Permitless (Constitutional) Carry by State (2026)
Which states let adults carry a concealed handgun without a permit, and the age and exclusions, from each state's statute.
| State | Permitless (constitutional) carry |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes. Since January 1, 2023, Alabama no longer requires a permit to carry a pistol concealed on the person or in a vehicle: Act 2022-133 repealed the permit requirement in § 13A-11-73. ALEA says the law 'eliminates the requirement for Alabama citizens to obtain a permit to carry a concealed pistol' and applies only within Alabama. People barred from having a firearm cannot carry: anyone convicted of a felony within the previous five years, anyone with three or more felony convictions, anyone convicted of a crime of violence, a misdemeanor offense of domestic violence or a listed violent offense, anyone subject to a valid domestic-abuse protection order, anyone of unsound mind, and certain non-citizens (§ 13A-11-72(a), (c)). A minor, an habitual drunkard or a person with a drug addiction may not own or possess a pistol (§ 13A-11-72(b)). Without a permit, a person may not carry a pistol on private property that is not his or her own or under his or her control unless the owner or legal possessor consents (§ 13A-11-52). Ala. Code 1975 §§ 13A-11-73 (repealed by Act 2022-133, eff. Jan. 1, 2023), 13A-11-72, 13A-11-52; ALEA news release, Dec. 30, 2022 |
| Alaska | Yes, for adults 21 and older. Alaska's weapons law only makes concealed carry a crime for a person 21 or older if, when contacted by a peace officer, the person fails to immediately tell the officer about the concealed deadly weapon or fails to let the officer secure it (or to secure it at the officer's direction) during the contact, or carries it concealed inside another person's home without first getting permission from an adult who lives there (misconduct involving weapons in the fifth degree, a class B misdemeanor). A person under 21 who carries a concealed deadly weapon (other than an ordinary pocket knife or a defensive weapon) commits the same class B misdemeanor; it is an affirmative defense that the person was in their own home or on their land next to it, or was actually engaged in lawful hunting, fishing, trapping or other outdoor activity that requires carrying a weapon for protection. People barred from having guns cannot carry; for example, possessing a concealable firearm after a felony conviction is a class C felony (with exceptions for pardons, set-aside convictions, and some offenses more than 10 years old that were not crimes against the person under AS 11.41). AS 11.61.220(a)(1), (a)(6), (b), (i), (j); AS 11.61.200(a)(1), (b)(1), (i) |
| Arizona | Yes for adults 21 and older. Arizona's weapons-misconduct law makes concealed carry of a deadly weapon (other than a pocket knife) a crime only in limited situations: when it furthers a serious offense, violent crime or other felony (class 6 felony), or when the person fails to answer truthfully after a law enforcement officer, during a lawful contact, asks whether they are carrying a concealed weapon (class 1 misdemeanor). Carrying a concealed deadly weapon on the person or within immediate control in a vehicle by a person 'under twenty-one years of age' is a class 3 misdemeanor. Prohibited possessors may not possess firearms at all. A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(1), (A)(2), (M) |
| Arkansas | Unsettled for concealed carry. Since Act 746 of 2013, the crime of 'carrying a weapon' (Class A misdemeanor) requires possessing a handgun on the person, in an occupied vehicle, or readily available 'with a purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ' it as a weapon against a person. The Attorney General (Op. 2015-064) concluded that merely possessing a handgun is not that crime and that Arkansas allows open carry without a license. On concealed carry, the Attorney General (Op. 2018-002) wrote that 'it is not entirely clear whether it is lawful to carry a concealed handgun without a concealed-carry license,' because courts might presume unlawful intent from unlicensed concealed carry, and asked the Legislature to clarify. The statute lists situations where carrying is 'permissible,' including at home, in one's own vehicle or business, 'upon a journey,' and with a concealed carry license outside prohibited places. Persons under 18 may not possess a handgun except as allowed by § 5-73-119. Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-120(a), (c), (d); Ark. Att'y Gen. Op. Nos. 2015-064, 2018-002 |
