Vermont Concealed Carry Laws & Information

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.

How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses

Vermont does not issue Permit/Licenses to Carry a Concealed firearm but allows anyone who can legally possess a firearm to carry it concealed without a permit of any kind.

Vermont Residents can carry in the states of Arizona, Alaska, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri New Hampshire, Oklahoma and West Virginia with just their state Issued Drivers License or State issued ID. Kindly check the States Page for any restrictions that may apply.

How to Apply for a Vermont Concealed Carry Permit

Vermont does not issue permits. See Section above titled "How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses"

How to Obtain A Non-Resident Vermont Concealed Carry Permit

Vermont does not issue permits. See Section above titled "How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses"

Places You Can Not Carry Even With a Vermont Concealed Carry Permit

Title 13: Chpt. 85: § 4004. Possession of dangerous or deadly weapon in a school bus or school building or on school property

(a) No person shall knowingly possess a firearm or a dangerous or deadly weapon while within a school building or on a school bus. A person who violates this section shall, for the first offense, be imprisoned not more than one year or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both, and for a second or subsequent offense shall be imprisoned not more than three years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or both.
(b) No person shall knowingly possess a firearm or a dangerous or deadly weapon on any school property with the intent to injure another person. A person who violates this section shall, for the first offense, be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both, and for a second or subsequent offense shall be imprisoned not more than three years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or both.
(c) This section shall not apply to:

(1) A law enforcement officer while engaged in law enforcement duties.
(2) Possession and use of firearms or dangerous or deadly weapons if the board of school directors, or the superintendent or principal if delegated authority to do so by the board, authorizes possession or use for specific occasions or for instructional or other specific purposes.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) "School property" means any property owned by a school, including motor vehicles.
(2) "Owned by the school" means owned, leased, controlled or subcontracted by the school.
(3) "Dangerous or deadly weapon" has the meaning defined in section 4016 of this title.
(4) "Firearm" has the meaning defined in section 4016 of this title.
(5) "Law enforcement officer" has the meaning defined in section 4016 of this title.

(e) The provisions of this section shall not limit or restrict any prosecution for any other offense, including simple assault or aggravated assault.

Kindly note that Section (a) states in a “School Building or School Bus.” and (b) states “On Any School Property With the Intent to Injure Another.” So Buildings and all Vehicles owned by the School are off limits. The Property is not unless you are there to harm someone.

Title 13: Chpt. 85: § 4016. Weapons in Court

(a) As used in this section:

(1) "Courthouse" means a building or any portion of a building designated by the supreme court of Vermont as a courthouse.
(2) "Dangerous or deadly weapon" means any firearm, or other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used is known to be capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.
(3) "Firearm" means any weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, which will expel a projectile by the action of an explosive and includes any weapon commonly referred to as a pistol, revolver, rifle, gun, machine gun or shotgun.
(4) "Law enforcement officer" means a person certified by the Vermont criminal justice training council as having satisfactorily completed the approved training programs required to meet the minimum training standards applicable to that person pursuant to 20 V.S.A. § 2358.
(5) "Secured building" means a building with controlled points of public access, metal screening devices at each point of public access, and locked compartments, accessible only to security personnel, for storage of checked firearms.

(b) A person who, while within a courthouse and without authorization from the court,

(1) carries or has in his or her possession a firearm; or
(2) knowingly carries or has in his or her possession a dangerous or deadly weapon, other than a firearm, shall be imprisoned not more than one year or fined not more than $500.00, or both.

(c) Notice of the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance to each courthouse.
(d) No dangerous or deadly weapon shall be allowed in a courthouse that has been certified by the court administrator to be a secured building.

Admin Rule 10 050 003. Rules Governing State Facilities Under the Jurisdiction of the Department of Buildings and General Services

5.0 Firearms, Explosives and Other Dangerous Weapons

Firearms, explosives, dangerous weapons or the components to fabricate such devices whether in open or concealed possession are prohibited in State Buildings. Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council (VCJTC) certified law enforcement officers, as defined in 20 V.S.A. § 2358 and Capitol Police Officers who have successfully completed the firearms safety program provided by VCJTC are exempt from this provision, unless otherwise provided by law. Instructors and participants in educational or training classes conducted by the Agency of Natural Resources or the Department of Fish and Wildlife may be exempt from this provision upon the Commissioner's receipt and acknowledgment of written notification of such classes from the Agency of Natural Resources or the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Admin Rule 12 010 019. Regulation #944 - a Regulation Controlling Hunting and Trespassing on the Mud Creek Controlled Hunting Area in Alburg

1. Public use of the Mud Creek Controlled Hunting Area (CHA) shall be permitted or restricted as follows:

(a) No person shall posses a firearm, muzzleloader, trap, bow and arrow, crossbow or spear while within the boundaries of the Mud Creek CHA except under authority of a permit issued by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Permits issued for hunting or trapping shall be carried by those persons at all times while on the CHA and shall be exhibited to any Fish and Wildlife Department employee upon request.

