Open Carry in Louisiana
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Louisiana allows open carry without a permit, though concealed carry requires a permit.
How Louisiana treats Open Carry
Louisiana permits open carry of firearms without a license or permit. Concealed carry, by contrast, requires a permit issued by the state. Certain locations prohibit firearms entirely, including courthouses, detention facilities, and private property where owners post prohibitions. Open carry is generally permitted in public spaces unless otherwise restricted by law.
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 Louisiana.