| California | No. The California Department of Justice says that, generally, 'you may not carry a concealed firearm on your person in public unless you have a valid Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) license.' It is also illegal to carry a loaded firearm on one's person or in a vehicle in any public place, on any public street, or where it is unlawful to discharge a firearm (with exceptions such as lawful hunting and target ranges). Cal. Pen. Code §§ 25400-25700, 25850, 26150-26225; CA DOJ Public FAQs; California Firearm Laws Summary (rev. 2021) |
| Colorado | No for concealed carry. Knowingly and unlawfully carrying a firearm concealed on or about one's person is a class 1 misdemeanor, unless the person is in their own dwelling, place of business or property under their control; is in a private automobile or other private conveyance carrying the weapon for lawful protection while traveling; or holds a valid concealed handgun permit (or temporary emergency permit). C.R.S. § 18-12-105 |
| Connecticut | No. Connecticut does not allow permitless carry. No person may carry a pistol or revolver on their person, except in their own home, on land they own or lease, or in their own place of business, without a permit issued under § 29-28. Carrying a handgun without a permit is a class D felony with a one-year mandatory minimum sentence absent mitigating circumstances (as summarized by the legislature's research office). Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-35(a)(1); § 29-37(b) |
| Delaware | No. Carrying a concealed deadly weapon (including a handgun) without a license issued under § 1441 is a crime under § 1442. Delaware has no permitless concealed carry. 11 Del. C. § 1442(a) |
| District of Columbia | No. No person may carry a pistol in the District, openly or concealed, without a license issued under District law. Carrying outside one's home, business or land is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine (up to 10 years for a repeat offense after a prior District or felony conviction). Rifles and shotguns may not be carried unless otherwise permitted by law. D.C. Code § 22-4504(a), (a-1) |
| Florida | Yes. A person may carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm without a license if they meet the criteria for receiving and keeping a concealed weapon license under s. 790.06 (including being 21 or older and not disqualified by felony convictions, recent drug or violent-misdemeanor convictions, certain mental health adjudications, or domestic violence injunctions). A person carrying without a license must carry valid identification and show it to a law enforcement officer on demand ($25 noncriminal fine), and is subject to the same prohibited places as licensees. Effective July 1, 2023. Fla. Stat. ss. 790.01(1)(b), 790.013, 790.06(2) |
| Georgia | Yes. No license is needed to carry a weapon (including a handgun) if the person is a 'lawful weapons carrier,' defined as anyone licensed or eligible for a weapons carry license under § 16-11-129 and not otherwise prohibited from possessing a weapon, plus nonresidents who would be eligible but for residency and anyone licensed in another state. Because license eligibility requires age 21 (or 18-20 with completed basic military training and active service or honorable discharge), the same age limits apply to permitless carry. People prohibited from possessing firearms, or ineligible for a license, are excluded. O.C.G.A. §§ 16-11-125.1, 16-11-126(g)(1), 16-11-129 |
| Hawaii | No. Outside the possessor's place of business, residence or sojourn, firearms must be kept confined there and may be carried only unloaded in an enclosed container for listed trips, unless the person holds a license to carry under § 134-9. Carrying or possessing a pistol or revolver in violation of this rule is a class B felony. HRS §§ 134-25, 134-9 |
| Idaho | Yes. A person may carry a concealed deadly weapon (including a handgun) without a license if the person is over eighteen (18) years of age, is a citizen of the United States or a current member of the U.S. armed forces, and is not disqualified from a license under paragraphs (b) through (n) of § 18-3302(11) (for example: charged with or convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year, fugitive, unlawful drug user, certain mental-health adjudications, dishonorable discharge, illegal alien, subject to certain protection orders, or otherwise barred from firearms under state or federal law). Separately, anyone 18 or older who is not disqualified may carry concealed outside the limits of any city. Carrying a concealed weapon in violation of § 18-3302 is a misdemeanor. Idaho Code § 18-3302(3)(d), (4)(f), (11), (21) |
