Concealed Carry (CCW) Permits by State (2026)
Who issues concealed carry permits in each state, training, fees and how long they last.
| State | Concealed carry permit |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama still issues an optional concealed carry permit (also called a pistol permit). It is shall-issue in form: the county sheriff 'shall approve' an application once the applicant is found not prohibited and not otherwise disqualified, and must approve or deny within 30 days. Issued by the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence to Alabama residents 19 years of age or more (18 or more for service members and retired or honorably discharged veterans). The sheriff runs a NICS check and reviews the state firearms prohibited person database, and must deny if listed factors apply, including when the applicant 'caused or causes justifiable concern for public safety' (the reason must be explained in writing; denials can be appealed). The statute lists no training requirement. Terms: one year, five years, or lifetime. Fee: as set by local law for the county; if there is no local law, $25 for one year and $125 for five years; lifetime permit $300; no fee for service members, retired or honorably discharged veterans, and current or honorably retired law enforcement officers. Lifetime permit holders are re-checked at least once every five years. Ala. Code 1975 §§ 13A-11-75, 13A-11-70 |
| Alaska | Alaska Concealed Handgun Permit, optional, issued by the Department of Public Safety. The statute says the department 'shall issue' a permit to an applicant who applies in person at an Alaska State Troopers office, qualifies, submits fingerprints, a recent photo, a valid Alaska driver's license or ID card, proof of a handgun course and the fee, and has no physical infirmity preventing safe handling of a handgun; DPS must approve or reject within 30 days. To qualify a person must be 21 or older, be eligible to possess a handgun under state and federal law, have been an Alaska resident for the 90 days before applying, not have two or more class A misdemeanor convictions in the prior six years, not be (or in the prior three years have been) under court order to complete an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program, and have completed a DPS-approved handgun course within the 12 months before applying. Fees are set by regulation and may not exceed $99 for a new permit or $30 for renewal or replacement; DPS currently charges $90.00 for a new permit and $25.00 to renew. The permit expires on the holder's birthday in the fifth year after issuance; renewal is filed within 90 days before expiration, a $25 late fee applies on or after the expiration date, and renewals more than 60 days after expiration are not accepted. AS 18.65.700(a), (b), (d); AS 18.65.705; AS 18.65.715(a); AS 18.65.720; AS 18.65.725(a), (c); DPS Concealed Handgun Permits page |
| Arizona | Concealed weapons permit (CCW), optional, issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Shall-issue: DPS 'shall issue a permit to an applicant who meets all of the following conditions.' Applicant must be 21 or older, or at least 19 with evidence of current military service or an honorable (or general under honorable conditions) discharge; be an Arizona resident or a U.S. citizen (DPS must prioritize in-state residents); not be a prohibited possessor; and demonstrate competence with a firearm through one of the options in § 13-3112(N) (such as a DPS-approved firearms safety course, a hunter safety course, an NRA course, or military service). DPS must finish qualification checks within 60 days and issue within 15 working days after that if the applicant qualifies. The permit is valid for five years and is renewable every five years. Fees (DPS): $60.00 new; $43.00 renewal; $10.00 replacement card or profile change. A.R.S. § 13-3112(A), (E), (I), (K), (N); Arizona DPS Concealed Weapons and Permits page |
| Arkansas | License to carry a concealed handgun, issued by the Director of the Division of Arkansas State Police, who 'shall issue' a license if the applicant meets the statutory conditions. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; an Arkansas resident continuously for 90 days or longer (active-duty members and spouses exempt); at least 21, or 18 if currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard or a reserve component, or honorably discharged; pass state and FBI NICS checks; not be disqualified by felony convictions, mental-health adjudications or commitments, or substance or alcohol abuse; and have 'satisfactorily completed a training course as prescribed and approved by the director.' Fee: a nonrefundable license fee of $50.00; $25.00 if 65 or older; no license fee for U.S. Armed Forces veterans or current members (background-check fees are separate). Ark. Code Ann. §§ 5-73-309, 5-73-311(a)(2) |
| California | License to Carry a Concealed Weapon (CCW license), issued by the county sheriff or the chief of a city police department (not the DOJ); the licensing authority 'shall issue or renew' a license upon proof the applicant meets the statutory qualifications (shall-issue). Applicant must: not be a 'disqualified person' under Pen. Code § 26202 (which includes being found 'reasonably likely to be a danger'); be at least 21; for California residents, live in the county or city (or work there and spend substantial time there); complete the required training of no less than 16 hours for new applicants (8 hours for renewal), including live-fire exercises and at least one hour on mental health and mental health resources, taught by DOJ-certified instructors; and be the recorded owner with DOJ of each firearm listed. Fingerprints and state and federal record checks are required. The DOJ standard form now also provides for licenses to non-California residents who meet listed conditions. A standard CCW license is valid for 'any period of time not to exceed two years.' In counties under 200,000 population, residents may instead be issued a license to carry loaded and exposed in that county only. Fees are set by the local licensing authority (DOJ does not list a statewide fee). Cal. Pen. Code §§ 26150, 26155, 26165, 26170, 26185, 26202, 26220; DOJ Form BOF 4012 (Rev. 09/2026); CA DOJ CCW License FAQs |
