Concealed Carry Basics: What Every Gun Owner Should Know
Concealed carry — the practice of carrying a concealed firearm in public — is governed by a patchwork of state laws. Here's what you need to know.
Types of Concealed Carry Laws
Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)
Over half of US states now allow permitless concealed carry for residents who are legally allowed to possess firearms. These states include Texas, Florida (as of 2023), Ohio, Georgia, Arizona, and many more.
Shall-Issue States
In shall-issue states, the issuing authority must grant a concealed carry permit if the applicant meets all legal requirements. There is no discretionary denial.
May-Issue States
In may-issue states (California, New York, New Jersey, etc.), the issuing authority has discretion and may deny permits even when legal requirements are met. However, the 2022 Supreme Court decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen significantly limited this discretion.
Getting a Concealed Carry Permit
Even in permitless carry states, getting a permit offers benefits:
- Reciprocity with other states
- Faster purchases in states with waiting periods
- Legal presumption of lawful intent
Typical Requirements
- Minimum age (usually 21)
- State residency
- Clean criminal background
- Firearms safety/training course
- Application fee ($50–$200)
Reciprocity
Reciprocity means one state honors another state's concealed carry permit. This varies widely — check our state gun law guides for reciprocity information for each state.
Carrying at Gun Shows
Most gun shows do not allow loaded concealed carry on the show floor, even if you have a permit. Check with the show promoter before attending.