We try to stay as up to date as possible, but always check with local law enforcement to be sure about which states honor your states permit.
The following states have permitless carry. This means that if you can legally possess a firearm in that state you can carry it concealed without a permit/license. You still have to abide by all conceaeled carry laws in that state. Please note that the last three states only allow residents to carry without a permit/license. Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Idaho (Residents Only), North Dakota (Residents Only), Wyoming (Residents Only).
Information compiled from various state government and private sites from around the web.
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Louisiana Honors Non-Resident Permits/Licenses From the States They Honor. As of 8/15/11 A LA resident must have a LA Permit/License to Carry in LA.
T. (2) A current and valid concealed handgun permit issued by another state to an individual having attained the age of twenty-one years shall be deemed to be valid for the out-of-state permit holder to carry a concealed weapon within this state if a current and valid concealed handgun permit issued by Louisiana is valid in those states.
T. (3) An out-of-state permit holder carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to this Paragraph is bound by the laws of this state regarding carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to a permit issued in accordance with this Section.
For Original/First-Time Applicants:
In order to apply for a concealed handgun permit, a citizen should follow the steps below:
1. Apply for a Concealed Handgun Permit by one of the following ways:
Online Concealed Handgun Permit Application
b. Download a Concealed Handgun Permit Application and complete the instructions found on pages one and two of the application.
c. Obtain an application at the State Police Headquarters (7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806) between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
2. Provide all necessary documentation pertaining to training, arrest dispositions, medical summary dispositions, and divorce decrees (if applicable).
3.Contact your local police office, local sheriff's department, or State Police Headquarters for fingerprinting. Fingerprinting at State Police Headquarters requires a $10.00 money order. Bring your photograph with you so the person fingerprinting you can sign and date the back of it. Prints must be submitted on an FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card. The card should be completed as outlined in the application instructions. Example:
Paper applications, fingerprint cards, and/or other documentation must be submitted to:
Louisiana State Police
Concealed Handgun Permit Unit
PO Box 66375
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
For Renewals:
1. Permit holders will be notified in writing at their address of record, approximately 120 days prior to the expiration of their permit to begin the renewal process.
2. Upon notification, apply for a Concealed Handgun Permit by one of the following ways:
https://chp-web.dps.louisiana.gov/
b. Download a Concealed Handgun Permit Application and complete the instructions found on pages one and two of the application.
c. Obtain an application at the State Police Headquarters (7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806) between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
3. Submit the renewal application with a new training certificate, a photocopy of your driver's license, and the appropriate fees. Take note that, passport photos are no longer needed to process your applications. Submission of a fingerprint card is not needed for renewal applications.
4. The completed application should be returned to the Department no less than 90 days prior to the expiration of the permit to allow sufficient time for processing.
5. You must submit your application within 60 days after the expiration date or you will be required to submit a new original application including fingerprints.
6. Paper applications and/or other documentation must be submitted to:
Louisiana State Police
Concealed Handgun Permit Unit
PO Box 66375
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
ATTENTION: RENEWAL DEPT
For Fees:
Original/First-Time Applicants:
If you have not continuously resided within the State of Louisiana for the 15 years immediately preceding the date on which your application is received, an additional $50 non-refundable fee shall be submitted. This is only for first-time applicants and is not required for any subsequent renewals.
Renewals:
Ages 21 – 64 years old $125
65 Years of Age or Older $62.50
For renewal applications the additional $50 non-refundable fee and the submission of a fingerprint card is not applicable.
All Fees Are Non-Refundable, and must be paid by money order, cashier's check, or certified check.
For Parish Issued Permits
R.S. 40:1379.1. Special Officers; Powers and Duties; Concealed Handgun Permit
G. The chief law enforcement officer of a parish shall have the authority to issue a concealed handgun permit to an individual, which permit shall be valid only within the boundaries of the chief law enforcement officer's parish.
For Lifetime Licenses
V.(1)The term for the lifetime concealed handgun permit shall be for the life of the permit holder.
(4)
(a) A lifetime concealed handgun permit holder shall provide the division with proof of completion of educational training every five years. The educational training shall include all of the following:
(i) Instruction on handgun nomenclature and safe handling procedures for a revolver and a semiautomatic pistol.
(ii) Instruction on ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting.
(iii) Instruction on handgun shooting positions.
(iv) Instruction on the use of deadly force and conflict resolution which shall include a review of R.S. 14:18 through 22 and which may include a review of any other laws relating to use of deadly force.
