Gun Laws by State
Gun laws differ sharply from state to state. Here is each state's rule on carrying, buying and owning a gun, linked to the statute or the official agency page it comes from. This is general information, not legal advice; federal law also applies everywhere.
Choose your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Compare the states
- Permitless (Constitutional) Carry by State
- Open Carry Laws by State
- Concealed Carry (CCW) Permits by State
- Minimum Age to Buy a Gun by State
- Background Checks for Private Gun Sales by State
- Waiting Periods to Buy a Gun by State
- Red Flag (Extreme Risk) Laws by State
- Assault Weapon and Magazine Limits by State
- Concealed Carry Reciprocity by State
- Guns in Vehicles: Laws by State
- Ghost Gun Laws by State
Tools, guides and templates
- Self-defense laws: stand your ground and castle doctrine
- Criminal laws by state
- Protective and restraining orders
Frequently asked questions
What is constitutional carry?
Constitutional carry, also called permitless carry, means adults who can legally have a gun may carry a concealed handgun without a state permit. Each state sets its own age and exclusions; your state's page lists them.
Does my carry permit work in other states?
Only in states that honor it. Each state decides which other states' permits it recognizes, and many publish a reciprocity list. Check the list for every state you will travel through.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.