Admin Rule 13 172 001. Licensing Regulations for Residential Treatment Programs

Statutory Authority.

Pursuant to 33 VSA, §306 (b)(1)-(7) and 3501, the Vermont Department for Children and Families is the agency of government authorized and responsible for the regulation of Residential Treatment Programs for children/youth and the promulgation of standards governing these programs.

708 A Residential Treatment Program shall not permit any firearm or chemical weapon on the property, including program and employee vehicles.

State Park Rules and Regulations Fires and Firearms

2. No firecrackers or other explosive devices, firearms, air rifles or pistols, gas weapons, slingshots, crossbows, bow and arrows except by special permit shall be discharged in any developed recreation area during the park operating season. No firearm shall be discharged within 500 feet of any occupied building or structure in any park or recreation area. (Rule only covers the discharge and not carrying of a firearm)

Title 10 Chpt. 119 § 5204. Poaching; Private Preserves

(a) A person who, without the written consent of the owner or person having the exclusive right to take fish or wild animals, takes fish, game, or other animals or carries or possesses a firearm, bow and arrow, or wild animal trap in private preserve as posted under section 5201 of this title or mutilates or defaces the notice called for in subsection 5201(b) of this title shall be fined not less than $25.00 nor more than $100.00.

Title 10 Chpt. 119 § 5226. Bomoseen State Game Refuge

(a) A person shall not hunt, trap, take or kill wild animals on the Bomoseen state game refuge.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 5215 of this title, the boundaries of the refuge shall be conspicuously marked by paint and/or notices so as to give reasonable notice. The notices shall read "State Game Refuge: Hunting, Trapping or Shooting Prohibited."
(c) A person who enters this refuge to hunt, trap, take or kill wild animals or carries or possesses a firearm, bow and arrow or animal trap or who mutilates or defaces the notices marking the boundaries of the refuge shall be fined not less than $25.00 nor more than $100.00.
(d) This section shall not restrict the possession or use of firearms by a game warden or other law enforcement officer in the performance of his or her duties.

Title 29 Chpt. 5 § 152. Duties of Commissioner

(a) The commissioner of buildings and general services, in addition to the duties expressly set forth elsewhere by law, shall have the authority to:

(14) The commissioner of buildings and general services may promulgate rules and regulations to govern access to and conduct upon the grounds of and within the structures and buildings which fall within his or her jurisdiction. Specifically, and without limitation of the foregoing, the commissioner is empowered to promulgate rules governing access to property; littering; alcoholic beverages and narcotics; soliciting, debt collection and campaigning; photographs for advertising or commercial purposes; pets and animals; and firearms and explosives while in state buildings under his or her jurisdiction or upon the grounds of these buildings, and in or upon property leased to the state and under the jurisdiction of the commissioner.

“No Gun Signs” Have the Force of Law

Title 13 Chapter 81 § 3705. Unlawful Trespass

(a) (1) A person shall be imprisoned for not more than three months or fined not more than $500.00, or both, if, without legal authority or the consent of the person in lawful possession, he or she enters or remains on any land or in any place as to which notice against trespass is given by:

(A) actual communication by the person in lawful possession or his or her agent or by a law enforcement officer acting on behalf of such person or his or her agent;
(B) signs or placards so designed and situated as to give reasonable notice; or
(C) in the case of abandoned property:

(i) signs or placards, posted by the owner, the owner's agent, or a law enforcement officer, and so designed and situated as to give reasonable notice; or
(ii) actual communication by a law enforcement officer.

(2) As used in this subsection, "abandoned property" means:

(A) real property on which there is a vacant structure that for the previous 60 days has been continuously unoccupied by a person with the legal right to occupy it and with respect to which the municipality has by first class mail to the owner's last known address provided the owner with notice and an opportunity to be heard; and

(i) property taxes have been delinquent for six months or more; or
(ii) one or more utility services have been disconnected;

(B) a railroad car that for the previous 60 days has been unmoved and unoccupied by a person with the legal right to occupy it.