| Illinois | No. Carrying a pistol, revolver or other firearm in a vehicle or concealed on the person (and carrying one on public streets or lands in a city, village or town) is unlawful except on one's own land, abode or fixed place of business, as an invitee in another's home or land with permission, or when carried under an Illinois concealed carry license. Carrying an uncased, loaded, immediately accessible handgun without a license is aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon. Residents must also hold a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card to acquire or possess firearms or ammunition. 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(4), (a)(10); 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6(a)(3)(A-5); 430 ILCS 66/10 |
| Indiana | Yes, since July 1, 2022. A person who is at least 18 and is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law is not required to have a license or permit to carry a handgun in Indiana. The following may not carry a handgun: a person convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year; a fugitive from justice; an alien (a person not lawfully in the United States); a person convicted of a crime of domestic violence, domestic battery or criminal stalking (unless a court restored firearm rights for the first two); a person restrained by a protective order; a person under indictment; a person adjudicated dangerous under the red flag law, adjudicated a mental defective or committed to a mental institution; a person dishonorably discharged from the military or National Guard; a person who renounced U.S. citizenship; and a person under 18, or under 23 with a juvenile adjudication for certain acts, unless authorized under IC 35-47-10. Violation is a Class A misdemeanor, or a Level 5 felony on or near school property, on a school bus, or with certain prior convictions. IC 35-47-2-3(a); IC 35-47-2-1.5 |
| Iowa | Yes. Iowa's permit law 'shall not be construed to impose a general prohibition on the otherwise lawful unlicensed carrying or transport, whether openly or concealed, of a dangerous weapon, including a loaded firearm.' Excluded from carrying dangerous weapons are people who would be ineligible for a permit under § 724.8(2)-(6) (addicted to alcohol; probable cause from documented actions within two years that the person is likely to use a weapon unlawfully; prohibited under § 724.26, e.g., felons and domestic-abuse convictions; a serious or aggravated chapter 708 assault-type misdemeanor within three years; prohibited by federal law), anyone illegally possessing certain controlled substances, and anyone committing an indictable offense (serious misdemeanor). A minor (under 18) who goes armed with a concealed dangerous weapon commits a serious misdemeanor. Iowa Code §§ 724.5, 724.8B, 724.4E(1) |
| Kansas | Yes, for adults 21 and older. The concealed-carry license law 'shall not be construed to impose a general prohibition on the carrying of handguns without such license, whether carried openly or concealed, or loaded or unloaded.' It is a class A nonperson misdemeanor for a person under 21 to carry any pistol, revolver or other firearm concealed on their person (except on their own land, abode or fixed place of business) unless they hold a Kansas provisional license or a recognized out-of-state license. Persons barred from possessing firearms (e.g., unlawful drug users, certain mental-health commitments, fugitives, illegal aliens, persons under certain protection orders, domestic-violence misdemeanants within five years, and felons under K.S.A. 21-6304) may not carry. K.S.A. 75-7c03(a); 21-6302(a)(4), (b), (d); 21-6301(a) |
| Kentucky | Yes, for adults 21 and older. 'Persons age twenty-one (21) or older, and otherwise able to lawfully possess a firearm, may carry concealed firearms or other concealed deadly weapons without a license in the same locations as persons with valid licenses' (effective June 27, 2019). Persons under 21 need a license (a provisional license is available at 18 to 20 since July 15, 2026) to carry concealed. Carrying a concealed weapon unlawfully is a Class A misdemeanor (Class D felony if previously convicted of a felony involving a deadly weapon). KRS 237.109(1); 527.020(4), (10); 237.118 |
| Louisiana | Yes. Since July 4, 2024, the ban on carrying a concealed firearm does not apply to any person who is eighteen years of age or older and is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under R.S. 14:95.1 (felons), 18 U.S.C. 922(g), or any other state or federal law. A person carrying this way is deemed to certify that he meets those conditions, may not carry while under the influence (blood alcohol of .05 percent or more, or any confirmed controlled dangerous substance), must tell an officer who approaches in an official manner that he is armed and allow a pat-down and temporary disarming, and is subject to the same place restrictions as permit holders. La. R.S. 14:95(M), (N); R.S. 40:1379.3(B)(2), (I) |