(v) Instruction on child access prevention.
(vi) Actual live range fire and proper handgun cleaning procedures:
(aa) Live range fire shall include twelve rounds each at six feet, ten feet, and fifteen feet for a total of thirty-six rounds.
(bb) Each applicant or permittee must perform at least one safe reload of the handgun at each distance.
(cc) Each applicant or permittee must score one hundred percent hits within the silhouette portion of a N.R.A. B-27 type silhouette target with at least thirty-six rounds.
(b) Failure to submit proof of completion of the educational training pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph shall result in the suspension of the lifetime concealed handgun permit until such time as the lifetime concealed handgun permit holder submits proof of the educational training required in the provisions of this Paragraph.
Cost is $500 . 65 or older costs is $250.
Active Military/National Guard cost is 62.50 for 5 year or $250 Lifetime.
Beginning 8/1/16, Honorably Discharged Veterans of the Military/National Guard/Reserves got no charge for 5 year or Lifetime Permit. If you move from the state your Lifetime License is Voided.
R.S. 40:1379.3.2. Temporary Concealed Handgun Permit; Protective Order; Time Limitations
A. A person on whose behalf the court has issued a permanent injunction or a protective order to bring about the cessation of abuse by one family member, household member, or dating partner pursuant to a court-approved consent agreement or pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 9:361 et seq., R.S. 9:372, R.S. 46:2136, 2151, or 2173, Children's Code Article 1570, Code of Civil Procedure Article 3607.1, or Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 30, 327.1, 335.1, 335.2, or 871.1 and which prohibits the subject of the order from possessing a firearm for the duration of the injunction or protective order pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 46:2136.3 may apply to the deputy secretary of public safety services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections for the issuance of a temporary concealed handgun permit.
The Temporary permit is only valid for 45 days and only valid in the state of Louisiana. No training is required but most meet all other requirements. It can become a permanent permit if you obtain the training. Contact the LA DPS for more information.
Louisiana does not issue Non-Resident Permits/Licenses.
R.S. 40:1379.3 (N) No concealed handgun may be carried into and no concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to this Section shall authorize or entitle a permittee to carry a concealed handgun in any of the following:
The provisions of R.S. 40:1379.3 (N) shall not limit the right of a property owner, lessee, or other lawful custodian to prohibit or restrict access of those persons possessing a concealed handgun pursuant to a permit issued under this Section. No individual to whom a concealed handgun permit is issued may carry such concealed handgun into the private residence of another without first receiving the consent of that person.
14:95.2 simply states that section cannot regulate what the state deems a constitutionally protected activity. Most are of the opinion that this does not conflict with 18 USC 922(q), and that the federal government acknowledges how a state views certain rights toward property holders. As such, having a firearm entirely within a motor vehicle while on school property does not violate the law. Also See Parking Lot Storage Law Section concerning firearms in vehicles in these restricted locations.
Church, Synagogue and Mosque Carry allows Church carry under the following rules:
R.S. 14:95.2 Carrying a Firearm, or Dangerous Weapon, by a Student or Nonstudent on School Property, at School-Sponsored Functions or Firearm-Free Zone
A. Carrying a firearm, or dangerous weapon as defined in R.S. 14:2, by a student or nonstudent on school property, at a school sponsored function, or in a firearm-free zone is unlawful and shall be defined as possession of any firearm or dangerous weapon, on one's person, at any time while on a school campus, on school transportation, or at any school sponsored function in a specific designated area including but not limited to athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities, or within one thousand feet of any school campus.
B. For purposes of this Section, the following words have the following meanings:
(1) "Campus" means all facilities and property within the boundary of the school property.
(2) "Nonstudent" means any person not registered and enrolled in that school or a suspended student who does not have permission to be on the school campus.
(3) "School" means any elementary, secondary, high school, vocational-technical school, college, or university in this state.
(4) "School bus" means any motor bus being used to transport children to and from school or in connection with school activities.
C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to:
(4) The possession of a firearm occurring within one thousand feet of school property and entirely on private property, or entirely within a private residence, or in accordance with a concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to R.S. 40:1379.1 or R.S. 40:1379.3.
R.S. 14:95.6 Firearm-Free Zone; Notice; Signs; Crime; Penalties
A. A "firearm-free zone" is an area inclusive of any school campus and within one thousand feet of any such school campus, and within a school bus, wherein the possession of firearms is prohibited, except as specifically set forth in Subsection B of this Section and R.S. 14:95.2(C).
