Kansas
Concealed carry: no licensing provision for civilians
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: loaded firearms may be carried in plain view, glove compartment or
vehicle storage compartment firearms may not be carried concealed on one's person (this includes
under the driver's seat)
Attorney General�s Office
301 West Tenth Street
Topeka, KS 66612-1597
(913) 296-2215
Kansas is one of the few states that still permits localities to regulate the ownership, carry and sale of firearms
without the concurrence of the legislature. Travelers should be especially careful when traveling through urban
centers such as Johnson City and Topeka. Ordinances regulating the carry of firearms in these areas tend to be
stricter than state law.
In the unincorporated areas, travelers may carry a loaded firearm in their vehicle if the weapon is in plain view. This
would include on the passenger seat, on the dashboard or in a bolster that is visible to casual observation. The
courts have also indicated that firearms may be kept in the passenger side glove compartment or a vehicle storage
compartment. Open carry of a firearm while on foot is also permitted. However, travelers should be careful not to
exercise this option when in an incorporated area that may prohibit such carry.
Firearms concealed on one's person are strictly prohibited. In a vehicle, "concealed on one's person" includes
under his clothing or in an area readily accessible to him so as to have the effect of concealment on his person. This
would include under the driver's seat and inside any console box next to the driver's seat.
Kansas has no provision allowing the licensing of individuals to carry concealed weapons. Residents and
non-residents alike are held to the same standard. Thus, out-of-state concealed carry permits have no effect in
Kansas. If the firearm is concealed, it is illegal.
Kentucky
Concealed carry: concealed carry permits available to qualified residents on a "shall issue" basis
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: state preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout state
Vehicle carry and transportation: firearms (rifles, shotguns and handguns) may be carried loaded and in
plain view, concealed carry limited to individuals with recognized concealed carry licenses
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Kentucky recognizes a valid CCW permit from any other
state.
Attorney General�s Office
1024 Capitol Center Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601-8204
(502) 696-5300
Vehicle carry of loaded rifles, shotguns and handguns is permissible if the weapons are in plain view. Kentucky
allows travelers to carry loaded handguns in a visible belt holster or on the dashboard of one's car. Glove
compartment carry is also considered legitimate as long the compartment is on the passenger's side. Carrying a
handgun in a closed compartment next to the driver's seat is viewed the same as placing a firearm under the
driver's seat. Both modes of carry are limited to individuals possessing recognized concealed carry licenses.
Firearms may be carried openly while one is on foot. Such carry in public areas, however, is best limited to visible
belt holsters secured on one's hip.
Kentucky grants concealed carry licenses to qualified residents on a "shall issue" basis. Reciprocity is
authomatically extended to travelers with concealed carry licenses from their home states. Travelers who qualify for
reciprocity are still responsible for abiding by the carry restrictions mandated by Kentucky's law.
Louisiana
Concealed carry: licenses granted on a 'shall issue' basis, reciprocity available for non-residents with
carry permits from certain other states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: state preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout state
Vehicle carry and transportation: loaded firearms may be carried openly or in the glove compartment of
a vehicle. firearms may not be concealed on one's person or under one's seat
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Texas, Utah.
Attorney General�s Office
Department of Justice / P.O. Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4095
(504) 342-7013
Loaded firearms may be carried openly in a vehicle by any person qualified under federal law to possess a firearm.
Concealed carry is limited to those individuals who possess a Louisiana license to carry. Such permits are granted
by state authorities on a "shall issue" basis. Louisiana recently liberalized its concealed carry law to allow
reciprocity for non-residents with carry permits from their home states. The non-resident's home state must have
standards of application which are as strict as Louisiana for reciprocal recognition to occur.
Open carry of a firearm in a vehicle may also be supplemented by carry of a firearm in the glove compartment.
Louisiana allows such carry so long as the glove compartment is the traditional type located in front of the
passenger seat. Carry of a concealed weapon on one's person (which includes under one's seat) is illegal.
Louisiana permits open carry of a firearm on foot except while on school grounds. State law prohibits possession of
a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school unless the firearm is secured within a motor vehicle or is located entirely on
private property.
Louisiana has a state preemption act which prevents localities from passing their own firearm laws. Travelers to the
large urban center of New Orleans will rind this comforting since the political climate in the city would support strict
regulation of firearms were it not for the supervening state law.
Maine
Concealed carry: license granted on a "shall issue" basis; no reciprocity for nonresident licensees,
however, Maine will issue licenses to nonresidents
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout state
Vehicle carry and transportation: firearms must be unloaded and may be carried in plain view while in
the passenger compartment; firearms that are transported unloaded and cased in the are also
acceptable (glove compartment carry is prohibited)
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Wyoming.
Attorney General�s Office
6 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 626-8800
Vehicle carry of firearms is permitted if the weapons are unloaded and in plain view. Concealed carry of a firearm in
a vehicle is prohibited without a concealed carry license issued by the state of Maine. This prohibition includes
carry of a firearm in the vehicle's glove compartment, under one's seat, outer clothing or anywhere in the vehicle
which is readily accessible to the occupants. Unloaded firearms which are securely encased may be transported in
the trunk or vehicle storage compartment. However, even unloaded firearms may not be concealed about one's
person.