| Maine | Yes. The ban on carrying a concealed weapon does not apply to a handgun carried by a person who is 21 years of age or older and is not otherwise prohibited from carrying a firearm, or by a person 18 to 20 who is on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard, or is an honorably discharged veteran of them, and is not otherwise prohibited. A person carrying concealed without a Maine permit must immediately tell a law enforcement officer that he or she is carrying a concealed handgun when first in contact during an arrest, detainment or routine traffic stop. 25 M.R.S. §2001-A(2)(A-1); 25 M.R.S. §2003-A |
| Maryland | No. Maryland makes it a crime to wear, carry or transport a handgun, whether concealed or open, on or about the person, or in a vehicle on a public road or parking lot, unless the person holds a Maryland permit or fits a listed exception (for example on the person's own property or business, or transporting an unloaded handgun in an enclosed case or holster to or from a purchase, repair shop, residence, or target shooting or hunting). A first offense carries 30 days to 5 years or a $250-$2,500 fine. Md. Code, Crim. Law §4-203(a)-(c) |
| Massachusetts | No. Knowingly possessing a firearm, or having one under one's control in a vehicle, outside one's home or business without a Massachusetts license to carry (or, for non-semiautomatic rifles and shotguns, a firearm identification card) or a statutory exemption is a crime punishable by 2 1/2 to 5 years in state prison or 18 months to 2 1/2 years in a jail or house of correction, with an 18-month minimum. M.G.L. c. 269, §10(a) |
| Michigan | No. Carrying a pistol concealed on or about the person, or carrying a pistol (concealed or otherwise) in a vehicle the person operates or occupies, without a license is a felony punishable by up to 5 years and/or a $2,500 fine, except in the person's own dwelling, place of business or other land the person possesses. MCL 750.227(2)-(3) |
| Minnesota | No. A person who carries, holds or possesses a pistol in a motor vehicle, snowmobile or boat, on or about the person, or otherwise in a public place without first obtaining a permit to carry is guilty of a gross misdemeanor (felony for a second or later conviction). No permit is needed to keep or carry a pistol at one's home, business or land; to carry it between the place of purchase, home, business and a repair shop; while hunting or target shooting in the woods, fields or waters; or to transport it unloaded in a closed and fastened case, gunbox or securely tied package. Minn. Stat. §624.714, subds. 1a, 9 |
| Mississippi | Yes. 'A license under this section is not required for a loaded or unloaded pistol or revolver' carried on the person in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster, or in a purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag, briefcase or fully enclosed case, as long as the person is not engaged in criminal activity other than a misdemeanor traffic offense, is not otherwise barred from having a gun under state or federal law, and is not in a place listed in § 45-9-101(13). This subsection does not state its own minimum age; separately, a person under 18 may not possess a handgun except in listed situations such as hunting, target shooting or with an adult's permission on that adult's property (§ 97-37-14). Miss. Code Ann. §§ 45-9-101(24), 97-37-14 |
| Missouri | Yes. Missouri's unlawful-use-of-weapons law makes it a crime to carry a concealed firearm only 'into any area where firearms are restricted under section 571.107' (the list of off-limits places), so concealed carry elsewhere does not require a permit. Permit holders (Missouri or another state's) are exempt from that restriction, from the ban on carrying into churches, polling places and government buildings in § 571.030.1(8), and from the school ban in § 571.030.1(10). The carry statute does not set a separate minimum age; the vehicle exception in § 571.030.3 is limited to people 19 or older (18 if a member or honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces). RSMo §§ 571.030.1(1), (8), (10), 571.030.3, 571.030.4 |
| Montana | Yes. The concealed-carry offense (fine up to $500 and/or up to 6 months in county jail) 'does not apply to a person eligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law.' The statute sets no separate minimum age; anyone legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry it concealed without a permit. A person with a prior conviction punishable by more than 1 year who carries concealed faces up to $1,000 and/or up to 5 years in state prison. MCA § 45-8-316 (Montana Code Annotated 2025) |
