Is Louisiana a Constitutional Carry State?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Yes, Louisiana is a constitutional carry state as of 2021. Adults 21 and older can carry concealed firearms without a permit, though permits are still available for reciprocity with other states.
What This Means for You
Louisiana's constitutional carry law means you can carry your builds concealed without jumping through permit hoops first. However, you still need to follow all federal laws for NFA items, and having a concealed carry permit can still be useful for traveling to other states that recognize Louisiana permits.
The Detail
Louisiana enacted constitutional carry legislation in 2021, allowing anyone 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm to carry it concealed without a permit. This puts Louisiana in line with over 20 other states that have adopted similar laws. The state still maintains its concealed handgun permit system for those who want the reciprocity benefits when traveling.
The constitutional carry law doesn't change any of the underlying eligibility requirements. You still can't carry if you're prohibited from possessing firearms under federal or state law. Places where carrying was previously prohibited remain off limits, and private property owners can still restrict carry on their premises.
For builders working with NFA items, Louisiana's constitutional carry doesn't override federal requirements. Your suppressed pistol still needs the tax stamp, your SBR still needs ATF approval, and you still need to follow all federal transportation and notification requirements when crossing state lines.
The permit system remains active because many Louisiana residents still get permits for reciprocity purposes. A Louisiana concealed carry permit can be useful when traveling to states that don't recognize constitutional carry or have their own permit requirements for non-residents.
Verify current laws with official Louisiana state resources before making any carry decisions, as details can change and local ordinances may add restrictions. The Louisiana State Police website maintains current information on firearm laws and permit requirements.
Build Impact
Constitutional carry means you can immediately carry your completed pistol builds concealed without waiting for permit processing. You'll still want to consider getting a permit if you plan to travel with your firearms to other states for training or competition.