(b) Prosecutions for offenses under subsection (a) of this section shall be commenced within 60 days following the commission of the offense and not thereafter.
(c) A person who enters a building other than a residence, whose access is normally locked, whether or not the access is actually locked, or a residence in violation of an order of any court of competent jurisdiction in this State shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined not more than $500.00, or both.
(d) A person who enters a dwelling house, whether or not a person is actually present, knowing that he or she is not licensed or privileged to do so shall be imprisoned for not more than three years or fined not more than $2,000.00, or both.

Must Inform Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

In Vermont, it is not necessarily to inform an officer immediately on contact by law.

Open Carry Without a Valid Permit/License in Vermont

Open Carry without a valid permit/license is legal in Vermont. The places 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 cannot have Laws or Ordinances against open carry. 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 but federal law states that you must be 18 years old and above to possess a handgun.

Open Carry could be forbidden in places where those with a valid permit/license can carry, please continue reading for more.

Car/RV Carry Without a Vermont Concealed Carry Permit

Anyone in Vermont who can legally own a firearm can carry it concealed with no permit/license of any kind.

State Preemption

Title 24 Chpt. 061 § 2295. Authority of Municipal and County Governments to Regulate Firearms, Ammunition, Hunting, Fishing and Trapping

Except as otherwise provided by law, no town, city or incorporated village, by ordinance, resolution or other enactment, shall directly regulate hunting, fishing and trapping or the possession, ownership, transportation, transfer, sale, purchase, carrying, licensing or registration of traps, firearms, ammunition or components of firearms or ammunition. This section shall not limit the powers conferred upon a town, city or incorporated village under section 2291(8) of this title. The provisions of this section shall supersede any inconsistent provisions of a municipal charter.(Added 1987, No. 178 (Adj. Sess.), eff. May 9, 1988.)

Laws Regarding Deadly Force

Title 13 Part 1 Chapter 53

§ 2305. Justifiable homicide.

Laws Regarding Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns, and Higher Capacity Magazines

There are no restrictions in Vermont Law concerning Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns Or Higher Capacity Magazine Bans.

Airport Carry and Other Misc. Information

Airport Carry: No law found

Training Valid for: No training requirements in law

Time Period to Establish Residency: N/A

Minimum Age for Permit/License: If 18 he or she can possess and carry firearm

Permit/License Info Public Information: N/A

State Fire arm Laws: 13-85-4001 thru 4016 & 10-113-4705

State Deadly Force Laws: 13-53- § 2305

State Knife Laws: 13-85-4003 & 13-85-4013

Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: No law found

Body Armor Laws: No law found

Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? Vermont does not issue permit/licenses, so this Section does not apply. Check their statutes for laws covering other weapons besides firearms.

Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? YES, Except When Turkey and Muzzle Loading Hunting. Admin Rule 12 010 060.6.3 VT Fish & Wildlife Guide

What Does Vermont Consider A Loaded Firearm?

Title 10 Chapter 113 § 4705. Shooting from Motor Vehicles or Aircraft; Permit

(b) A person shall not carry or possess while in or on a vehicle propelled by mechanical power or drawn by a vehicle propelled by mechanical power within the right of way of a public highway a rifle or shotgun containing a loaded cartridge or shell in the chamber, mechanism, or in a magazine, or clip within a rifle or shotgun, or a muzzle-loading rifle or shotgun that has been charged with powder and projectile and the ignition system of which has been enabled by having an affixed or attached percussion cap, primer, battery, or priming powder, except as permitted under subsections (d) and (e) of this section. A person who possesses a rifle or shotgun in or on a vehicle propelled by mechanical power, or drawn by a vehicle propelled by mechanical power within a right of way of a public highway shall upon demand of an enforcement officer exhibit the firearm for examination to determine compliance with this section. . . . § 8, eff. May 5, 2014.)

