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Gun ownership is accompanied by several responsibilities, including following the applicable laws in your jurisdiction. This requirement is especially essential when going out in public with a handgun. Concealed carry weapon (CCW) regulations vary significantly from state to state. What works in your state may not work in another, even with reciprocity rules. Failing to be aware of the differences can put you in significant legal jeopardy. Before crossing any state border while carrying a handgun, you must know the applicable CCW laws you’ll encounter.
We’ve compiled a straightforward guide to help firearm owners navigate the latest regulations on concealed carry in each state (and the District of Columbia). Every effort has been made to ensure the timeliness and accuracy of this information. However, the ultimate source is a state’s firearms licensing bureau or attorney general's office. It’s recommended to contact the appropriate agency before traveling to that jurisdiction with a handgun.
Permit vs Constitutional Carry
Constitutional carry is another term for the right to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. As of early 2025, 29 states grant constitutional carry rights to their citizens, with some also extending this permission to non-residents. Some states have an age requirement of 21, but allow military members to carry without a permit at 18. Additionally, individuals must still be legally eligible to possess firearms under federal law.
The remaining states require a concealed carry permit (CCP), which typically involves a background check, training, and mandated fees. Concealed carriers should know that CCW laws aren’t absolute, even in constitutional carry states. It’s common for there to be restrictions on concealed carry locations. For example, Nebraska and Louisiana ban the practice in houses of worship. Many states prohibit the concealed carry of firearms in schools and government buildings. There may also be limitations on who can carry a concealed weapon and the type of firearm that can be carried.
State-by-State Overview (2025)
Constitutional Carry States
These states allow permitless concealed carry for residents (and in some cases, non-residents):
Alabama – Permitless carry since 2023
Alaska – No permit required
Arizona – No permit required
Arkansas – Permitless carry recognized through legal interpretation; not explicitly codified but supported by court rulings and legal opinions.
Florida – Permitless carry enacted in 2023
Georgia – No permit required since 2022
Idaho – Permitless for residents; non-residents must have a permit
Indiana – Permitless carry as of July 2022
Iowa – No permit required
Kansas – Constitutional carry state
Kentucky – Permitless carry allowed
Maine – No permit required
Mississippi – No permit required for concealed carry
Missouri – Permitless carry recognized
Montana – Permitless carry for residents; non-residents may need a permit in some jurisdictions
Nebraska – Permitless carry law active as of 2023
New Hampshire – No permit required
North Dakota – Permitless carry for North Dakota residents only; non-residents still require a permit.
Ohio – Permitless carry active since 2022
Oklahoma – No permit required
South Carolina – No permit required
South Dakota – No permit required
Tennessee – Permitless carry for handguns only; long guns require a permit.
Texas – Permitless carry since 2021
Utah – No permit required
Vermont – Always permitless (no permit system exists)
West Virginia – Permitless carry allowed
Wyoming – Permitless for residents and most non-residents
Permit-Required States
These states require a concealed carry permit and maintain stricter controls:
California – May-issue; strict local requirements
Connecticut – Shall-issue with background checks and training
Delaware – May-issue; training and references required
District of Columbia – Requires permit; strict standards
Hawaii – May-issue; challenging to obtain permit
Illinois – Requires permit; extensive training needed
Maryland – Permits issued but require just cause in some cases
Massachusetts – May-issue with local discretion
New Jersey – Requires permit; high regulatory burden
New York – Permit system revised in 2022, still restrictive
Oregon – Requires permit; changes effective in 2025
Rhode Island – Permit required, may-issue depending on issuing authority
Washington – Permit required; shall-issue with background check
Hybrid or Unique Cases
Some states allow permitless carry in specific contexts or have mixed laws:
Colorado – Permit required for general concealed carry
Louisiana – Permitless carry for adults 18 and older; permit still available for reciprocity
Michigan – Permit required; open carry allowed without permit
Minnesota – Permit required for concealed carry
Nevada – Permit required; reciprocity with many states
New Mexico – Permit required; training rules updated in 2025
North Carolina – Permit required, but open carry without permit allowed
Pennsylvania – Concealed carry requires permit; open carry mostly unrestricted
Virginia – Permit required for concealed; open carry legal in most places
Wisconsin – Permit required for concealed carry
States with New or Pending Concealed Carry Law Updates in 2025
Concealed carry laws are dynamic, with state-specific changes occurring due to legislative action or voter initiatives. Some of the updates for 2025 include:
North Carolina: The legislature passed a bill in June 2025 to implement permitless concealed carry for adults 18 years and older, while retaining optional permits for reciprocity and enhancing penalties for firearm assaults on law enforcement officers. However, it's awaiting the governor's review and could be vetoed.
Michigan: HB 4586 was introduced in June 2025 to lower the age for obtaining a concealed pistol license from 21 to 18, streamline the application process with a standardized form, and adjust the fees. The measure awaits committee review.
Oregon: Voters approved Measure?114 in November 2022, introducing a permit-to-purchase (background check, fingerprinting, training) and banning high-capacity magazines. However, the law is currently on hold following a March 2025 Court of Appeals ruling; the law is considered constitutional but awaits final judicial review before taking full effect.
Missouri: A new proposal in the Missouri House (as of April 2025) would allow firearms on public transit, though it’s still under legislative consideration
Traveling with a Firearm: Reciprocity Basics
With 50 states and the District of Columbia involved, navigating reciprocity laws can be challenging. A CCP issued in one state isn’t guaranteed to be recognized by another. Failure to recognize these distinctions can land you in legal hot water.
Some states honor permits from most other jurisdictions, while other states only recognize a few. Some states don’t honor any out-of-state permits. Here’s a general guideline:
Full Reciprocity: States like Arizona, Idaho, and Utah recognize concealed carry permits from most other states.
Limited Reciprocity: These states accept concealed carry permits from other states with similar training and background requirements. While Florida and Michigan, for example, recognize CCPs from most other states, they have qualifying stipulations.
No Reciprocity: California and New York do not honor any out-of-state permits.
Laser sights or weapon-mounted accessories don’t change reciprocity rules, but some states have accessory restrictions (such as bans on laser devices in public schools or government buildings). Knowing how your setup is treated legally is part of responsible firearm travel.
Reciprocity Resources
The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) offers an interactive reciprocity map that can be useful for handgun owners traveling across state borders with their firearms. The attorney general for each state will also have this information or know which agency has the details.
Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant, Stay Informed
The pun is intentional, but gun laws in the U.S. are moving targets. Whether you live in a constitutional carry state or hold a permit with reciprocity rights in other states, staying informed about current concealed carry laws is part of being a responsible firearm owner.
Every tool you carry—from your holster to your laser sight—depends on lawful usage. While a laser-equipped handgun can improve accuracy in low-light self-defense situations, it's your knowledge of the law that truly keeps you protected.
Bookmark reliable resources. Subscribe to state legislative updates. If you're unsure about a particular regulation, consult the relevant law enforcement agency or a firearms attorney. Joining a firearm advocacy organization can also provide valuable support.
Ultimately, staying legal is just as important as staying ready.
Additional Resources:
National Rifle Association: State Gun Laws (interactive map)
U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives: State Laws and Published Ordinances—Firearms
Sources:
U.S. Concealed Carry Association (https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw-reciprocity-map/)
NRA-ILA State Gun Laws Database (https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/)
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DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational purposes only and is based on correct firearm handling and lawful use. This information is not a substitute for proper training.