| Nebraska | Yes, since September 2, 2023. 'A person, other than a minor or a prohibited person, may carry a concealed handgun anywhere in Nebraska, with or without a permit under the Concealed Handgun Permit Act,' subject to the listed off-limits places. For this law, 'Minor means a person who is under twenty-one years of age,' except people 18 or older who are members of the U.S. armed forces (active or reserve), the Nebraska National Guard or ROTC, or peace officers. A 'prohibited person' is anyone barred from possessing firearms under state law or 18 U.S.C. 922(d) or (g). A minor or prohibited person who carries a concealed weapon commits a Class I misdemeanor (first offense) or Class IV felony (second or later). Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-1202.01(1), 28-1201, 28-1202 |
| Nevada | No. Carrying a concealed pistol, revolver or other firearm without a permit is a crime under NRS 202.350(1)(d); a violation involving a firearm is a category C felony. A concealed carry permit under NRS 202.3653 to 202.369 (or a recognized out-of-state permit) is required, with exemptions for peace officers and on-duty military listed in NRS 202.350(4). NRS 202.350 |
| New Hampshire | Yes. The former license requirement (RSA 159:4) was repealed effective February 22, 2017. RSA 159:6, III now states: 'The availability of a license to carry a loaded pistol or revolver under this section or under any other provision of law shall not be construed to impose a prohibition on the unlicensed transport or carry of a firearm in a vehicle, or on or about one's person, whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, by a resident, nonresident, or alien if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire.' The statute does not set a separate minimum age for carrying. RSA 159:6, III; RSA 159:4 (repealed by 2017, 1:3) |
| New Jersey | No. New Jersey does not have permitless carry. A handgun may be carried only under a Permit to Carry a Handgun issued under N.J.S. 2C:58-4 (or a statutory exemption such as for law enforcement); the permit authorizes carrying 'in a holster concealed on their person'. N.J.S. 2C:58-4(a) |
| New Mexico | No for concealed carry on the person. New Mexico requires a concealed handgun license to carry a loaded concealed handgun on foot; DPS says that without a license (from New Mexico or a state New Mexico recognizes) 'you may not have the weapon concealed on your person when you exit your vehicle or motorcycle.' Exceptions noted by DPS: a person not otherwise prohibited may keep a concealed loaded firearm in a vehicle without a license, and open carry is legal without a license. NMSA 1978, §§ 30-7-2, 29-19-2(D); NM DPS Concealed Carry FAQs |
| New York | No. Possessing a pistol or revolver is exempt from the weapons-possession crimes only for 'a person to whom a license therefor has been issued as provided under section 400.00 or 400.01'. Concealed carry requires a license under § 400.00(2)(f) to 'have and carry concealed'. N.Y. Penal Law §§ 265.20(a)(3), 400.00(2)(f) |
| North Carolina | No (as of the current statute text). 'It shall be unlawful for any person willfully and intentionally to carry concealed about his or her person any pistol or gun' except on the person's own premises, with a valid concealed handgun permit (or a permit valid under G.S. 14-415.24), or as a deployed military permittee. Violation is 'a Class 2 misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class H felony for a second or subsequent offense.' N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-269(a1), (c) |
| North Dakota | Yes. 'An individual who is not otherwise precluded from possessing a class 2 firearm and dangerous weapon license under this chapter and who possesses a valid driver's license or nondriver identification card issued by the department of transportation or by the individual's state or territory of residence may carry a firearm concealed.' The class 2 license requires an applicant to be 'at least eighteen years of age' and not barred under § 62.1-02-01 or federal law, and the Attorney General's constitutional-carry page states the requirement as 'Must be at least 18 years of age' (it adds: 'Must be 21 to purchase a handgun, but may possess at 18 in North Dakota'). A permitless carrier must tell an officer about the concealed firearm 'if the officer inquires' and must show the driver's license or ID on request (failure is a noncriminal offense with a $20 fee). N.D.C.C. §§ 62.1-04-02(2), 62.1-04-03(1)(a), 62.1-04-04(2)-(4); ND Attorney General, Constitutional Concealed Carry |
| Ohio | Yes, since June 13, 2022. A 'qualifying adult' — 'Twenty-one years of age or older', not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law or R.C. 2923.13, and meeting most concealed handgun license eligibility criteria — 'shall not be required to obtain a concealed handgun license' to carry a concealed handgun that is not a restricted firearm, and may carry it anywhere a licensee may, subject to the same restrictions. The right ends automatically if the person later becomes prohibited from possessing firearms. R.C. 2923.111 (S.B. 215, 134th G.A., eff. June 13, 2022) |