B. The Provisions of This Section Shall not Apply To:
(1) A federal, state, or local law enforcement building.
(2) A military base.
(3) A commercial establishment which is permitted by law to have firearms or armed security.
(4) Private premises where a firearm is kept pursuant to law.
(5) Any constitutionally protected activity within the firearm-free zone, such as a firearm contained entirely within a motor vehicle.
E. (1) The state superintendent of education, with the approval of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the commissioner of higher education, with the approval of the Board of Regents, shall develop a method by which to mark firearm-free zones, including the use of signs or other markings suitable to the situation. Signs or other markings shall be located in a visible manner on or near each school and on and in each school bus indicating that such area is a firearm-free zone and that such zone extends to one thousand feet from the boundary of school property.
Take note that:
(8) A student who possesses a firearm in his dormitory room or while going to or from his vehicle or any other person with permission of the administration.
R.S. 14:95.9. Wearing or Possessing Body Armor, By A Student or Nonstudent On School Property, At School-Sponsored Functions, or In Firearm-Free Zones
A. Wearing or possessing body armor, by a student or nonstudent on school property, at a school- sponsored function, or in a firearm-free zone is unlawful and shall be defined as wearing or possessing of body armor, on one's person, at any time while on a school campus, on school transportation, or at any school-sponsored function in a specific designated area including but not limited to athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities, or within one thousand feet of any school campus.
B. For purposes of this Section, the following words have the following meanings:
(1) "Body armor" shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.
(2) "Campus" means all facilities and property within the boundary of the school property.
(3) "Nonstudent" means any person not registered and enrolled in that school or a suspended student who does not have permission to be on the school campus.
(4) "School" means any elementary, secondary, high school, vocational-technical school, college, or university in this state.
(5) "School bus" means any motor bus being used to transport children to and from school or in connection with school activities.
C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to:
(1) A federal, state, or local law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties.
(2) A school official or employee acting during the normal course of his employment or a student acting under the direction of such school official or employee.
(3) A person who has notified the school principal or chancellor in writing at least twenty-four hours prior to wearing body armor.
(4) The wearing or possessing of body armor occurring within one thousand feet of school property and entirely on private property, or entirely within a private residence, or in accordance with a concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to R.S. 40:1379.1.
From the Louisiana DPS Concealed Handgun Unit Web Page.
The provisions of R.S. 40:1379.3 (N) shall not limit the right of a property owner, lessee, or other lawful custodian to prohibit or restrict access of those persons possessing a concealed handgun pursuant to a permit issued under this Section. No individual to whom a concealed handgun permit is issued may carry such concealed handgun into the private residence of another without first receiving the consent of that person.
Parking Lot Storage:
R.S. 32:292.1. Transportation and storage of firearms in privately owned motor vehicles
A. Except as provided in Subsection D of this Section, a person who lawfully possesses a firearm may transport or store such firearm in a locked, privately-owned motor vehicle in any parking lot, parking garage, or other designated parking area.
B. No property owner, tenant, public or private employer, or business entity or their agent or employee shall be liable in any civil action for damages resulting from or arising out of an occurrence involving a firearm transported or stored pursuant to this Section, other than for a violation of Subsection C of this Section.
C. No property owner, tenant, public or private employer, or business entity shall prohibit any person from transporting or storing a firearm pursuant to Subsection A of this Section. However, nothing in this Section shall prohibit an employer or business entity from adopting policies specifying that firearms stored in locked, privately-owned motor vehicles on property controlled by an employer or business entity be hidden from plain view or within a locked case or container within the vehicle.
D. This Section shall not apply to:
(1) Any property where the possession of firearms is prohibited under state or federal law.
(2) Any vehicle owned or leased by a public or private employer or business entity and used by an employee in the course of his employment, except for those employees who are required to transport or store a firearm in the official discharge of their duties.
(3) Any vehicle on property controlled by a public or private employer or business entity if access is restricted or limited through the use of a fence, gate, security station, signage, or other means of restricting or limiting general public access onto the parking area, and if one of the following conditions applies:
(a) The employer or business entity provides facilities for the temporary storage of unloaded firearms.
(b) The employer or business entity provides an alternative parking area reasonably close to the main parking area in which employees and other persons may transport or store firearms in locked, privately-owned motor vehicles.