| Colorado | Permit to carry a concealed handgun, issued by the county sheriff (of the county of residence, or of a county where the applicant has a secondary residence or business property). Generally shall-issue: the sheriff 'shall issue' to an applicant who is a legal resident of Colorado (including military stationed in Colorado and their family), 21 or older, not barred from possessing firearms, not subject to protection orders or extreme risk protection orders, not a chronic alcohol abuser or unlawful drug user, not convicted of listed misdemeanors (for offenses on or after July 1, 2025) within five years, and who demonstrates handgun competence (for example a training certificate from a concealed handgun class within the past year). The sheriff may deny if they have 'a reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to self or others.' Training class: in person, at least eight hours, including a live-fire exercise (minimum 70% accuracy) and a written competency exam. Fee: a sheriff-set permit fee 'not to exceed one hundred dollars,' plus the CBI/FBI fingerprint processing fee (both non-refundable). Valid for five years; renewable. C.R.S. §§ 18-12-202.5, 18-12-203, 18-12-204(1)(b), 18-12-205 |
| Connecticut | State Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers. The local chief of police (or the town's chief executive officer or designated resident state trooper/state police) first issues a temporary state permit valid 60 days, if it finds the applicant intends no use of the handgun other than a lawful use and is 'a suitable person'; the applicant must then appear within 60 days to receive the state permit from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Applicant must be at least 21, pass a state and national criminal history check, and (for applications filed on or after July 1, 2024) have completed, not earlier than two years before applying, a DESPP-approved course in the safety and use of firearms that covers safe storage, lawful use and lawful carrying. Fee: $140 for the original permit plus the FBI background-check cost; renewal $70. The state permit expires five years after it becomes effective. Nonresidents who hold a carry permit from another state may apply directly to the DESPP commissioner. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 29-28(b), (f); 29-30(a), (c) |
| Delaware | License to Carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW), granted by the Superior Court on application filed with the Prothonotary. The statute says the Court 'may or may not, in its discretion, approve any application' (discretionary). Applicant must be 'of full age and good moral character'. An initial applicant must file a notarized certificate of completing a firearms training course with listed elements, including firing 'a minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition.' Fee: $65 (initial and renewal). The initial license is valid for 3 years; renewals are for 5 years. 11 Del. C. § 1441(a), (c), (d) |
| District of Columbia | Concealed Carry Pistol License, issued by the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The statute says the Chief 'may' issue a license to a 'suitable person'; MPD states that, after the Wrenn and Grace court decisions, applicants do not need to show a 'good reason.' Applicant must be at least 21, hold a District-registered handgun, and complete a 16-hour firearms training course plus 2 hours of range training with an MPD-certified instructor, covering safety, marksmanship and District and federal firearms law. A license may be issued for not more than 2 years. Nonresidents may apply. D.C. Code § 22-4506(a)-(c) |
| Florida | License to Carry a Concealed Weapon or Concealed Firearm, issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which 'shall issue' a license to an applicant who meets the listed criteria (shall-issue). Statutory age: 21 or older. The applicant must demonstrate competence with a firearm by one of several listed methods (for example, a hunter safety course, an NRA or other firearms safety course with a certified instructor, or military service), and instructors must certify live fire. Fee: nonrefundable license fee of up to $55 for a first license or up to $45 for renewal, plus the cost of fingerprint processing. Licenses are valid statewide for 7 years. Fla. Stat. s. 790.06(1)(b)-(c), (2), (5)(b) |
| Georgia | Weapons Carry License, issued by the probate judge of the county where the applicant lives. The judge 'shall issue' the license unless the applicant is reported ineligible or lacks the qualifications or good moral character (shall-issue). Minimum age 21, or 18 to 20 if the applicant completed basic training in the U.S. armed forces and is on active duty or honorably discharged. No training course is required for applicants 21 and older. Fees: $30 application fee plus a $5 fingerprinting fee (other background and county costs may apply). The license is valid for five years. The judge orders background checks within five business days, the law enforcement agency reports within 20 days, and the judge must issue the license within ten days after receiving the report. O.C.G.A. § 16-11-129(a)-(d) |
| Hawaii | License to carry a concealed pistol or revolver, issued by the chief of police of the county; the chief 'shall grant' a concealed carry license to an applicant who qualifies (shall-issue), including being a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident, a resident of Hawaii, at least 21, not prohibited from possessing firearms, and not lacking the character or temperament to be trusted with a firearm. The applicant must be the registered owner of the firearm and complete a training course with in-person instruction on firearm safety, handling and shooting technique, a written exam (score of at least 70%), and live-fire shooting exercises on a range. Fees: $150 nonrefundable application fee; $50 renewal fee. The license expires four years from the date of issue unless renewed and is valid statewide. HRS § 134-9(a), (e), (i), (m), (p), (r) |
| Idaho | Idaho issues two licenses, both through the county sheriff on behalf of the state, and both are shall-issue (the sheriff 'must' issue within ninety (90) days to applicants who are not disqualified). (1) Standard license to carry concealed weapons: minimum age twenty-one (21); the sheriff may require proof of familiarity with a firearm and must accept any one listed item (e.g., hunter education, an NRA or law-enforcement safety course, military service, or competition experience); fingerprints and a national records check; fee $20.00 original and $15.00 renewal (plus actual fingerprint and materials costs); valid five (5) years. Persons 18 to 21 who would otherwise qualify for the enhanced license get a distinguishable license that expires on their 21st birthday. A sheriff may also issue a temporary emergency license valid not more than ninety (90) days. (2) Enhanced license (§ 18-3302K): applicant must be over 21, an Idaho resident for at least six (6) consecutive months (or hold a carry license from the home state), and have completed within the prior twelve (12) months a face-to-face handgun course of at least eight (8) hours that includes Idaho law and live fire of at least ninety-eight (98) rounds; fee $20.00 original, $15.00 renewal; valid five (5) years. Idaho Code §§ 18-3302(6), (7), (9), (11)(a), (15), (16), (17), (20); 18-3302K(1), (4), (7), (8) |
