Open Carry in Vermont
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Vermont permits open carry without a permit and has no permit requirement for concealed carry.
How Vermont treats Open Carry
Vermont allows open carry of firearms without any permit or license requirement. The state does not require permits for either open or concealed carry—a practice known as constitutional carry. Vermont has maintained this permissionless approach for decades. Federal restrictions and private property rights still apply, and certain locations remain off-limits regardless of carry method.
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 Vermont.