Laws for Carrying Firearms in Public in Every State

Many Americans carry a firearm for personal protection, but the laws for doing so vary drastically by state. Although the same federal laws apply to each citizen of the United States, states have additional restrictions within their borders. In fact, between federal, state, and local municipalities, there are over 20,000 gun laws on record, and in some parts of the country, gun owners are subject to far more restrictions. One of the most noticeable differences, however, is how states and localities regulate guns (especially concealed firearms) in public areas.

When it comes to concealed carry of a firearm – whether in a purse, backpack, or under a garment – there is a notable divide in state policy. In about half of all states, concealed carry of a firearm in public is permitted for legal gun owners. In the remaining states, concealed carry generally requires a special permit. The legalization of permitless concealed carry is a recent phenomenon in much of the country. In more than a dozen states, it was made legal in 2019 or later. (Here is a look at the most powerful handguns.)

24/7 Wall St. determined the laws for carrying firearms in public in every state by using historical data on state-level legislation. We reviewed laws for both the open carry and concealed carry of firearms. Most states allow open carry of firearms in public without a permit, a practice generally defined as carrying a gun that is either partially or fully visible. Rules around open carry can vary by firearm type and local laws, however. 

In addition, we also reviewed state-level firearm mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 2021. It is important to note that gun laws are nuanced and can vary at the local level and depending on one’s primary state of residence. Review all state and local firearm regulations before carrying a gun in public.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most of the 10 states with the highest gun death rates in 2021 allow legal gun owners to carry a concealed firearm in public without a permit. The rapid expansion of permitless concealed carry laws may strengthen gun rights, but such laws often eliminate any mandated safety and live-fire training and may increase the risk of gun violence and accidental shootings. (Here is a look at the most pro-gun U.S. Senators.)

Why We’re Writing About Gun Laws

Knowing and understanding gun laws is vital not only in your home state but also in any state you visit. If you fail to observe these laws, you can get into serious legal trouble and even end up in jail. State gun laws vary drastically, and understanding these differences will ensure your safety and you’re right to bear arms responsibly. In addition, state gun regulations can influence property values and insurance rates in certain areas, as well as the social values and political climate of each state.

Here is every state’s law for carrying firearms in public.

Alabama

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Alabama. Since 2023, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Alabama has the fourth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 26.4 deaths per 100,000 people (1,315 deaths total) in 2021.

Alaska

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Alaska. Since 2003, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Alaska has the sixth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 25.2 deaths per 100,000 people (182 deaths total) in 2021.

Arizona

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Arizona. Since 2010, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Arizona has the seventeenth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 18.3 deaths per 100,000 people (1,365 deaths total) in 2021.

Arkansas

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Arkansas. Since 2013, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Permitless concealed carry has been further strengthened in subsequent years as well. Arkansas has the eighth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 23.3 deaths per 100,000 people (698 deaths total) in 2021.

California

Open carry for both handguns and long guns is prohibited in California. It is also illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. California has the eighth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 9.0 deaths per 100,000 people (3,576 deaths total) in 2021.

Colorado

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Colorado. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Colorado has the eighteenth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 17.8 deaths per 100,000 people (1,064 deaths total) in 2021.

Connecticut

Open carry of long guns is legal in Connecticut, but a permit is required for open carry of handguns. In addition, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Connecticut has the sixth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 6.7 deaths per 100,000 people (248 deaths total) in 2021.

Delaware

Open carry of both handguns and long guns is legal in Delaware. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Delaware has the twenty-third highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 17.8 deaths per 100,000 people (158 deaths total) in 2021.

Florida

Open carry is prohibited for both handguns and long guns in Florida. However, since July 1, 2023, it has been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. is also Florida has the seventeenth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 14.1 deaths per 100,000 people (3,142 deaths total) in 2021.

Georgia

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Georgia. Since 2022, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Georgia has the fourteenth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 20.3 deaths per 100,000 people (2,200 deaths total) in 2021.

Hawaii

Permits are required for open carry of both handguns and long guns in Hawaii. In addition, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Hawaii has the second lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 4.8 deaths per 100,000 people (71 deaths total) in 2021.

Idaho

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Idaho. Since 2016, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Idaho has the twenty-fifth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 16.3 deaths per 100,000 people (309 deaths total) in 2021.

Illinois

Open carry for both handguns and long guns is prohibited in Illinois. It is also illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Illinois has the twenty-fifth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 16.1 deaths per 100,000 people (1,995 deaths total) in 2021

Indiana

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Indiana. Since 2022, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Indiana has the sixteenth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 18.4 deaths per 100,000 people (1,251 deaths total) in 2021

Iowa

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Iowa. Since 2021, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Iowa has the eleventh lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 11.2 deaths per 100,000 people (364 deaths total) in 2021

Kansas

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Kansas. Since 2015, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Kansas has the twenty-first highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 17.3 deaths per 100,000 people (503 deaths total) in 2021

Kentucky

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Kentucky. Since 2019, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Kentucky has the thirteenth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 21.1 deaths per 100,000 people (947 deaths total) in 2021

Louisiana

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Louisiana. However, since 2022, only residents with military service can carry a concealed handgun. Louisiana has the second highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 29.1 deaths per 100,000 people (1,314 deaths total) in 2021

Maine

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Maine. Since 2015, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Maine has the fourteenth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 12.6 deaths per 100,000 people (178 deaths total) in 2021

Maryland

Open carry of long guns is legal in Maryland, but a permit is required for open carry of handguns. In addition, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Maryland has the twenty-second lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 15.2 deaths per 100,000 people (915 deaths total) in 2021.