| Illinois | Illinois Concealed Carry License, issued by the Illinois State Police (ISP). The statute says ISP 'shall issue' a license to an applicant who meets the qualifications, applies and pays the fee, and is not found by the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board to pose a danger to self or others or a threat to public safety. Qualifications: at least 21 years old; a valid FOID card and eligibility under the FOID Act and federal law; no conviction in the past 5 years of a misdemeanor involving the use or threat of physical force or violence, and no 2 or more DUI violations in the past 5 years; no pending arrest warrant, prosecution or proceeding that could disqualify; no residential or court-ordered alcohol or drug treatment in the past 5 years; and required training. Any law enforcement agency may object based on reasonable suspicion of danger; ISP must object if the applicant has 5 or more arrests in the prior 7 years, or 3 or more for gang-related offenses. Training: at least 16 hours, including a 30-round live-fire qualification (up to 8 hours of credit for approved prior training); renewal requires at least 3 hours. Fee: $150 for a new license or renewal ($300 for non-residents). A license is valid for 5 years. ISP must issue or deny within 90 days of a completed application (30 more days if submitted without fingerprints). 430 ILCS 66/10, 66/15, 66/25, 66/30(b)(8), 66/60, 66/75 |
| Indiana | Indiana License to Carry a Handgun, issued by the superintendent of the Indiana State Police; it is optional and mainly used to carry in states that recognize it. Applications go through the local police chief or county sheriff, with fingerprints and checks of criminal history databases including NICS. The superintendent 'shall issue' a license if the applicant has a proper reason, is of good character and reputation, is a proper person, and is a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen allowed to carry under federal law. No license may be issued to a person under 18, a felon, a person prohibited by federal law or listed in IC 35-47-2-1.5, among others. There is no fee (a $20 fee applies to a duplicate). Licenses are valid for 5 years or for life; non-residents with a regular place of business or employment in Indiana may receive only a 5-year license. The statute sets no training requirement. IC 35-47-2-3(a), (d), (e), (g), (i); IC 35-47-2-4 |
| Iowa | Iowa permit to carry weapons (nonprofessional permit), issued by the sheriff of the applicant's county (shall-issue: any person not disqualified who meets the training requirement and applies 'shall be issued' a permit). Minimum age: eighteen (§ 724.8(1), as amended by 2025 Acts, ch 27). Training: initial applicants must show handgun safety training, e.g., an NRA or DPS-approved handgun safety course, a law-enforcement or security course, military small-arms training, or a hunter education course that includes handgun safety; the course may be taken online if completion is verified; no training is required for renewal. Fee: $50 for an initial permit and $25 for a renewal or duplicate. Valid five years statewide. The sheriff must approve or deny within thirty days. A nonprofessional permit held by someone under 21 is not valid for buying a handgun from a dealer. Iowa Code §§ 724.7, 724.8(1), 724.9, 724.11, 724.15(1) |
| Kansas | Kansas license to carry concealed handguns, issued by the Attorney General (shall-issue: the AG 'shall issue' to applicants who meet the application and training requirements and are not disqualified). Two types: a standard license (age 21+) and a provisional license (age 18 to 20), which can be converted to a standard license at 21. Applicants must be Kansas residents of the county where they apply, complete an eight-hour handgun safety and training course (including live fire and instruction in carry and deadly-force law), and pass a state and national criminal history check with fingerprints. Fees: the only fee is $32.50 to the county sheriff for fingerprinting; no fee is charged for the license or its renewal (2025 change, L. 2025, ch. 55, effective July 1, 2025). The license is valid statewide for four years. The AG must issue or deny within 90 days. K.S.A. 75-7c03(a), 75-7c04(a)-(b), 75-7c05(b), (e), (f), (g) |
| Kentucky | Kentucky license to carry concealed deadly weapons (CCDW), issued by the Kentucky State Police (shall-issue: KSP 'shall issue' to applicants who meet the criteria). Standard license: age 21 or older; Kentucky resident (or military posted in Kentucky); not prohibited under state or federal law; no controlled-substance misdemeanor or commitment within three years, no two DUI convictions within three years; and completion of a firearms safety or training course from a nationally certified instructor (e.g., NRA, USCCA, NSSF) or a Department of Criminal Justice Training course of not more than eight hours that includes live fire of not more than 20 rounds (at least 11 hits). Valid five years. KSP must issue or deny within 60 days of a paper application or 15 business days of an electronic one. Fee per KSP: $60 ($20 to the sheriff and $40 to the Kentucky State Treasurer); renewal late fee $15. Provisional license (new, effective July 15, 2026): KSP issues a provisional license to persons age 18 to 20 who otherwise qualify; it is valid until age 21 and can be switched to a standard license without retaking training. KRS 237.110(2)(b), (4), (9), (14); 237.118 |
| Louisiana | Concealed handgun permit, issued by the deputy secretary of public safety services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (Louisiana State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Unit). Shall-issue: the deputy secretary 'shall issue timely and without delay' a permit to all qualified applicants. Applicant must be twenty-one years of age or older and must demonstrate competence with a handgun through an approved course (for example an NRA, USCCA or state-approved course within the preceding twelve months, a POST academy, or military small-arms training); courses must include child access prevention, a shooting-proficiency demonstration and safe handling. Term is five years at twenty-five dollars per year; a lifetime permit is also available (prepaying twenty years of the yearly fee, or ten years if sixty-five or older). LSP lists fees of $125.00 (5-year resident) and $500.00 (lifetime resident), half price for applicants 65+ or on active duty; honorably discharged veterans are exempt from fees. La. R.S. 40:1379.3(A), (C)(4), (D), (H)(2), (V), (W) |