R.S. 40:1379.3 Statewide Permits for Concealed Handguns; Application Procedures; Definitions
(I) (2) A permittee armed with a handgun in accordance with this Section shall notify any police officer who approaches the permittee in an official manner or with an identified official purpose that he has a weapon on his person, submit to a pat down, and allow the officer to temporarily disarm him. Whenever a law enforcement officer is made aware that an individual is carrying a concealed handgun and the law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the individual is under the influence of either alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance, the law enforcement officer may take temporary possession of the handgun and request submission of the individual to a department certified chemical test for determination of the chemical status of the individual. Whenever a law enforcement officer is made aware that an individual is behaving in a criminally negligent manner as defined under the provisions of this Section, or is negligent in the carrying of a concealed handgun as provided for in R.S. 40:1382, the law enforcement officer may seize the handgun, until adjudication by a judge, if the individual is issued a summons or arrested under the provisions of R.S. 40:1382. Failure by the permittee to comply with the provisions of this Paragraph shall result in a six-month automatic suspension of the permit.
Carry is Allowed in these Areas:
State Parks: YES; R.S. 56:1691
State/National Forests: YES; R.S. 56:1691
State WMA’ and Wildlife Refuges YES; R.S. 56:1691
Road Side Rest Areas: YES; Per LA DPS If Not Posted
The below question and answer is from the Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit Unit FAQ page.
Q: Can I Carry my Handgun in my Vehicle?
A: Under most circumstances, carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle is legal in Louisiana. We suggest that you refer to Louisiana Revised Statutes (L.R.S.) Title 14 Sections 95; 95.1; 95.2; 95.6; 95.7; 95.8. Information on these statutes can be obtained at http://www.legis.state.la.us or in the “Laws and Rules” section of our web page (http://www.lsp.org/handguns.html).
The Law talks about carry in a motor vehicle is a constitutionally protected activity. If it is on a restricted place then it must be state wide. LA does have state wide preemption so cities, towns etc can’t make laws against carry in a vehicle.
Open Carry is legal in Louisiana. Places as listed in the “Places Off Limits” above apply to those who open carry. See the “RV/Car Carry Without a Permit” section for carrying in a vehicle.
The state preempts all firearm laws in the state and local authorities can’t have Laws/Ordinances against open carry. State preemption did allow for laws/ordinances in effect before 7/15/85 to be grandfathered. There can be places that have laws/ordinances against Open Carry. It is your responsibility to know the law.
R.S. 40:1796. Preemption of State Law
A. No governing authority of a political subdivision shall enact after July 15, 1985, any ordinance or regulation more restrictive than state law concerning in any way the sale, purchase, possession, ownership, transfer, transportation, license, or registration of firearms, ammunition, or components of firearms or ammunition.
Remember that, if you enter any property and the owner/responsible person ask you to leave you must leave. Failure to leave can result in Trespass Charges. The Minimum age for Open Carry is lower in Louisiana but 18 is the minimum age by federal law that a person can possess a firearm.
Open Carry could be forbidden in places where those with a valid permit/license can carry, please continue reading for more.
R.S. 40:1796 Preemption of State Law
A. No governing authority of a political subdivision shall enact after July 15, 1985, any ordinance or regulation more restrictive than state law concerning in any way the sale, purchase, possession, ownership, transfer, transportation, license, or registration of firearms, ammunition, or components of firearms or ammunition; however, this Section shall not apply to the levy and collection of sales and use taxes, license fees and taxes and permit fees, nor shall it affect the authority of political subdivisions to prohibit the possession of a weapon or firearm in certain commercial establishments and public buildings.
B. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a local governing authority in a high-risk area from developing a plan with federally licensed firearms manufacturers, dealers, or importers to secure the inventory of firearms and ammunition of those licensees in order to prevent looting of the licensee's premises during a declared state of emergency or disaster. Such plan shall be renewed on a periodic basis. The information contained in the plan shall be deemed security procedures as defined in R.S. 44:3.1 and shall be released only to the sheriffs of the parishes or police chiefs of municipalities in which the declared state of emergency or disaster exists.
C. For The Purposes of This Section:
(1) "Declared emergency or disaster" means an emergency or disaster declared by the governor or parish president pursuant to the provisions of the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act.
(2) "High-risk area" means the parishes of Assumption, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, and Vermilion.
(F)
(3) Any ordinance that prohibits the unlawful carrying of firearms enacted by a municipality, town, or similar political subdivision or governing authority of this state shall be subject to the provisions of R.S. 40:1796.