Massachusetts

A permit is required for open carry of both handguns and long guns in Massachusetts. In addition, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Massachusetts has the lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 3.4 deaths per 100,000 people (247 deaths total) in 2021.

Michigan

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Michigan. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Michigan has the twenty-third lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 15.4 deaths per 100,000 people (1,544 deaths total) in 2021.

Minnesota

A permit is required for open carry of both handguns and long guns in Minnesota. In addition, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Minnesota has the ninth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 10.0 deaths per 100,000 people (573 deaths total) in 2021.

Mississippi

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Mississippi. Since 2016, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Mississippi has the highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 33.9 deaths per 100,000 people (962 deaths total) in 2021.

Missouri

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Missouri. Since 2017, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Missouri has the ninth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 23.2 deaths per 100,000 people (1,414 deaths total) in 2021.

Montana

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Montana. Since 2021, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Montana has the seventh highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 25.1 deaths per 100,000 people (280 deaths total) in 2021.

Nebraska

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Nebraska. Since September 10, 2023, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Nebraska has the tenth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 10.3 deaths per 100,000 people (200 deaths total) in 2021.

Nevada

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Nevada. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Nevada has the fourth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 19.8 deaths per 100,000 people (633 deaths total) in 2021.

New Hampshire

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in New Hampshire. Since 2017, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. New Hampshire has the seventh lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 8.3 deaths per 100,000 people (123 deaths total) in 2021.

New Jersey

A permit for open carry of long guns is required in New Jersey, and open carry of handguns is prohibited. In addition, it is also illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. New Jersey has the third lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 5.2 deaths per 100,000 people (475 deaths total) in 2021.

New Mexico

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in New Mexico. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. New Mexico has the third highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 27.8 deaths per 100,000 people (578 deaths total) in 2021.

New York

A permit for open carry of long guns is required in New York, and open carry of handguns is prohibited. In addition, it is also illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. New York has the fourth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 5.4 deaths per 100,000 people (1,078 deaths total) in 2021.

North Carolina

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in North Carolina. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. North Carolina has the twentieth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 17.3 deaths per 100,000 people (1,839 deaths total) in 2021.

North Dakota

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in North Dakota. Since 2017, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. North Dakota has the twenty-second highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 16.8 deaths per 100,000 people (128 deaths total) in 2021.

Ohio

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Ohio. Since 2022, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Ohio has the twenty-fourth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 16.5 deaths per 100,000 people (1,911 deaths total) in 2021.

Oklahoma

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Oklahoma. Since 2019, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Oklahoma has the twelfth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 21.2 deaths per 100,000 people (836 deaths total) in 2021.

Oregon

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Oregon. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Oregon has the twenty-first lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 14.9 deaths per 100,000 people (670 deaths total) in 2021.

Pennsylvania

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Pennsylvania. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Pennsylvania has the twentieth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 14.8 deaths per 100,000 people (1,905 deaths total) in 2021.

Rhode Island

Open carry of long guns is legal in Rhode Island, but a permit is required for open carry of handguns. In addition, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Rhode Island has the fifth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 5.6 deaths per 100,000 people (64 deaths total) in 2021.

South Carolina

Open carry of long guns is legal in South Carolina, but a permit is required for open carry of handguns. In addition, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. South Carolina has the eleventh highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 22.4 deaths per 100,000 people (1,136 deaths total) in 2021.

South Dakota

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in South Dakota. Since 2019, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. South Dakota has the eighteenth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 14.3 deaths per 100,000 people (128 deaths total) in 2021.

Tennessee

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Tennessee. Since 2021, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Tennessee has the tenth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 22.8 deaths per 100,000 people (1,569 deaths total) in 2021.

Texas

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Texas. Since 2021, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Texas has the twenty-fourth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 15.6 deaths per 100,000 people (4,613 deaths total) in 2021.

Utah

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Utah. Since 2021, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Utah has the sixteenth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 13.9 deaths per 100,000 people (450 deaths total) in 2021.

Vermont

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Vermont. Since 1791, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Vermont has the thirteenth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 11.9 deaths per 100,000 people (83 deaths total) in 2021.

Virginia

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Virginia. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Virginia has the nineteenth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 14.3 deaths per 100,000 people (1,248 deaths total) in 2021.

Washington

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Washington. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Washington has the twelfth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 11.2 deaths per 100,000 people (896 deaths total) in 2021.

West Virginia

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in West Virginia. Since 2016, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. West Virginia has the nineteenth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 17.3 deaths per 100,000 people (319 deaths total) in 2021.

Wisconsin

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Wisconsin. However, it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Wisconsin has the fifteenth lowest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 13.5 deaths per 100,000 people (793 deaths total) in 2021.

Wyoming

Open carry is legal for both handguns and long guns in Wyoming. Since 2011, it has also been legal to carry a concealed handgun in the state without a permit. Wyoming has the fifth highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, with 26.1 deaths per 100,000 people (155 deaths total) in 2021.

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