weapons
are unloaded and securely cased in the trunk or storage compartment of the vehicle and the ammunition is stowed apart from
the weapons. Loaded firearms may be possessed by non-residents if the weapons are employed on publicly recognized target
ranges, at bona fide gun shows or in a hunting format where the individual possesses a nonresident hunting license. While in a
vehicle, however, all firearms must be unloaded and cased even if one possesses a state identification card. State law prohibits
the open or concealed carry of firearms in public settings.
Also, as mentioned above, Chicago is a world unto itself. Handgun ownership has been banned since 1982. All other firearms
must be registered with the Chicago police before entering the city.
Indiana
Concealed carry: licenses granted on a "shall issue" basis, automatic reciprocity for non-residents with carry
permits from their home states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: preemption act, local regulation of firearms preempted since 1994; some local laws are
grand fathered
Vehicle carry and transportation: handguns must be unloaded and cased unless motorist possesses a valid license
to carry concealed.
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan.
Attorney General�s Office
219 State House
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(P) (317)232-6201
Generally speaking, handgun carry without a valid permit is prohibited unless the handgun is securely cased and unloaded. A
firearms dealer may carry a handgun on his person without a license if such carry is in the normal course of business. Also, an
individual involved in the Civilian Marksmanship Program may carry a handgun on his person between official competitions.
Open carry of a handgun while on foot is not permitted unless one possesses a valid carry permit.
Iowa
Concealed carry: licenses issued on a discretionary basis, no reciprocity for non-residents with carry permits from
their home states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout state
Vehicle carry and transportation: handguns may not be carried in a loaded or accessible conditions rifles and
shotgun must be unloaded and cased yet may be accessible to passengers
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan.
Attorney General�s Office
Hoover State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
(P) (515) 281-3053
Handguns are regulated very strictly. Handguns may not be carried in a loaded or accessible manner in a vehicle without a
license to carry concealed. Iowa issues such licenses on a "professional" and "non-professional" basis to Iowa residents only.
The non-professional licenses are "needs based" as opposed to the more easily obtainable "shall issue" licenses of other
states. Non-resident travelers and non-licensed residents must transport handguns in an unloaded and inaccessible condition
(storage compartment or trunk).
Handguns may not be carried on one's person, either concealed or openly, within any municipal limits. An exception exists
which allows individuals on a recognized target range or hunting preserve to carry openly as long as they possess the proper
permission from the owner of the premises. Generally, however, open or concealed carry of a handgun in Iowa without a permit
is illegal.
