Concealed Carry in Vermont
Whether you need a permit to carry concealed in Vermont, how to get one, which states' permits Vermont honors, and where carrying is banned.
Short answer: 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… 13 V.S.A. §§ 4003; 4008; 4017; 4017a; 13 V.S.A. ch. 85 (reviewed)
| Permitless (constitutional) carry | 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. Reviewed 13 V.S.A. chapter 85 (Weapons, §§ 4001-4084) on 2026-10-27; no permit requirement found. Full chapter: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/13/085 |
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| Concealed carry permit | 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. Reviewed 13 V.S.A. chapter 85 (Weapons, §§ 4001-4084) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. Residents who travel may need a nonresident permit from another state; that is outside Vermont law. |
| Other states' permits (reciprocity) | Vermont has no state law that addresses recognition of other states' carry permits. Because Vermont issues no carry permits and requires none, residents and visitors may carry under the same rules regardless of any permit from another state. Reviewed 13 V.S.A. chapter 85 (Weapons, §§ 4001-4084) on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
| Where guns are banned | Main places: (1) school buildings and school buses (knowing possession of a firearm: up to one year or $1,000 for a first offense), and any school property when possessed with intent to injure, unless authorized by the school board; (2) courthouses, without the court's authorization; (3) hospital buildings (fine up to $250; notice must be posted at entrances); (4) polling places and the walks leading to them on election day, and town clerk offices during authorized early voting (up to one year or $1,000; firearms stored in a motor vehicle are exempt). |
| Guns in your car | No permit is needed to have a handgun in a vehicle, loaded or unloaded, concealed or not. For long guns, a person may not carry or possess, in or on a motor vehicle within the right-of-way of a public highway, a rifle or shotgun with a loaded cartridge or shell in the chamber, mechanism, magazine or clip (or a charged and capped muzzleloader), and must show the long gun to an enforcement officer on demand. Firearms stored in a motor vehicle are exempt from the polling-place ban. |
More Vermont gun laws
- Open Carry in Vermont
- Buying a Gun in Vermont
- Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in Vermont
- All Vermont gun laws rules
FAQ
Is Vermont a constitutional carry state?
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.
How do you get a concealed carry permit in 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.
Which states' carry permits does Vermont honor?
Vermont has no state law that addresses recognition of other states' carry permits. Because Vermont issues no carry permits and requires none, residents and visitors may carry under the same rules regardless of any permit from another state.
Where can't you carry a gun in Vermont?
Main places: (1) school buildings and school buses (knowing possession of a firearm: up to one year or $1,000 for a first offense), and any school property when possessed with intent to injure, unless authorized by the school board; (2) courthouses, without the court's authorization; (3) hospital buildings (fine up to $250; notice must be posted at entrances); (4) polling places and the walks leading to them on election day, and town clerk offices during authorized early voting (up to one year or $1,000; firearms stored in a motor vehicle are exempt).
Can you keep a gun in your car in Vermont without a permit?
No permit is needed to have a handgun in a vehicle, loaded or unloaded, concealed or not. For long guns, a person may not carry or possess, in or on a motor vehicle within the right-of-way of a public highway, a rifle or shotgun with a loaded cartridge or shell in the chamber, mechanism, magazine or clip (or a charged and capped muzzleloader), and must show the long gun to an enforcement officer on demand. Firearms stored in a motor vehicle are exempt from the polling-place ban.
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.