Georgia Gun Laws: Concealed Carry, Open Carry and Buying a Gun

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.

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.

Allowed for lawful weapons carriers. The Code requires that a person carrying a weapon be a lawful weapons carrier and does not require that a handgun be carried concealed; no separate open-carry permit exists. The same age limits as for the weapons carry license apply (21, or 18-20 with military service). Persons not prohibited from possessing a handgun or long gun may carry inside their home, motor vehicle or place of business.

Handguns: it is unlawful to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly sell or furnish a pistol or revolver to a minor (under 18), though a parent or guardian may permit a minor's possession for listed purposes; persons under 18 may not possess or control a handgun except during hunter or firearms safety courses, target shooting at a range, competitions, lawful hunting or fishing, travel to or from those activities with the handgun unloaded, on property controlled by a parent, guardian or grandparent with permission, or at home with permission for self-defense. Long guns: no Georgia statute setting a minimum age to buy or possess a long gun was found.

A person not prohibited by law from possessing a handgun or long gun may carry it inside their own motor vehicle, and any lawful weapons carrier may transport a handgun or long gun in any private passenger motor vehicle. No loaded/unloaded or locked-container rule applies under § 16-11-126. Private property owners may still exclude people carrying weapons from their property.

Georgia honors carry licenses from every state: any person licensed to carry a weapon in any other state may carry in Georgia, subject to Georgia law. The Attorney General keeps a separate list of states that recognize Georgia's license.

Misdemeanor to carry in: government buildings (lawful weapons carriers may enter those without security screening by a peace officer); courthouses; jails and prisons; places of worship unless the governing body permits carry (lawful carriers face a fine of up to $100 and no arrest); state mental health facilities that admit people involuntarily; nuclear power facilities; and within 150 feet of a polling place during elections. Weapons are also banned in school safety zones (public and private K-12 school property, school functions and school transportation), with exceptions including lawful carriers dropping off or picking up a student and weapons kept in a vehicle; lawful carriers may carry a concealed handgun on public college and university property except athletic facilities, student housing including fraternity and sorority houses, preschool or childcare spaces, certain dual-enrollment classrooms, and faculty, staff and administrative offices. Private property owners may exclude people carrying weapons. Weapons locked in a vehicle in parking facilities of these places are allowed.