From Vermont Fish and Wildlife Rules & Regulations

When transporting Firearms & Crossbows in Motor Vehicles: A person shall not carry or possess while in or on a vehicle propelled by mechanical power or drawn by a vehicle propelled by mechanical power within the right of way of a public highway a rifle or shotgun containing a loaded cartridge or shell in the chamber, mechanism, or in a magazine or clip within a rifle or shotgun, or a muzzleloading rifle or muzzleloading shotgun that has been charged with powder and projectile and the ignition system of which has been enabled by having an affixed or attached percussion cap, primer, battery, or priming powder. Unless it is uncocked, a person shall not possess or transport a crossbow in or on a motor vehicle, motorboat, airplane, snowmobile, ATV, or other motor-propelled craft or any vehicle drawn by a motor propelled vehicle.

State Emergency Powers

Chapter 1: Emergency Management

Title 20 Chapter 1 § 9. Emergency powers of governor

Subject to the provisions of this chapter, in the event of an all-hazards event in or directed upon the United States or Canada which causes or may cause substantial damage or injury to persons or property within the bounds of the state in any manner, the governor may proclaim a state of emergency within the entire state or any portion or portions of the state. Thereafter, the governor shall have and may exercise for as long as the governor determines the emergency to exist the following additional powers within such area or areas:

(1) To enforce all laws, rules and regulations relating to emergency management and to assume direct operational control of all emergency management personnel and helpers in the affected area or areas.

(2) To formulate and execute plans and regulations for the control of traffic and to coordinate the activities of the departments or agencies of the state and of the political subdivisions thereof concerned directly or indirectly with public highways and streets, in a manner which will best effectuate such plans.

(3) To prescribe the maximum rates of speed at which motor vehicles may be operated on any road, highway or street in the state; prescribe the sizes and weights of such motor vehicles; suspend the application of any statute or regulation levying or assessing any license, insofar as such statute or regulation relates to the entry into or the privilege of operation in this state of any motor vehicle, including busses or house trailers, registered in any other state and with respect to which a valid and unexpired license has been issued by the other state.

(4) To employ such measures and give such directions to the state or local boards of health as may be reasonably necessary for the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

(5) To utilize the services and facilities of existing officers, and agencies of the state and of the cities and towns thereof; and all such officers and agencies shall cooperate with and extend their services and facilities to the governor as he or she may request.

(6) To use and employ within the state, from time to time, and as he or she may deem expedient, any of the property, services and resources of the state, for the purposes set forth in this chapter.

(7) To establish agencies and offices and to appoint executive, technical, clerical, and other personnel as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(8) Upon the declaration of an emergency as authorized in federal legislation which includes the state of Vermont, to cooperate with the president of the United States, the army, navy, and air force, with other federal departments, agencies and independent establishments, and other states in matters pertaining to emergency management; and in connection therewith to take such action, not inconsistent with the constitution and laws of the state which he or she may deem proper to carry into effect any request of the president, the secretary of defense, the secretary of homeland security, the secretary of health and human services, and the director of the federal emergency management agency.

(9) To order the evacuation of persons living or working within all or a portion of an area for which a state of emergency has been proclaimed.

(10) As provided in 30 V.S.A. § 248( l), in consultation with the chair of the public service board and the commissioner of the department of public service or their designees, to waive the prohibitions contained in 30 V.S.A. § 248 upon site preparation for or construction of an electric transmission facility or a generating facility necessary to assure the stability or reliability of the electric system or a natural gas facility. Waivers issued under this subdivision shall be subject to such conditions as are required by the governor and shall be valid for the duration of the declared emergency plus 180 days, or such lesser overall term as determined by the governor. Upon the expiration of a waiver under this subdivision, if a certificate of public good has not been issued by the public service board under 30 V.S.A. § 248, the board shall require the removal, relocation, or alteration of the facilities, subject to the waiver, as the board finds will best promote the general good of the state.

(11) In consultation with the secretary of the agency of natural resources or designee, to authorize the agency to issue temporary emergency permits, with appropriate conditions to minimize significant adverse environmental impacts, after limited or no opportunity for public comment, allowing site preparation for, construction of, or operation of an electric transmission facility or a generating facility necessary to assure the stability or reliability of the electric system or a natural gas facility. A permit issued under this subdivision shall be subject to such conditions as are required by the governor and shall be valid for the duration of the declared emergency plus 180 days, or such lesser overall term as determined by the governor. Upon the expiration of a temporary emergency permit under this subdivision, if any applicable permits have not been issued by the secretary or the commissioner of environmental conservation, the secretary may seek enforcement under applicable law.