Title 14 – Criminal Law
R.S. 14:18 Justification; general provisions
R.S. 14:19 Use of force or violence in defense
R.S. 14:20 Justifiable homicide
R.S. 14:21 Aggressor cannot claim self defense
R.S. 14:22 Defense of others
In Louisiana, carry in restaurant that serve Alcohol is allowed according to R.S. 14:95.5(C)
Currently, there are no restrictions in Luisiana Law concerning Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns Or Higher Capacity Magazine Bans.
Airport Carry: Parking Lots and Terminal OK R.S. 40:1379.3 N (7)
Training Valid for: 12 Months
Time Period to Establish Residency: Upon obtaining a Louisiana Drivers License/St. Issued ID.
Minimum Age for Permit/License: 21 Years Old
Permit/License Info Public Information: NO
State Reciprocity/How They Honor Other States Statute: R.S. 40:1379.3
State Fire arm Laws: R.S. 14-94 thru 14-95.9 R.S. 40-1379.3 -1379.3.1 & 1382
State Deadly Force Laws: RS 14:18 thru 14:22
State Knife Laws: R.S. 14:95
Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: No laws found.
Body Armor Laws: R.S. 14:95.3
Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? NO; R.S. 1379.3
Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? YES; SB 212 amended R.S. 56:116.1(E) which now states a bow hunter can carry any cal of pistol. It doesn’t state a permit to carry is required.
Louisiana law does not define Loaded. Their firearm laws us the word Loaded or Unloaded but doesn’t give a definition.
R.S. 29:724. Powers of the Governor
A. The governor is responsible for meeting the dangers to the state and people presented by emergencies or disasters, and in order to effectuate the provisions of this Chapter, the governor may issue executive orders, proclamations, and regulations and amend or rescind them. Executive orders, proclamations, and regulations so issued shall have the force and effect of law.
B.
(1) A disaster or emergency, or both, shall be declared by executive order or proclamation of the governor if he finds that a disaster or emergency has occurred or the threat thereof is imminent. The state of disaster or emergency shall continue until the governor finds that the threat of danger has passed or the disaster or emergency has been dealt with to the extent that the emergency conditions no longer exist and terminates the state of disaster or emergency by executive order or proclamation, but no state of disaster or emergency may continue for longer than thirty days unless renewed by the governor.
(4) As soon as conditions allow, the governor may proclaim a reduction of the designated emergency area, or the termination of the state of emergency.
D. In addition to any other powers conferred upon the governor by law, he may do any or all of the following:
(1) Suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, or the orders, rules, or regulations of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency.
(2) Utilize all available resources of the state government and of each political subdivision of the state as reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster or emergency.
(3) Transfer the direction, personnel, or functions of state departments and agencies or units thereof for the
purpose of performing or facilitating emergency services.
(4) Subject to any applicable requirements for compensation, commandeer or utilize any private property if he finds this necessary to cope with the disaster or emergency.
(5) Prescribe routes, modes of transportation, and destination in connection with evacuation.
(6) Suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, and combustibles.
G. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, except in an imminent life threatening situation nothing herein shall restrict any uniformed employee of a licensed private security company, acting within the scope of employment, from entering and remaining in an area where an emergency has been declared. The provisions of this Subsection shall apply if the licensed private security company submits a list of employees and their assignment to be allowed into the area, to the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners, which shall forward the list to the chief law enforcement office of the parish and, if different, the agency in charge of the scene.
The Federal Law can apply if the state is receiving monetary and/or other assistance from the Federal Government. See US Code 42-5207 for Federal Law as it applies to States of Emergencies. The state quoted code may also not be all of the law on Emergency Powers held by the state. You should read the entire code on Emergency Powers etc for this state by following the link to the state code.
Louisiana: 17 Years Old
R.S. 14:95.8 This is the minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun unloaded and secured in a vehicle without any type of permit/license to carry firearms. Note: In some states Possession and Transportation CAN be very restrictive in that you can ONLY possess and transport a handgun to and from a Shooting Range, Gun Shop, property you own or other places you can legally possess a handgun. Some states do not have this restriction.
(18 USC § 922(x) Federal Law on selling, possession, delivery, or otherwise transferring a firearm to a (juvenile.)
Louisiana CCW Application/Instructions
Louisiana: How to Apply/Renew Online
Louisiana State Administration Rules
Louisiana State Reciprocity Information
Louisiana State Attorney General