Is Wyoming 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, Wyoming is a constitutional carry state. Residents 21 and older can carry concealed firearms without a permit. The state also recognizes permits from other states.
What This Means for You
Wyoming's constitutional carry law means you don't need a permit to carry concealed if you're legally allowed to possess a firearm. This applies to both residents and non-residents who meet age requirements. However, Wyoming still issues concealed carry permits for reciprocity purposes with other states.
The Detail
Wyoming enacted constitutional carry in 2011, making it one of the earlier states to adopt permitless carry legislation. The law allows anyone 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm to carry it concealed without a permit. For those under 21, Wyoming still requires a permit for concealed carry.
The state maintains its concealed carry permit system even with constitutional carry in place. Many residents still obtain permits because they provide reciprocity benefits when traveling to other states that don't recognize Wyoming's permitless carry. Wyoming recognizes all other states' concealed carry permits, making it one of the most permissive states for visiting armed citizens.
While you don't need a permit to carry, you still must follow all federal and state laws regarding prohibited locations. This includes federal buildings, schools, and other restricted areas. Local municipalities cannot enact more restrictive carry laws than state law allows.
Wyoming's laws generally align with constitutional carry principles, but specific details about age requirements, prohibited locations, and interactions with federal law can be complex. You should verify current statutes with official Wyoming state resources or consult with a local attorney familiar with firearms law to ensure compliance.
Build Impact
Constitutional carry affects your build choices mainly in terms of concealability and carry comfort since you won't need training requirements that might influence your setup. You can focus purely on what works best for your intended carry method and personal preferences.