| Maine | Permit to carry concealed handguns. Shall-issue: the issuing authority 'shall, upon written application, issue' a permit to an applicant who has demonstrated good moral character and meets the requirements. Issued by the municipal officers (or the police chief or sheriff they designate) for residents of municipalities with a full-time police chief, and by the Chief of the State Police for others, including nonresidents. Applicant must be 18 years of age or older and must show knowledge of handgun safety, for example by a handgun-safety course completed within 5 years (military members with basic firearms training are exempt). Fees: $50 for an original resident application and $35 for a renewal; $80 for a nonresident original or renewal. Permits are valid for 4 years. A resident of 5 or more years must be issued or denied within 30 days; others within 60 days. 25 M.R.S. §2003(1), (1)(E)(4)-(5), (5), (11); 25 M.R.S. §2002(9) |
| Maryland | Permit to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, issued by the Secretary of State Police. Shall-issue: the Secretary 'shall issue a permit within a reasonable time' to a person who meets the listed qualifications. Applicant must be at least 21 years old (or a member of the uniformed services or National Guard), not be disqualified, and complete a firearms training course approved by the Secretary: at least 16 hours of in-person instruction for an initial application and 8 hours for a renewal, including classroom instruction on state and federal firearm law, de-escalation, anger management and suicide prevention, plus a live-fire qualification. Application fees may not exceed $125 (initial), $75 (renewal) and $20 (duplicate or modified permit). A permit expires on the last day of the holder's birth month following 2 years after issue, and may be renewed for successive 3-year periods. Md. Code, Pub. Safety §§5-304(b), 5-306(a), (a-1), 5-309 |
| Massachusetts | License to carry firearms (LTC), issued by the local licensing authority (generally the police chief) for residents and by the colonel of the State Police (temporary license) for nonresidents. A lawful resident 21 or older may apply; the licensing authority 'shall issue' the license unless the applicant is a prohibited person or is determined unsuitable based on 'reliable, articulable and credible information' that the applicant may create a risk to public safety or to self or others; a personal interview is required on an initial application. The applicant must submit a basic firearms safety certificate (since January 25, 2026, the course must include a written examination and live firearms training). Decision within 40 days of a completed application. Fee: $100 for a new or renewal license (persons over 70 are exempt from renewal fees). Valid for up to 6 years, expiring on the holder's birthday 5 to 6 years after issue. The LTC covers handguns and large-capacity firearms but not assault-style firearms or large-capacity feeding devices except as allowed by §131M. M.G.L. c. 140, §§131(a)-(e), 121F(a), (j), (k), (o), (p), 131P |
| Michigan | Concealed pistol license (CPL), applied for with the county clerk of the county where the applicant resides. Shall-issue: 'The county clerk shall issue' a license to an applicant who meets the criteria, including being 21 years of age or older and a Michigan resident for at least 6 months (waived for holders of another state's license who establish residency). Applicant must complete a pistol safety training course of not less than 8 hours within the prior 5 years, including 5 hours of classroom instruction and at least 3 hours on a firing range, firing at least 30 rounds. Fee: $100 application and licensing fee; $115 for renewal. Issue or denial within 45 days after fingerprints are taken (the fingerprint receipt serves as a license if no decision is made in time). Valid until the holder's birthday that falls not less than 4 years or more than 5 years after issuance or renewal. MCL 28.425b(1), (5), (7), (13)-(14); 28.425j; 28.425l(1) |
| Minnesota | Permit to carry a pistol, issued by the county sheriff where the applicant resides (nonresidents may apply to any sheriff). Shall-issue: the sheriff 'must issue a permit' to an applicant who has pistol training, meets the age requirement, is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, is not prohibited from possessing firearms and is not in the criminal gang database, unless there is a substantial likelihood the applicant is a danger to self or the public. The statute sets the age at 21, but the portion barring ages 18 to 20 was held unconstitutional in Worth v. Jacobson (8th Cir. 2024), cert. denied (2025). Training within one year before applying must cover the fundamentals of pistol use, an actual shooting qualification exercise, and the legal aspects of carry and use of deadly force, taught by a certified instructor. The sheriff must decide within 30 days. Fees: up to $100 for a new application and up to $75 for a renewal (actual cost if lower). A permit expires five years after issue. Minn. Stat. §624.714, subds. 2, 2a, 3(f), 6(a), 7(c) |
| Mississippi | Mississippi firearm license (license to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers), issued by the Department of Public Safety. The statute directs that a license be issued to applicants who meet the listed requirements (shall-issue). Age: 21 or older, or 18 to 20 if a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard or Reserve. Fee: 'a nonrefundable license fee of Eighty Dollars ($80.00)'; renewal $40. Valid 'for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance.' The basic license has no training requirement. An optional enhanced endorsement (§ 97-37-7(2)) requires 'an instructional course in the safe handling and use of firearms' from a DPS-certified instructor (or qualifying military/law-enforcement training) and lets holders carry in more of the places listed in § 45-9-101(13). Miss. Code Ann. §§ 45-9-101(1)(a), (2)(b), (5)(c), (12)(a); 97-37-7(2) |