Maine grants concealed carry licenses to qualified individuals on a "shall issue" basis. Maine does not provide
reciprocity for non-residents with carry permits from their home states. However, non-residents may apply to state
authorities for concealed carry permits that are valid in Maine.
Open carry of a loaded firearm while on foot is permitted in Maine. However, one should understand that this is
conditional. On Sundays, persons carrying firearms in "unorganized territory" must have the firearm cased and
disassembled. Obviously, this provision of the law is a holdover from the early days of Maine and should not cause
the modern traveler much concern.
Maryland
Concealed carry: license required granted on a discretionary basis; no reciprocity for nonresidents 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: personal carry of handguns within a vehicle is prohibited unless the
weapons are securely cased, unloaded and stowed in the trunk.
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Wyoming.
Attorney General�s Office
200 Saint Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202-2202
(410) 576-6300
A multitude of restrictions on the ownership and possession of handguns. Maryland is one of the few states to
require that all handgun types offered for sale in the state pass before a governmental board for approval before
being introduced onto the market. The open or concealed carry of handguns is similarly regulated so that it is
almost impossible for an unlicensed individual to carry a handgun legally.
On foot or in a vehicle, individuals may not carry a handgun in a loaded or readily accessible manner. An unlicensed
individual may transport a handgun in a securely cased and unloaded condition if that individual is traveling to a
recognized shooting competition or some other gun-related event. Travelers passing through the state may
transport handguns in the same condition even if they are not traveling to an official shooting event as long as the
weapons are unloaded, cased and stored in the trunk
Maryland provides residents with an opportunity to apply for a concealed carry license through the secretary of
state's office. Unfortunately, such licenses are only issued to those who demonstrate a "good and substantial
reason" to carry a firearm. Such a condition makes carry permits in Maryland rare and reciprocity for out-of-state
carry licenses impossible to obtain.
Finally, Maryland's preemption statute provides uniformity for all gun laws throughout the state. However, localities
may still regulate the discharge of firearms within city limits and the carry of firearms on school grounds.
Massachusetts
Concealed carry: license issued on a discretionary basis, limited reciprocity for non-residents with carry
permits from certain other states
Handgun ownership: restricted, permit required to possess
Firearm law uniformity: Boston regulates assault weapons very strictly.
Vehicle carry and transportation: handguns may not be transported in a vehicle without a
Massachusetts carry license; rifles and shotguns may be transported in an unloaded and securely cased
condition
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan.
Attorney General�s Office
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108-1698
(617) 727-2200
Possession of rifles, shotguns, handguns, BB guns and airguns requires a firearm identification card. Handgun carry
of any kind outside one's home requires a Massachusetts license to carry. Massachusetts will only recognize the
carry permits of other states if the issuing state has criteria for issuance that are in accordance with Massachusetts'
standards. The permittee must also be traveling to a recognized firearms competition or engaged in lawful hunting
with a state hunting license.
Vehicle carry of firearms is strictly regulated for residents and non-residents alike. Handguns may only be
transported in a vehicle if the traveler has a recognized carry license. Non-residents who do not possess a
recognized carry license must obtain a temporary license to transport from the Commissioner of Public Safety, 1010
Commonwealth Avenue, Boston MA 02215, before entering Massachusetts. Travelers should be aware that
Massachusetts mandates a minimum of one year in prison for violating this and other laws regulating the possession
and carry of firearms.
Michigan
Concealed carry: licenses issued on a discretionary 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: handguns may not be carried in a vehicle without a license to carry
(Michigan recognizes carry permits of other states)
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky.
Attorney General�s Office
P.O. Box 30212
525 West Ottowa Street
Lansing, MI 48909-0212
(517) 373-1110
Michigan's laws regulating firearm transport and carry are stricter than one might expect. Travelers to or through
Michigan must be aware of the nuances within these laws to avoid any potential problems.
Vehicle carry of handguns is prohibited without a license. Michigan allows the issuance of concealed carry permits
by local chiefs of police if the applicant satisfies a number of statutory conditions. These licenses are only available
to Michigan residents. However, non-residents with carry permits from their home states will receive automatic
reciprocity while in Michigan.
Individuals without carry permits may transport handguns that are securely cased, unloaded and stored in the trunk
if they are one of the following: (1) hunters with Michigan hunting licenses, (2) individuals with memberships in
recognized shooting organizations of Michigan, (3) individuals changing residences. Absent one of these
exceptions, handgun carry or transport without a permit, either open or concealed, is illegal within a motor vehicle.
Minnesota
Concealed carry: licenses granted on a discretionary, basis, no reciprocity for nonresidents with carry
permits from other states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no pentut or license required
Firearm law uniformity: state preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout state
Vehicle carry and transportation: firearms must be securely cased and unloaded' in trunk or storage
compartment of vehicle
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan.
Attorney General�s Office
State Capitol
Suite 102
St. Paul, MN 55155
(612) 296-6196
Vehicle carry of a firearm on one's person is limited to those individuals possessing a Minnesota carry permit.
