Permit Atlas State carry requirements

51 jurisdictions · 4 requirement categories

Understand carry permit requirements in your state

Permit and licensing rules vary across the U.S. Select your state to review general requirements and continue to an independent provider for an eligibility review.

Select your state How it works

This website does not issue licenses or make official eligibility determinations.

50 + D.C.Jurisdictions covered

State lawSets the requirements

No intake formNothing collected here

Requirement categories by state

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  • Permit or license generally required
  • Shall-issue licensing framework
  • Permit may not be required for some carry
  • Significant local jurisdiction differences

Categories are general and are shown for navigation only. They are not legal advice and are pending legal review. Confirm current rules with the relevant licensing authority.

Step 1 — choose a jurisdiction

Check permit requirements in your state

Requirements are set by state law, and some states administer parts of the process at the county or city level. Pick your state to see a general overview of what may apply.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia are listed.

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  • General overview of what may apply
  • Who administers licensing in that state
  • Whether an independent provider is available

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Select a state to see a general overview

You’ll see whether a permit or license may be required, who administers the process, general training and residency considerations, and whether an independent eligibility provider is available for that state. Nothing on this page asks for personal, background, or identity information.

How it works

Find the requirements that apply to you

Step 01

Choose your state

Permit and carry requirements vary significantly across the country.

Step 02

Review general requirements

See a general overview of licensing or permit considerations in your state.

Step 03

Continue to an independent provider

If available, continue to an independent third-party provider for a preliminary eligibility review or application assistance.

Select your state Read the full walkthrough

Why the map has four categories

Carry laws are different in every state

Firearm licensing and concealed-carry laws are primarily governed by state law, and requirements can vary significantly. Some states require a permit or license, while others allow certain forms of concealed carry without a permit. Optional permits may still be available for purposes such as reciprocity or other state-specific benefits.

Because of that variation, there is no single national checklist. Two people in neighboring states can face different documentation, different training expectations, and a different issuing authority — and in several states, different rules between counties or cities. Federal law also continues to apply regardless of state category.

Categories on this site describe licensing frameworks, not recommendations. Nothing here is encouragement to carry a firearm, and restrictions on where and how a firearm may be carried apply in every category.

The four categories used on this site

  • Permit or license generally required
  • Shall-issue licensing framework
  • Permit may not be required for some carry
  • Significant local jurisdiction differences

A category tells you which framework a state uses. It does not tell you whether any individual qualifies — that depends on applicable law and personal circumstances, and is determined by the relevant government authority.

Common requirement types

What a permit review may cover

Not every requirement applies in every state.

State residency rules

Whether a license is available to residents only, and how residency is documented.

Minimum age requirements

Age thresholds set by state law, which can differ by license type.

Training requirements

Whether a safety course or qualification is required, and which providers count.

Background checks

Record checks conducted by government agencies as part of the application process.

Fingerprinting

Where fingerprint submission is part of the process, and who collects it.

Application documentation

Forms, identification, photographs, and fees that a jurisdiction may require.

Issuing authority

The state agency, sheriff, or local licensing officer that administers the process.

Renewal requirements

How long a license lasts and what renewal involves in that state.

Reciprocity considerations

Whether another state recognizes a license, which each state decides for itself.

State directory

Review your state’s licensing options

Open any jurisdiction directly. Each page covers the general overview, issuing authority, and considerations to confirm before you apply.

Compare all 51 jurisdictions in one table

Common questions

Questions people ask first

Does every state require a concealed-carry permit?

No. State laws vary. Some states require a permit or license for certain forms of concealed carry, while others allow qualifying individuals to carry without a permit. Optional permits may still be available in some states.

Does this website issue permits?

No. This website does not issue permits, licenses, or official eligibility determinations.

Where does the eligibility review happen?

If a provider is available for your state, you may choose to continue to an independent third-party website that provides an eligibility review or application-assistance service.

Do you sell firearms?

No. This website does not sell firearms, ammunition, firearm components, or firearm accessories.

Read all frequently asked questions

Next step

Review the rules in your state

Select your state to see general permit and licensing information and, where available, continue to an independent eligibility provider.

Choose your state Browse all states