Open Carry
In one sentence
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Plain English
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.
Example
In Texas, where open carry is permitted, James legally carried his rifle in a holster on his hip while shopping at the grocery store, visible to everyone around him.
Used in a sentence
“The state's open carry law allows residents to display their firearms openly without a special permit.”
How Open Carry differs by state
Open Carry can apply differently depending on the state. Click a state to see local specifics.
Alabama
Alabama permits open carry of firearms without a permit for most people.
Alaska
Alaska permits permitless open carry statewide for most lawful firearm owners.
Arizona
Arizona permits open carry without a permit for most people statewide.
Arkansas
Arkansas permits open carry without a permit for most lawful firearm owners.
California
California severely restricts open carry; most people cannot openly carry loaded firearms in public.
Colorado
Colorado permits open carry of firearms without a permit for most people in most places.
Connecticut
Connecticut prohibits open carry of handguns; only concealed carry with a permit is legal.
Delaware
Delaware permits open carry of firearms without a permit for lawful purposes.
Florida
Florida prohibits open carry of handguns; concealed carry permits are required instead.
Georgia
Georgia permits open carry of firearms without a permit for most people statewide.
Hawaii
Hawaii prohibits open carry of firearms in public; concealed carry requires a permit.
Idaho
Idaho allows open carry without a permit; concealed carry also permitted without permit.
Illinois
Illinois prohibits open carry; concealed carry requires a Firearm Owner's Identification Card and permit.
Indiana
Indiana allows open carry without a permit; concealed carry also permitted without permit.
Iowa
Iowa allows open carry without a permit; concealed carry requires a permit.
Kansas
Kansas allows open carry of firearms without a permit for most people.
Kentucky
Kentucky allows open carry without a permit for most lawful firearm owners.
Louisiana
Louisiana allows open carry without a permit, though concealed carry requires a permit.
Maine
Maine allows open carry without a permit for most people.
Maryland
Maryland restricts open carry; permits required for handguns, long guns generally prohibited.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts prohibits open carry of handguns; long guns may be openly carried with a valid firearms license.
Michigan
Michigan allows open carry of handguns without a permit; long guns may be openly carried year-round.
Minnesota
Minnesota prohibits open carry of handguns; long guns may be openly carried in certain contexts like hunting.
Mississippi
Mississippi allows open carry of handguns without a permit; constitutional carry applies statewide.
Missouri
Missouri allows open carry of handguns without a permit; constitutional carry applies statewide.
Montana
Montana permits open carry of firearms without a permit for most people in most places.
Nebraska
Nebraska allows open carry without a permit, though some cities impose local restrictions.
Nevada
Nevada permits open carry without a permit, but concealed carry requires a permit.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire permits open carry without a permit for residents and non-residents alike.
New Jersey
New Jersey prohibits open carry; a permit is required for any firearm possession in public.
New Mexico
New Mexico permits open carry of firearms without a permit for most residents.
New York
New York generally prohibits open carry; concealed carry requires a permit with "proper cause."
North Carolina
North Carolina permits open carry without a permit; concealed carry requires a permit.
North Dakota
North Dakota permits open carry without a permit for most residents.
Ohio
Ohio permits open carry without a permit; concealed carry requires a permit.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma allows open carry of firearms without a permit for most people, with few restrictions.
Oregon
Oregon allows open carry statewide without a permit, but local jurisdictions can impose restrictions.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania allows open carry of firearms without a permit in most public spaces.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island prohibits open carry; you must obtain a concealed carry permit to carry any firearm.
South Carolina
South Carolina allows open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit in most public areas.
South Dakota
South Dakota permits open carry of firearms without a permit for most residents.
Tennessee
Tennessee permits open carry without a permit, though handgun permits exist for other purposes.
Texas
Texas permits open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit as of 2023.
Utah
Utah permits open carry without a permit for most people, though permits are available.
Vermont
Vermont permits open carry without a permit and has no permit requirement for concealed carry.
Virginia
Virginia permits open carry without a permit for most citizens, but local governments may restrict it in certain areas.
Washington
Washington permits open carry without a permit statewide, but cities can restrict it in public parks and certain facilities.
West Virginia
West Virginia permits open carry without a permit for any person legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin permits open carry without a permit, but concealed carry requires a permit; local restrictions apply in some areas.
Wyoming
Wyoming permits open carry without a permit for any person legally allowed to possess a firearm.
District of Columbia
Open carry of firearms is prohibited; DC bans carrying guns openly in public spaces.
Related terms
Concealed Carry
The legal right to carry a hidden firearm in public, typically requiring a permit.
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.