These licenses are issued by local authorities on a "compelling need" basis to residents only. The "compelling
need" criteria allows local officials to be highly discretionary in their issuance of permits. Nonresident travelers
hoping to have reciprocity granted because of their out-of-state carry permits will find Minnesota to be predisposed
against such privilege.
Absent a Minnesota license to carry concealed, firearms in vehicles must be transported in a securely cased and
unloaded condition. Handguns may be carried between one's premises and place of business without a permit.
However, open carry of a handgun in a holster is not permitted outside one's own premises.
Mississippi
Concealed carry: licenses granted on a "shall issue" basis' reciprocity available for non-residents with
carry permits from certain other states
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout state
Vehicle carry and transportation: loaded firearms may be carried openly or concealed in a motor
vehicle, persons on foot may carry loaded firearms openly but may not conceal such firearms unless
licensed to do so (affirmative defenses available, see below)
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee,
Wyoming.
Attorney General�s Office
P.O. Box 220
Jackson, MS 39205-0220
(601) 359-3692
Vehicle carry of open or concealed rifles, shotguns, and handguns is allowed without the need for any special
license. Unlike manv states, Mississippi permits rifles and shotguns as well as handguns to be loaded and
concealed while in the vehicle's passenger compartment. Handguns or other firearms concealed on one's person
while that person is on foot are illegal unless one possesses a Mississippi concealed carry license. Mississippi will
recognize carry permits from states which have similar standards for issuance and whose laws recognize Mississippi
permits. Open carry of firearms in holsters or slings while an individual is on foot is permissible without a license.
However, despite the existence of a strong preemption act, localities may still regulate firearms carry in public
parks and at athletic events.
Mississippi jurisprudence provides several affirmative defenses to those charged with carrying a concealed weapon
without a license. If a person can show that he was engaged in a bonafide journey or had good and sufficient reason
to believe his life was threatened, he may successfully argue that he was legally justified in carrying a concealed
weapon. Of course, these defenses must be pled at trial and will not prevent a person from being arrested for
violating the general prohibition against the carry of concealed weapons.
Missouri
Concealed carry: no licensing procedure available for individuals
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: preemption act, firearm laws uniform throughout the state except localities may
regulate the open carry of loaded weapons in public areas
Vehicle carry and transportation: loaded firearms may not be concealed while carried in a vehicle (see
below), however, plain view carry of rifles, shotguns and handguns is unregulated
States that Recognize this State's Permit:None
Attorney General�s Office
207 West High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-3321
Missouri does not permit the concealed carry of firearms by individuals on foot or in a vehicle. The state currently
provides no procedure for individuals to obtain a license to carry concealed firearms. Carry of loaded firearms in a
vehicle should be limited to those rifles, shotguns and handguns in plain view. Plain view in Missouri means that the
weapons must be visible during a traffic stop from outside the vehicle. Travelers should note, however, that despite
a preemption law, Missouri allows localities to regulate the open carry of loaded weapons. Although this allowance
for local regulation is generally applied to ordinances regulating carry while on foot, travelers to Missouri's larger
cities may find it more prudent to case and unload their weapons. Firearms in such a condition are not considered
concealed under current statutes and may be transported anywhere in the vehicle.
Missouri law provides an exception to carrying a concealed weapon if the individual carrying the weapon is traveling
in a continuous and peaceable journey through the state. The traveler still risks arrest and detention if there is any
doubt as to his true intentions. However, absent any extenuating criminal connections, the average traveler may
successfully assert this exception.
Montana
Concealed carry: licenses granted on a "shall issue" basis, reciprocity conditioned on negotiation of
agreements with other states (see below)
Handgun ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license required
Firearm law uniformity: preemption act, firearm laws generally uniform (see below)
Vehicle carry and transportation: loaded firearms may be carried in plain view, concealed carry of a
firearm is prohibited (concealed carry in this instance includes glove compartment carry)
States that Recognize this State's Permit: Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan.
Attorney General�s Office
215 North Sanders
Helena, MT 59620-1401
(406) 444-2026
Vehicle carry of loaded firearms in Montana is limited to those weapons that are in plain view. Concealed weapons
are prohibited unless one possesses a Montana concealed carry license. Such licenses are granted on a "shall
issue" basis to Montana residents. Reciprocity for non-residents with licenses from their home states is not
automatic. The governor of Montana must negotiate agreements on a state-by-state basis. Travelers should contact
the Montana Attorney General to verify the status of their permits.
"Concealed" in Montana includes the carry of a firearm under one's seat or in a vehicle's glove compartment.
Montana law does provide for exceptions to the general prohibition against concealed carry. Most important for the
traveler is the exception when carrying a concealed firearm outside the boundary of a city or logging, mining or
railroad camp. Such carry is legal and is especially intended to protect those individuals engaged in lawful outdoor
recreational activities. Unfortunately, these exceptions do not apply to vehicle carry in such areas.
Open carry of firearms while on foot is generally accepted with one important caveat. Montana's preemption act
allows localities to prohibit the open or concealed carry of firearms in public parks and government buildings.
Travelers should be aware of this aspect if they intend to carry a firearm while on foot.
