How Do I Get a Concealed Carry Permit?
The process varies by state. In shall-issue states (the majority), you must complete a training course, submit an application to your county sheriff or state police, pass a background check, pay a fee ($50 to $200), and wait for processing (2 weeks to 6 months). In constitutional carry states (currently 29 states), no permit is needed to carry concealed, but getting one is still recommended for reciprocity in other states.
Why It Matters
A concealed carry permit allows you to legally carry a firearm for self-defense in public. Even in constitutional carry states, a permit provides reciprocity in other states that require one, speeds up background checks when purchasing firearms (in some states), and proves training for legal purposes. Understanding the process ensures you carry legally and responsibly.
Get your permit with a state-approved concealed carry course — professional instruction, online and in-person options available.
Start Your Concealed Carry Class →The Detail
State permit systems:
Constitutional carry (verify current count — new states are added periodically):
- No permit required to carry concealed
- Must be 21+ (18+ in some states)
- Must be legally allowed to possess a firearm
- States include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida (2023), Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming
- Still recommended to get a permit for reciprocity
Shall-issue states:
- Must issue a permit if all requirements are met
- Cannot deny based on subjective criteria
- Typical requirements: training course, application, background check, fees
- Processing time: 2 weeks to 90 days
May-issue states:
- Issuing authority has discretion to deny
- Some counties issue freely, others rarely issue
- States: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York
- After NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022): may-issue states must use objective criteria, not subjective 'good cause' — state-level implementation and litigation is ongoing
Typical application process:
1. Complete a state-approved training course (4 to 16 hours)
- Classroom instruction on laws, safety, use of force
- Live-fire qualification (shooting test)
- Costs: $50 to $250 for the course
2. Gather required documents:
- Training certificate
- Passport-style photograph
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of residency
3. Submit application to your county sheriff or state police (often online)
4. Pay the application fee ($50 to $200, varies by state)
5. Fingerprinting (at your local police department or appointment)
6. Background check (FBI NICS plus state-level check)
7. Wait for processing and approval
8. Receive permit by mail or pick up in person
Non-resident permits (for reciprocity):
- Several states issue permits to non-residents
- Florida: most popular non-resident permit, recognized in 37 states
- Utah: widely recognized, available to non-residents
- Arizona: recognized in many states, easy application process
- Getting 2 to 3 non-resident permits can cover most of the country
Build Impact
Take the training course seriously — it is not just a box to check. Learn your state's use-of-force laws, understand where you can and cannot carry (federal buildings, schools, bars, churches vary by state), and carry appropriate insurance (USCCA, CCW Safe, or similar). Renew your permit on time — carrying on an expired permit is a crime. Recheck reciprocity maps before any out-of-state travel, as agreements change.