Title 20 Chapter 1 § 11. Additional emergency powers

In the event of an all-hazards event, the governor may exercise any or all of the following additional powers:

(1) To authorize any department or agency of the state to lease or lend, on such terms and conditions and for such period as he or she may deem necessary to promote the public welfare and protect the interest of the state, any real or personal property of the state government or authorize the temporary transfer or employment of personnel of the state government to or by the army, navy, air force, or any other branch of the armed forces of the United States of America.

(2) To enter into a contract on behalf of the state for the lease or loan, on such terms and conditions and for such period as he or she may deem necessary to promote the public welfare and protect the interests of the state, of any real or personal property of the state government, or the temporary transfer or employment of personnel thereof to any town or city of the state. The chief executive or legislative branch of such town or city is hereby authorized for and in the name thereof to enter into said contract with the governor for the leasing or lending of such property and personnel, and the chief executive or legislative branch of such town or city may equip, maintain, utilize and operate such property except newspapers and other publications, radio stations, places of worship and assembly, and other facilities for the exercise of constitutional freedom, and employ necessary personnel therefor in accordance with the purposes for which such contract is executed; and may do all things and perform all acts which may be deemed necessary to effectuate the purpose for which such contract was entered into.

(3) To seize, take, or condemn property for the protection of the public or at the request of the president, or his or her authorized representatives including:

(A) All means of transportation;

(B) All stocks of fuel of whatever nature;

(D) Facilities, including buildings and plants; provided that neither this nor any other authority in this chapter shall be deemed to authorize the eviction of a householder and his or her family from their own home.

(4) To sell, lend, give or distribute all or any such property among the inhabitants of the state and to account to the state treasurer for any funds received for such property.

(5) To make compensation for the property so seized, taken, or condemned on the following basis:

(A) In case property is taken for temporary use, the governor, at the time of the taking, shall fix the amount of compensation to be paid therefor; and in case such property shall be returned to the owner in a damaged condition or shall not be returned to the owner, the governor shall fix the amount of compensation to be paid for such damage or failure to return. Whenever the governor shall deem it advisable for the state to take title to property taken under this section, he shall forthwith cause the owner of such property to be notified thereof in writing by registered mail, postage prepaid, and forthwith cause to be filed a copy of said notice with the secretary of state.

(B) Any owner of property of which possession has been taken under the provisions of this chapter to whom no award has been made or who is dissatisfied with the amount awarded him or her by the governor, may file a petition in the superior court within the county wherein the property was situated at the time of taking to have the amount to which he or she is entitled by way of damages or compensation determined, and thereafter either the petitioner or the state shall have the right to have the amount of such damages or compensation fixed after hearing by three disinterested appraisers appointed by said court, and who shall operate under substantive and administrative procedure to be established by the superior judges. If the petitioner is dissatisfied with the award of the appraisers, he or she may file an appeal therefrom in said court and thereafter have a trial by jury to determine the amount of such damages or compensation in such manner as the court shall provide. The court costs of a proceeding brought under this section by the owner of the property shall be paid by the state; and the fees and expenses of any attorney for such owner shall also be paid by the state after allowances by the court wherein the petition is brought in such amount as the court in its discretion shall fix. The statute of limitations shall not apply to proceedings brought by such owners of property as above provided for and during the time that any court having jurisdiction of such proceedings shall be prevented from holding its usual and stated sessions due to conditions resulting from emergencies as herein referred to.

(6) To perform and exercise such other functions, powers and duties as may be deemed necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.

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.

Minimum Age for Possessing and Transporting of Handguns

Vermont: 16 Years Old? (See State and Federal Code) Title 13, Chapter 85, § 4007 and § 4008

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.

§ 4007. Furnishing firearms to children

A person, firm or corporation, other than a parent or guardian, who sells or furnishes to a minor under the age of 16 years a firearm or other dangerous weapon or ammunition for firearms shall be fined not more than $50.00 nor less than $10.00. This section shall not apply to an instructor or teacher who furnishes firearms to pupils for instruction and drill.

§ 4008. Possession of firearms by children

A child under the age of 16 years shall not, without the consent of his or her parents or guardian, have in his or her possession or control a pistol or revolver constructed or designed for the use of gunpowder or other explosive substance with leaden ball or shot. A child who violates a provision of this section shall be deemed a delinquent child under the provisions of chapter 52 of Title 33.

Do consider that some states can have very restrictive laws on possessing and transporting handguns 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.