| Oklahoma | Yes. Oklahoma allows a person to carry a firearm, concealed or unconcealed, loaded or unloaded, without a handgun license if the person is 21 or older, or 18 to 20 and a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard or honorably discharged. The person must not be barred from having or buying a firearm under state or federal law and must not carry it in furtherance of a crime. People convicted (in Oklahoma or elsewhere) of assault and battery causing serious physical injury, aggravated assault and battery, domestic-abuse assault and battery, stalking, violating a domestic-abuse protective order, or an illegal drug use or possession offense under the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act may not carry under this rule. Permitless carriers are still barred from the places listed in 21 O.S. § 1277(A). 21 O.S. § 1272(A)(6) |
| Oregon | No. Oregon does not allow concealed carry without a license. Knowingly carrying a firearm concealed on the person, or having a concealed handgun readily accessible in a vehicle, is unlawful possession of a firearm (a Class A misdemeanor) unless an exception applies, such as holding an Oregon concealed handgun license. ORS 166.250(1)(a)-(b), (5) |
| Pennsylvania | No. Carrying a firearm concealed on or about the person, or carrying one in any vehicle, without a valid license is a crime. The exceptions are carrying in one's home or fixed place of business, and the other exceptions listed in the statute. It is a third-degree felony, or a first-degree misdemeanor for a person who is otherwise eligible for a license and commits no other crime. 18 Pa.C.S. § 6106(a)(1)-(2) |
| Rhode Island | No. Without a license or permit, no one may carry a pistol or revolver in a vehicle or on or about their person, whether visible or concealed. The exceptions are in one's home, place of business or on land one possesses, plus listed exemptions (such as going to a target range). The penalty is 1 to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-8(a) |
| South Carolina | Yes. Since March 7, 2024, people who are not otherwise barred from having a firearm may carry a firearm openly or concealed without training and without a concealed weapons permit. SLED states that the law 'allows individuals 18 years old and older to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit'. Carry is still banned in the places listed in § 16-23-20(A). S.C. Code § 23-31-215(O); § 16-23-20; 2024 Act No. 111 (H. 3594) |
| South Dakota | Yes. The Secretary of State's handbook says that South Dakota residents and nonresidents 'who may lawfully possess a pistol are not required to have a permit in order to carry a concealed pistol in this state'. The statute says a permit 'does not impose a general prohibition on the carrying of a pistol without a permit'. The former crime of carrying a concealed pistol without a permit (SDCL 22-14-9) was repealed in 2019. People under 18 generally may not possess a pistol. SDCL 23-7-7; 22-14-9 (repealed by SL 2019, ch 113); 23-7-44 |
| Tennessee | Yes. A person may carry a handgun, openly or concealed, without a permit if the person is at least 21 years of age, or at least 18 years of age and an honorably discharged or retired veteran, an honorably discharged reserve or National Guard member who completed basic training, or a current active-duty, reserve or National Guard member who completed basic training. The person must lawfully possess the handgun and be in a place where the person is lawfully present, so people barred from possessing firearms are excluded. Permitless carry covers handguns only. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1307(g) |
| Texas | Yes. Since 2021 the unlawful-carrying offense applies only to people who carry a handgun while younger than 21, or who have certain recent convictions (assault causing bodily injury, deadly conduct, terroristic threat, or certain disorderly conduct involving firearms within the past five years), or who are prohibited from possessing a firearm. So a person 21 or older who is not disqualified may carry a handgun, concealed or openly in a holster, without a license. A person under 21 may carry without a license only on their own premises or in or directly en route to their own vehicle or watercraft. Carrying while intoxicated (outside one's own property or vehicle) is an offense. Tex. Penal Code § 46.02(a), (a-6), (a-7) |
| Utah | Yes. An individual 21 years old or older who may lawfully possess firearms may carry a loaded or unloaded firearm, openly or concealed, without a concealed carry permit on a public street or in any other place not prohibited by state or federal law. Individuals 18 to 20 without a provisional permit may not carry a concealed firearm in public (outside their residence, real property, a vehicle they are lawfully in, or a business they control) and may not carry a loaded firearm on a public street; they may openly carry only an unloaded firearm in public. People who are restricted persons (category I or II) may not possess firearms at all. Utah Code §§ 53-5a-102.2(1)(a)-(b); 76-11-202; 76-11-220 |
