Concealed Carry
In one sentence
The legal right to carry a hidden firearm in public, typically requiring a permit.
Plain English
Concealed carry refers to carrying a firearm on your person in a hidden manner in public spaces. Most states require you to obtain a permit from law enforcement before you can legally concealed carry, though some states allow it without a permit. Requirements vary significantly by state and include background checks, training courses, and fees. Concealed carry laws balance Second Amendment rights with public safety concerns and differ dramatically from state to state.
Example
After completing a firearms safety course and passing a background check, Maria applied for a concealed carry permit in her state. Once approved, she could legally carry her handgun hidden under her jacket in public.
Used in a sentence
“He obtained a concealed carry permit so he could legally bring his pistol to work.”
How Concealed Carry differs by state
Concealed Carry can apply differently depending on the state. Click a state to see local specifics.
Alabama
Alabama allows concealed carry without a permit, though permits remain available for reciprocity purposes.
Alaska
Alaska permits permitless concealed carry statewide, though permits are available for reciprocity with other states.
Arizona
Arizona allows permitless concealed carry for residents and visitors, with optional permits available for reciprocity.
Arkansas
Arkansas allows permitless concealed carry for residents, though permits are available for reciprocity recognition.
California
California requires a permit to carry concealed firearms, with counties having significant discretion over issuance standards.
Colorado
Colorado allows concealed carry without a permit, though permits remain available for reciprocity purposes.
Connecticut
Connecticut requires a permit to carry concealed, issued by local police chiefs with discretionary approval.
Delaware
Delaware issues concealed carry permits on a shall-issue basis, requiring a background check and application fee.
Florida
Florida issues concealed carry permits on a shall-issue basis, valid statewide and widely recognized by other states.
Georgia
Georgia allows constitutional carry without a permit, though permits remain available for reciprocity with other states.
Hawaii
Hawaii requires a permit for concealed carry and rarely issues them except to security professionals and law enforcement.
Idaho
Idaho allows permitless concealed carry for all law-abiding citizens without prior authorization.
Illinois
Illinois requires a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card and a concealed carry license issued by the state police.
Indiana
Indiana allows permitless concealed carry but offers optional permits for reciprocity with other states.
Iowa
Iowa allows permitless concealed carry for law-abiding citizens but issues optional permits for reciprocity purposes.
Kansas
Kansas allows permitless concealed carry for most residents; permits remain optional and available.
Kentucky
Kentucky recognizes permitless concealed carry; permits optional but useful for interstate reciprocity.
Louisiana
Louisiana requires a permit to carry a concealed handgun; permits are shall-issue with minimal restrictions.
Maine
Maine allows permitless concealed carry; permits optional and available from local law enforcement.
Maryland
Maryland requires a permit and "good and substantial reason" to carry concealed; may-issue jurisdiction with strict standards.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires a License to Carry issued by local police chiefs with discretionary approval standards.
Michigan
Michigan issues Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL) to eligible applicants; local sheriffs must approve or deny within 45 days.
Minnesota
Minnesota issues Permits to Carry (PTC) on a shall-issue basis; sheriffs have 30 days to approve or deny.
Mississippi
Mississippi allows permitless concealed carry for all law-abiding citizens; no permit required.
Missouri
Missouri allows permitless concealed carry; optional permits available for reciprocity with other states.
Montana
Montana allows permitless concealed carry for residents and visitors without prior authorization.
Nebraska
Nebraska requires a permit for concealed carry, issued by county sheriffs to eligible applicants.
Nevada
Nevada allows permitless concealed carry for residents while maintaining an optional permit system for reciprocity.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire allows permitless concealed carry for residents while offering optional permits for interstate reciprocity.
New Jersey
New Jersey requires a permit for concealed carry, issued only to applicants demonstrating a justifiable need.
New Mexico
New Mexico allows constitutional carry without a permit, but permits remain available for reciprocity purposes.
New York
New York requires a permit and "proper cause" showing; judges have broad discretion to deny or restrict permits.
North Carolina
North Carolina is a shall-issue state; sheriffs must issue permits to qualified applicants within 45 days.
North Dakota
North Dakota allows constitutional carry without a permit, though permits are available for reciprocity recognition.
Ohio
Ohio is a shall-issue state; county sheriffs must issue permits to qualified applicants within 45 days.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma allows permitless concealed carry for most residents and visitors without prior authorization.
Oregon
Oregon requires a concealed handgun license (CHL) issued by county sheriffs, with background checks and fingerprinting mandatory.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania issues concealed carry permits through county sheriffs with no specific training requirement or "shall-issue" mandate.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires a permit from local police chiefs with discretionary approval and a demonstrated "good reason" for carrying.
South Carolina
South Carolina issues concealed weapon permits through county sheriffs with a straightforward application process and no discretionary denial.
South Dakota
South Dakota allows permitless concealed carry for most residents and visitors without prior authorization.
Tennessee
Tennessee allows permitless concealed carry but still issues optional permits for interstate reciprocity recognition.
Texas
Texas requires a License to Carry (LTC) permit for concealed handgun carry, issued by the Department of Public Safety.
Utah
Utah allows permitless concealed carry but issues optional permits recognized by many other states.
Vermont
Vermont allows permitless concealed carry for all lawful firearm owners without government authorization.
Virginia
Virginia allows concealed carry without a permit, but permits remain available and reciprocal with other states.
Washington
Washington requires a permit to carry concealed, issued by county sheriffs with a 30-day processing timeline.
West Virginia
West Virginia allows permitless concealed carry for all law-abiding citizens without prior authorization.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires a permit to carry concealed, issued by local law enforcement with no specific timeline mandated.
Wyoming
Wyoming allows permitless concealed carry for residents and visitors, with optional permits available for reciprocity.
District of Columbia
DC prohibits concealed carry for most residents; only law enforcement and security personnel may carry hidden firearms.
Related terms
Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Self-Defense
The legal right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm.
criminal intent
The mental state or purpose required to commit a crime.
Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
Misdemeanor
A less serious crime punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines.
habitual offender
A person with multiple prior criminal convictions who faces enhanced penalties for new crimes under habitual offender laws.
Stand Your Ground
A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
Castle Doctrine
A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.
This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.