How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit: State-by-State Process

Even in the 29+ states with permitless (constitutional) carry, getting a concealed carry permit is still valuable — it gives you reciprocity in other states, may speed up firearm purchases, and demonstrates training. Here's how to get your permit.

By Dwight Ringdahl — GunExpos.com

Why Get a Permit in a Permitless Carry State?

If your state already allows permitless carry, you might wonder why you'd bother. Three big reasons:

  1. Reciprocity — Your permit may be honored in 30+ other states. Without a permit, you can only carry in your home state and other permitless states (if they extend the right to non-residents).
  2. Faster purchases — In some states, a concealed carry permit waives the NICS background check or waiting period at point of sale.
  3. Legal credibility — A permit demonstrates that you've undergone training and passed a background check.

General Requirements (Most States)

While requirements vary by state, most shall-issue states require:

  • Minimum age: 21 (some states allow 18 for military)
  • State residency: Must be a resident of the issuing state
  • Clean record: No felony convictions, no domestic violence misdemeanors, no active protection orders
  • Training: Completion of an approved firearms safety course
  • Application fee: $25–$200 depending on the state
  • Background check: Fingerprint-based FBI/state check
  • Photo: Passport-style photo (some states take it at the sheriff's office)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Check Your State's Requirements

Every state has specific requirements. Check our state gun law guides for your state's exact rules, or visit your state's attorney general or sheriff's office website.

Step 2: Complete Required Training

Most states require an approved training course. Options typically include:

  • NRA Basic Pistol Course — Accepted in most states (8 hours classroom + range)
  • State-specific courses — Some states mandate their own curriculum
  • Hunter education courses — Accepted in a few states
  • Online courses — Accepted in some states (Virginia, for example), but most require live-fire range time
  • Military training — DD214 showing firearms qualification is accepted in many states

Training courses typically cover:

  • Firearm safety fundamentals
  • State laws regarding use of force and carry
  • Marksmanship fundamentals
  • Live-fire qualification (shooting test)

Cost: $50–$200 for a typical course

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Assemble your application package:

  • Completed application form (available online or at the issuing office)
  • Training certificate
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
  • Passport-style photos (if required)
  • Application fee (check or money order for some offices)

Step 4: Get Fingerprinted

Most states require fingerprints for the background check. Options include:

  • Sheriff's office — Many handle fingerprinting at the time of application
  • Police department — Some departments offer civilian fingerprinting
  • Private fingerprinting services — UPS Store, IdentoGO, or other certified providers

Cost: $10–$50 for fingerprinting

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Depending on your state, you'll submit to:

  • County sheriff — Most common (Texas, Arizona, Ohio, etc.)
  • State police — Some states (Virginia, Michigan, etc.)
  • Court clerk — A few states (Indiana, etc.)
  • Online portal — Several states now accept online applications

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary wildly by state:

Timeframe States
1–2 weeks Arizona, Utah, Indiana, Ohio
30–60 days Texas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee
60–90 days Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania
90–180 days California, New York, New Jersey

Step 7: Receive Your Permit

Most states mail your permit. Some require pickup at the issuing office. Your permit is typically a wallet-sized card with your photo, name, and permit number.

Multi-State Permits and Non-Resident Permits

Some states issue non-resident permits that dramatically expand your reciprocity. Popular choices:

  • Utah non-resident permit — Honored in 30+ states. You can take the Utah course in most states.
  • Florida non-resident permit — Honored in 30+ states. Requires in-person training.
  • Arizona non-resident permit — Widely recognized, relatively easy to obtain.

Many carriers hold permits from multiple states to maximize reciprocity coverage.

Renewal

Most concealed carry permits are valid for 4–5 years. Renewal requirements vary:

  • Some states require a refresher course
  • Some accept a simple renewal application with fee
  • Most require an updated background check
  • Start the renewal process 60–90 days before expiration

Special Situations

Military and Veterans

Most states offer expedited processing and/or reduced fees for active military and veterans. Many states accept DD214 firearms qualification as training credit.

Non-Resident Permits

If you live in a state that doesn't issue permits (or has very restrictive issuance), a non-resident permit from Utah, Florida, or Arizona may give you carry rights in other states you visit.

Enhanced Permits

Some states (Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia) offer an "enhanced" permit with additional training that provides greater reciprocity or expanded carry privileges.

Check your state's specific requirements, reciprocity agreements, and training options in our state gun law guides. Find training gear and carry equipment at a gun show near you.