| Missouri | Concealed carry permit, issued by the sheriff of the applicant's county or city of residence; 'the county or city sheriff shall issue' when the applicant qualifies (shall-issue). Age: at least 19, or at least 18 and a member of or honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces. Training: a firearms safety course 'of at least eight hours in length' with a live-fire test of twenty rounds at seven yards (or listed alternatives such as law enforcement training). Fee: 'a nonrefundable fee not to exceed one hundred dollars' for a new permit and 'not to exceed fifty dollars' for a renewal. Valid 'until five years from the last day of the month in which the permit was issued or renewed.' RSMo §§ 571.101.1, 571.101.2, 571.101.11-12, 571.111.1-2 |
| Montana | Concealed weapon permit, issued by the county sheriff, who 'shall, within 60 days after the filing of an application, issue a permit' unless the applicant falls within listed disqualifications (shall-issue; the sheriff may deny for reasonable cause to believe the applicant is mentally ill or a threat to the peace). Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent lawful resident, '18 years of age or older', a Montana resident for at least 6 months, with a Montana photo ID. Training: proof of familiarity with a firearm by a hunter education course, firearms safety course, law enforcement course, another state's permit requiring such a course, or military qualification (or a sheriff-approved physical test). Fee: 'The fee for issuance of a permit is $50'; renewal is '$25 fee for each renewal' for 'additional 4-year periods'. § 45-8-321 says the permit 'is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.' An optional enhanced permit (§ 45-8-312) requires age 21 or older, a fingerprint background check, and a qualifying handgun course with live fire of 'at least 98 rounds'; it is valid for 5 years. § 45-8-312 also provides a temporary restricted enhanced permit for people 18 to 20. MCA §§ 45-8-321, 45-8-322(3), 45-8-312 |
| Nebraska | Concealed handgun permit (CHP), issued by the Nebraska State Patrol, which 'shall' issue within forty-five days if the applicant meets the requirements (shall-issue). Applicant must 'Be at least twenty-one years of age,' have lived in Nebraska at least 180 days (with military exceptions), meet vision standards, and 'Provide proof of training' from a State Patrol-certified handgun training and safety course that includes a competency demonstration and suicide prevention training. Fee: 'The fee for issuing a permit is one hundred dollars'; renewal fee 'fifty dollars.' Valid 'for a period of five years after the date of issuance.' Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 69-2430(3), 69-2432, 69-2433, 69-2436 |
| Nevada | Permit to carry a concealed firearm (CCW), issued by the county sheriff, who 'shall issue a permit to any person who is qualified to possess a handgun under state and federal law' and meets the requirements (shall-issue). Age: 'Twenty-one years of age or older', or 18 to 20 if a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, a reserve component or the National Guard, or honorably discharged or released from such service. Training: a firearm safety course approved by a sheriff in Nevada or offered by a law enforcement agency, including 'instruction in the use of handguns' and 'in the laws of this State relating to the use of a firearm.' Fees: the state and FBI background-report rate plus 'a nonrefundable fee set by the sheriff not to exceed $60.' A permit 'expires 5 years after the date on which it is issued.' Renewal: background-report fee plus a $25 fee (late fee $15) and a sheriff-prescribed competence course. NRS 202.3657(3), (7)(g)-(h); 202.366; 202.3677 |
| New Hampshire | Optional license to carry a loaded pistol or revolver. Residents apply to the selectmen of their town, the mayor or chief of police of their city (or a designated officer), or the county sheriff in listed cases; nonresidents apply to the director of state police. The issuing official 'shall sign and issue a license' if the applicant 'has good reason to fear injury to the applicant's person or property or has any proper purpose' and is not barred from possessing firearms; 'Hunting, target shooting, or self-defense shall be considered a proper purpose' (shall-issue). Valid 'for not less than 5 years from the date of issue.' Must be issued within 14 days. Fee: '$10' for residents and '$100' for out-of-state residents. No photograph or fingerprints are required unless the applicant asks. The statute sets no training requirement or minimum age. RSA 159:6, I-II |
| New Jersey | 'State of New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun' (issued to residents and nonresidents). Applications go first to the chief police officer of the applicant's municipality, or to the Superintendent of State Police for nonresidents, armored-car employees, applicants in towns with no chief of police, and mayors/elected governing-body members. Each application 'shall be accompanied by a $200 application fee' ($150 kept by the municipality, $50 forwarded to the superintendent). The application must be endorsed by 'not less than four reputable persons' who have known the applicant at least three years. The permit issues 'if, but only if' the applicant is not disqualified under 2C:58-3(c), 'is thoroughly familiar with the safe handling and use of handguns', and has completed the required training (renewal applicants trained when obtaining a permit within the previous two years are exempt from repeating classroom and target training). A complete application not approved or denied within 90 days 'shall be deemed to have been approved' (extendable by up to 30 more days for good cause). 'All permits to carry handguns shall expire two years from the date of issuance' and may be renewed every two years. NJSP says applicants must qualify on the CCARE course of fire and submit an SP 182 Safe Handling and Proficiency Certification; out-of-state training or permits do not substitute. N.J.S. 2C:58-4(a)-(d); NJSP Concealed Carry Facts & FAQs (FAQs 1, 3, 6, 7, reviewed 12/17/2025) |