| Vermont | Yes. Vermont has no state law that requires a permit to carry; the carrying statute makes it a crime only to carry a dangerous or deadly weapon 'with the intent to injure another' (up to two years or $2,000, or a felony of up to 10 years or $25,000 if the person intends to injure multiple persons). No minimum carrying age is set by statute, but a child under 16 may not possess a pistol or revolver without a parent's or guardian's consent. People barred from possessing firearms (for example, those convicted of violent crimes, or subject to certain relief-from-abuse, stalking or extreme risk orders) may not carry. 13 V.S.A. §§ 4003; 4008; 4017; 4017a; 13 V.S.A. ch. 85 (reviewed) |
| Virginia | No for concealed carry. Carrying a pistol, revolver or other firearm hidden from common observation without a concealed handgun permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor (higher for repeat violations), subject to listed exceptions, such as a person who may lawfully possess a firearm carrying a handgun secured in a container or compartment in a personal, private vehicle or boat. Open carry without a permit is generally not prohibited by state law (see open_carry). Va. Code § 18.2-308(A), (C)(8) |
| Washington | No for concealed pistols. Except in one's home or fixed place of business, a person may not carry a pistol concealed without a concealed pistol license, and may not carry or place a loaded pistol in a vehicle without one. People 18 to 20 may possess a pistol only at home, at their fixed place of business or on real property they control, unless a listed exception applies. RCW 9.41.050(1)(a), (2)(a); 9.41.240(2) |
| West Virginia | Yes. Any person may carry a concealed deadly weapon without a license if he or she is at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen or legal resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under W. Va. Code § 61-7-7 or under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or (n). Excluded (prohibited) persons include anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, people habitually addicted to alcohol or unlawful users of controlled substances, people adjudicated mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed, people unlawfully in the U.S., people dishonorably discharged, people subject to certain domestic violence protective orders, and people convicted of domestic assault or battery. A prohibited person who carries a concealed firearm commits a separate felony (up to 3 years, or up to 10 years for those convicted of violent, sexual or certain drug felonies). The age was lowered from 21 to 18 by HB 4106, effective June 12, 2026, which also repealed § 61-7-3. W. Va. Code § 61-7-7(a), (c), (d), (e) |
| Wisconsin | No. Wisconsin does not have permitless concealed carry. Anyone who carries a concealed and dangerous weapon is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor unless an exception applies, such as holding a Wisconsin license or a recognized out-of-state license, being a peace officer or qualified current or former officer, or carrying in one's own home, place of business, or on land one owns, leases or legally occupies. Wisconsin residents must hold a Wisconsin license to carry concealed in Wisconsin, even if they hold another state's license. Wis. Stat. § 941.23(2) |
| Wyoming | Yes. A person who does not have a permit may carry a concealed deadly weapon if he or she is a resident of the United States, meets the permit criteria in W.S. 6-8-104(b)(ii) through (vi), (viii) and (ix), and may otherwise lawfully possess the firearm. Those criteria include the age requirement in (b)(ii), not being barred under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or W.S. 6-8-102, no disqualifying drug commitments or convictions, no chronic alcohol impairment, no physical infirmity preventing safe handling, not being adjudicated legally incompetent, and never having been committed to a mental institution. The (b)(ii) age was changed from 'twenty-one (21)' to 'eighteen (18)' by 2026 Wyo. Sess. Laws ch. 87 (HB 96), effective July 1, 2026. Per DCI, permitless carry has applied to any U.S. resident legally allowed to possess firearms since July 1, 2021. Carrying concealed when not covered is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months, $750) for a first offense and a felony (up to 2 years, $2,000) for a repeat offense. W.S. 6-8-104(a)(iv), (b)(ii)-(vi), (viii), (ix) |
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.