Open Carry in Alabama
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Alabama permits open carry of firearms without a permit for most people.
How Alabama treats Open Carry
Alabama allows any person legally able to possess a firearm to openly carry a handgun or long gun in public without obtaining a permit. This applies to both residents and visitors. Some locations remain off-limits, including courthouses, detention facilities, and private property where owners prohibit firearms. Alabama also recognizes concealed carry permits from other states.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.