| New Mexico | Concealed Handgun License, issued by the Department of Public Safety (Concealed Carry Unit). Shall-issue: 'The department shall issue a concealed handgun license to an applicant who' is a U.S. citizen; a New Mexico resident (or armed-forces member stationed in New Mexico, or a dependent); 'is twenty-one years of age or older'; is not disqualified; and has completed a department-approved firearms training course for the category and largest caliber of handgun to be carried. The course 'shall be not less than fifteen hours in length' and includes live shooting. Fees (10.8.2.12 NMAC): 'a non-refundable application fee of $100 for new applications and $75 for renewal applications.' Licenses are 'valid for a period of four years from the date of issuance' (DPS: military, law enforcement and retired law enforcement licenses five years). A licensee must take a two-hour refresher course 22 to 26 months after issuance, and a four-hour course to renew. DPS decides within 30 days after receiving a complete application and background check. A licensee may carry 'only one concealed handgun at any given time' and must carry the physical license. NMSA 1978, §§ 29-19-3, 29-19-4(A), 29-19-5(B), 29-19-6, 29-19-7, 29-19-9, 29-19-14, 29-19-15; 10.8.2.12, 10.8.2.13, 10.8.2.16 NMAC |
| New York | Pistol/revolver license to 'have and carry concealed' (Penal Law § 400.00(2)(f)), issued by the licensing officer of the city or county where the applicant lives, works or has a business (in New York City, the police commissioner). Applicants must be 'twenty-one years of age or older' (no age limit for honorably discharged members of the armed forces or National Guard), must 'meet in person with the licensing officer for an interview', and must give 'no less than four character references' and 'a list of former and current social media accounts of the applicant from the past three years.' Training: 'a minimum of sixteen hours of in-person live curriculum' plus 'a minimum of two hours of a live-fire range training course', with a written test requiring 'a minimum of eighty percent correct answers'. The licensing officer must act 'within six months of the date of presentment' of the application. Fees outside New York City are set by the county at 'not less than three dollars nor more than ten dollars'. Term: carry licenses 'shall be recertified or renewed every three years'; New York City pistol licenses 'expire not more than three years after the date of issuance.' N.Y. Penal Law § 400.00(1)(a), (1)(o), (2)(f), (3), (4-b), (10), (14), (19) |
| North Carolina | Concealed handgun permit, shall-issue: 'The sheriff shall issue a permit to carry a concealed handgun to a person who qualifies for a permit under G.S. 14-415.12' (application to the sheriff of the county of residence). Criteria include 'The applicant is 21 years of age or older' and completion of 'an approved firearms safety and training course' that includes live firing and instruction on concealed-carry law and use of deadly force (no hour count stated in the statute). Fees: 'Application fee $80.00', 'Renewal fee $75.00', plus up to $10.00 for fingerprint processing. The sheriff must act 'within 45 days after receipt of the items listed in G.S. 14-415.13'. 'The permit shall be valid throughout the State for a period of five years from the date of issuance.' A permittee approached by an officer while carrying must disclose the permit and show it with identification on request. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-415.11(a)-(b), 14-415.12(a), 14-415.13, 14-415.15(a), 14-415.19(a)-(b) |
| North Dakota | License to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon concealed, issued by the director of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (Attorney General). Two classes: Class 1 firearm license — applicant 'at least twenty-one years of age', meets extra criminal-history criteria, and completes classroom instruction on weapon safety and North Dakota deadly-force law, an open-book test, and an actual shooting or certified proficiency exercise; Class 2 firearm and dangerous weapon license — applicant 'at least eighteen years of age' and passes the open-book test. 'The rights and privileges conveyed by a class 1 or class 2 firearm and dangerous weapon license within the state are identical'; the classes differ only in reciprocity elsewhere. The test administrator may charge 'up to one hundred dollars'. Application fee (AG manual): '$60'. BCI must decide 'within sixty days of receipt of the properly completed application.' 'The license is valid for five years.' Nonresidents may apply if they hold a license from their home state that has reciprocity with North Dakota. N.D.C.C. § 62.1-04-03; ND Attorney General CWL Manual 2025 |
| Ohio | Concealed handgun license, shall-issue, issued by the county sheriff: within forty-five days after receiving a complete application, documentation and fee, the sheriff 'shall issue' a license if the applicant meets the criteria, including that 'The applicant is at least twenty-one years of age.' Training: a course with 'at least eight hours of training in the safe handling and use of a firearm', including 'A minimum of two hours of in-person training that consists of range time and live-fire training', and a competency exam (written and in-person physical demonstration). Fee: 'a fee of sixty-seven dollars' for applicants who have been Ohio residents five or more years; for newer residents or nonresidents employed in Ohio, $67 'plus the actual cost of having a background check performed by the federal bureau of investigation'; waived for active, reserve, retired or honorably discharged military and certain others. A license 'shall expire five years after the date of issuance'; renewed licenses also last five years. R.C. 2923.125(B)(1), (D)(1)-(2), (F), (G)(1)-(2) |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma issues a 'handgun license' under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) issues it, and applicants file in person with their county sheriff. It is shall-issue. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents living in Oklahoma, and at least 21 (or 18 to 20 if a member or veteran of the Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard, or honorably discharged). They must complete a firearms safety and training course and show they can handle a pistol. The course is designed to be finished within an eight-hour period. The processing fee is $100 for a five-year license and double that for ten years. The sheriff may charge up to $25 for fingerprints and up to $10 for photos. Renewal costs $85, or double for ten years. The license allows carrying a handgun concealed or unconcealed and is valid for five (5) or ten (10) years. 21 O.S. §§ 1290.3, 1290.5, 1290.9, 1290.12(A)(2)-(8), 1290.14(E) |
| Oregon | Oregon issues a 'concealed handgun license' (CHL) through the county sheriff. The sheriff 'shall issue' a license to an applicant who meets the requirements. However, the sheriff may deny one if there are reasonable grounds to believe the applicant is, or is reasonably likely to be, a danger to self or others because of their mental state or a past pattern of unlawful violence or threats. Applicants must be at least 21 and residents of the county; the sheriff may waive residency for residents of neighboring states with a compelling business interest or other legitimate need. Applicants must show handgun competence, for example through a hunter safety, NRA, law enforcement or other approved course that covers handgun safety, or through competition or military experience. Fees are $100 to the sheriff for a new license, $75 for renewal, and $15 to the State Police for the fingerprint check. The license is valid for four years. ORS 166.291(1), (5), (8); 166.292(4); 166.293(2) |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania issues a 'license to carry firearms' (LTCF). Residents apply to the sheriff of the county where they live. Applicants must be 21 or older. A license 'shall be issued' after an investigation of no more than 45 days unless there is good cause to deny. One ground for denial is an applicant whose 'character and reputation' suggest they would be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. No training is required by the statute. The fee is $19, which includes a $1.50 renewal processing fee and a $5 administrative fee, plus an additional $1. The license is valid throughout Pennsylvania for five years. 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109(b), (e)(1)(i), (f)(1), (h) |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island has two permits. (1) City and town licensing authorities 'shall' issue a license to carry a concealed pistol or revolver to an applicant who is 21 or older and has a residence or place of business in that city or town. Nonresidents 21 or older who hold a carry permit from another state may also apply. The applicant must appear to have 'good reason to fear an injury' to person or property or 'any other proper reason', and must be a 'suitable person'. (2) The Attorney General 'may' issue a permit to anyone 21 or older to carry a pistol or revolver, concealed or not, 'upon a proper showing of need'. For either permit, the applicant must qualify with a pistol or revolver by scoring 195 out of 300 with 30 rounds at 25 yards. The fee is $40, and permits are valid for four (4) years. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47-11(a), 11-47-12, 11-47-15, 11-47-18(a) |
| South Carolina | South Carolina still issues an optional 'concealed weapon permit' (CWP) through the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). SLED 'must issue' a permit (shall-issue) to a resident or qualified nonresident who is at least eighteen years old and provides proof of training. The training must include firing at least 25 rounds; certain military and law enforcement applicants are exempt. SLED must offer a free statewide training course in every county at least twice a month. The statute says SLED may not charge a fee for a permit. Renewal costs $50, and fingerprinting may cost up to $5. A renewed permit is valid for five years. SLED says the CWP still gives reciprocity in other states and makes buying from dealers easier. S.C. Code §§ 23-31-210(4), 23-31-215(A), (C), (L), (P), (V) |
| South Dakota | South Dakota offers three optional permits to carry a concealed pistol, all issued through the sheriff of the applicant's county (shall-issue: a permit 'must be issued' to a qualified applicant). (1) The regular permit requires age 18 or older, 30 days' residence in the county, no felony or crime-of-violence conviction, and passing a background check (including NICS). The sheriff issues a temporary permit within five days. (2) The enhanced permit also requires a fingerprint background check and a qualifying handgun course taken within the past 12 months. It requires age 21, but applicants 18 to 20 may get a temporary restricted enhanced permit. (3) The gold card permit requires a fingerprint background check. All permits are valid for five years. The state reimburses counties per permit: $3 for a regular permit, $50 for a new enhanced permit ($25 renewal), and $30 for a gold card permit. SDCL 23-7-7, 23-7-7.1, 23-7-8.2, 23-7-53, 23-7-54.2, 23-7-55, 23-7-60, 23-7-61, 23-7-72 |
| Tennessee | Tennessee issues two handgun carry permits through the Department of Safety, and both are shall-issue (the department 'shall issue a permit' to a qualified applicant). (1) Enhanced handgun carry permit: allows open or concealed carry; requires a course with both classroom hours and firing-range hours (certain waivers apply, such as military small-arms qualification); fee $100; valid 8 years; a lifetime enhanced permit is also available (fee $200 in the mirror text, plus the application fee) and does not expire. Since Public Chapter 356 (HB 1332, effective May 8, 2025), the minimum age for the enhanced permit is 18 (previously 21, with military exceptions). (2) Concealed handgun carry permit: concealed carry only; requires a firearms safety course of not less than 90 minutes, which may be taken online, completed within one year before applying; fee $65 (renewal $50); valid 8 years. Applicants must be Tennessee residents. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-17-1351(b), (e), (n)(1), (p)(1), (x); 39-17-1366(a), (b)(4)-(5), (d), (j)(3), (l)(3); Pub. Ch. 356 (2025) |
| Texas | The License to Carry a Handgun (LTC), issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety. It is shall-issue: the department 'shall issue a license' to an applicant who meets the eligibility requirements and submits the application materials. Statutory minimum age is 21, or 18 for a member or honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces, reserves or National Guard; in Firearms Policy Coalition v. McCraw (N.D. Tex., Aug. 25, 2022) a federal court held the law 'must therefore be enjoined to the extent that law-abiding 18-to-20-year-olds are prohibited from applying for a license to carry a handgun.' Training: a handgun proficiency course with a classroom part of not less than four and not more than six hours (may be given online by an approved provider) and a range part with a shooting demonstration. Application and license fee: $40. A first license expires on the holder's first birthday after the fourth anniversary of issuance; a renewed license runs five years. Residents of other states can obtain a nonresident license. Tex. Gov't Code §§ 411.172(a)(2), (g); 411.173(a); 411.174(a)(6); 411.177(a); 411.183; 411.188(a)-(b) |
| Utah | Utah issues a concealed firearm permit through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI); it is shall-issue: the bureau 'shall issue' a permit to an applicant 21 or older within 60 days unless it finds proof the applicant is not qualified (for example, felony, violent, alcohol, drug, moral-turpitude or domestic-violence convictions, or being a danger to self or others). It is valid for five years. Training: proof of general familiarity with the firearms to be concealed, covering safe loading, unloading, storage and carrying and current laws on lawful use of force, through a BCI-approved course, a BCI-certified instructor, or equivalent competition, law-enforcement or military experience; instruction must be in person, not electronic. A provisional permit is available to applicants 18 to 20 and is valid until age 21. Fees: by statute $25 (plus $35 for nonresidents) before July 1, 2026, and a fee set by the bureau on or after that date; BCI's page lists the application fee as $55 for Utah residents and $90 for non-residents, with online renewal at $20.75 (residents) or $50.75 (out-of-state holders). Nonresidents from states that recognize Utah's permit must also hold their home state's permit. Utah Code §§ 53-5a-303(1)-(4), (6), (8); 53-5a-304(1); 53-5a-307 |
| Vermont | Vermont has no state law that provides for a concealed carry permit or license. Carrying is lawful without one, subject to the intent-to-injure offense in § 4003 and the places and persons restricted by statute. 13 V.S.A. § 4003; 13 V.S.A. ch. 85 (reviewed) |
| Virginia | Concealed handgun permit, issued by the circuit court of the county or city where the applicant lives (applications go to the clerk). It is shall-issue in practice: the court 'shall issue the permit' within 45 days of a completed application unless the applicant is disqualified. Minimum age 21. Applicants must show competence with a handgun 'in person' by one of several listed means (for example, a hunter safety course, an NRA or USCCA course, a course by a certified instructor, law-enforcement training, military service or honorable discharge, organized shooting competition, or other training the court deems adequate). Fees: clerk $10, local law-enforcement background investigation up to $35, State Police up to $5, with the total capped at $50. Valid five years. Nonresident permits are also available (§ 18.2-308.06). Va. Code §§ 18.2-308.02(A)-(B); 18.2-308.03(A); 18.2-308.04(C); 18.2-308.06 |
| Washington | Concealed pistol license (CPL), issued by the city chief of police or county sheriff, who 'shall' issue it within 30 days of application (up to 60 days for applicants without a Washington license/ID or under 90 days' residency) unless the applicant is disqualified, for example by being under 21, ineligible to possess firearms, subject to certain court orders, on bond for a felony, or having an outstanding warrant. Fingerprint-based check for original licenses. Valid five years. Fee: $36 plus FBI charges passed on to the applicant (renewal $32; late renewal penalty $10; replacement $10). No training is required under the current version; under the version effective May 1, 2027, applicants must show completion within the last five years of a certified concealed carry safety training program with live-fire exercises (at least 50 rounds at a range under an instructor), unless exempt. RCW 9.41.070(1), (2), (5)-(7), (9) (version effective until May 1, 2027); RCW 9.41.070(1)(h), (5) (version effective May 1, 2027) |
| West Virginia | The optional state license to carry a concealed deadly weapon (concealed handgun license, CHL), issued by the county sheriff for pistols and revolvers only. Shall-issue: the sheriff 'shall issue' the license unless the application is incomplete, materially false, or the applicant does not meet the requirements, and must act within 45 days once background checks are complete. Applicant must be 21 or older and complete a handgun training course that includes actual live firing of ammunition (waived for renewal applicants who previously qualified). Fee: $50 for residents (apply to the sheriff of one's county) and $100 for nonresidents (apply to any county sheriff). New licenses and renewals are valid for five years from the licensee's most recent birthday. Honorably discharged veterans and certain honorably retired law-enforcement officers are exempt from the fees. Residents 18 to 20 may get a provisional license (fee $15 at application plus $15 before issuance, same training) valid until age 21; it is marked 'NOT NICS EXEMPT'. W. Va. Code §§ 61-7-4(a), (b)(3), (e), (g), (h), (q); 61-7-4a(a), (g), (h) |
| Wisconsin | License to carry a concealed weapon (CCW license), issued by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Shall-issue: DOJ 'shall issue' a license to any applicant who is not disqualified and who completes the application, and must issue or deny within 21 days of a complete application. Applicant must be 21 or older, a Wisconsin resident or military resident stationed in the state, not prohibited from possessing a firearm, and show proof of training (for example a hunter education program, a firearms safety course from a certified instructor or law-enforcement agency, or qualifying military training). The license covers handguns, electric weapons and billy clubs. Fee: DOJ lists $40 for a new license and $22 for a renewal. A new license is valid for 5 years from issuance; renewals do not need new training. Wis. Stat. § 175.60(1)(j), (2)(a), (3), (4)(a), (7), (9)(b), (15)(a) |
| Wyoming | Wyoming concealed firearm permit, issued by the Attorney General through the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI); applications go through the sheriff of the applicant's county. Shall-issue: the division 'shall issue' a permit to any person who meets the listed criteria, and must issue or deny within 60 days, though it may deny for misdemeanor crimes of violence in the past 3 years or on a sheriff's report of reasonable grounds. Requirements: U.S. resident and Wyoming resident for at least 6 months; at least 18 years of age (effective July 1, 2026; previously 21); not prohibited from possessing firearms; and demonstrated familiarity with a firearm (for example an NRA or Wyoming law-enforcement-academy certified course, law-enforcement training, handgun competition or military service). Fingerprints are required. Statutory fee: $50 (new or renewal), plus fingerprint costs; DCI lists $64 for a new application, $45 for a renewal before expiration and $55 for a late renewal. Valid 5 years. Covers handguns only. Nonresidents cannot obtain a permit. W.S. 6-8-104(b), (c), (e)(ii), (m), (s), (y)(ii) |
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.