Wyoming 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.

Reciprocity: How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses

Wyoming recognises permits from the following states:

labama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Wyoming Honors Non-Resident Permits/Licenses of the states they honor. The Minimum age must be 21 Years old.

6-8-104. Wearing or Carrying Concealed Weapons; Penalties; Exceptions; Permits.

(i) Is a resident of the United States and has been a resident of Wyoming for not less than six (6) months prior to filing the application. The Wyoming residency requirements of this paragraph do not apply to any person who holds a valid permit authorizing him to carry a concealed firearm authorized and issued by a governmental agency or entity in another state that recognizes Wyoming permits and is a valid statewide permit;

(ii) Is at least twenty-one (21) years of age;

(iii) Does not suffer from a physical infirmity which prevents the safe handling of a firearm;

(iv) Is not ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 922(g) or W.S. 6-8-102;

(v) Has not been:

(A) Committed to a state or federal facility for the abuse of a controlled substance, within the one (1) year period prior to the date on which application for a permit under this section is submitted;

(B) Convicted of a felony violation of the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act of 1971, W.S. 35-7-1001 through 35-7-1057 or similar laws of any other state or the United States relating to controlled substances and has not been pardoned; or

(C) Convicted of a misdemeanor violation of the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act of 1971, W.S. 35-7-1001 through 35-7-1057 or similar laws of any other state or the United States relating to controlled substances within the one (1) year period prior to the date on which application for a permit under this section is submitted.

(vi) Does not chronically or habitually use alcoholic liquor and malt beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired. It shall be presumed that an applicant chronically and habitually uses alcoholic beverages to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired if the applicant has been involuntarily committed, within the one (1) year period prior to the date on which application for a permit under this section is submitted, to any residential facility pursuant to the laws of this state or similar laws of any other state as a result of the use of alcohol;

(vii) Demonstrates familiarity with a firearm. A legible photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes or a notarized affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization or group that conducted or taught the course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant or a copy of any document which shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation of firearms competition, shall constitute evidence of qualification under this paragraph. Any one (1) of the following activities listed in this paragraph shall be sufficient to demonstrate familiarity with a firearm:

(A) Completion of any certified firearm safety or training course utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association or the Wyoming law enforcement academy;

(B) Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division of law enforcement or security enforcement;

(D) Completion of any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state certified or National Rifle Association certified firearms instructor;

(E) Be certified as proficient in firearms safety by any Wyoming law enforcement agency under procedures established by that agency; or

(F) Honorable retirement as a federal or state peace officer who has a minimum of ten (10) years of service.

(viii) Is not currently adjudicated to be legally incompetent; and

(ix) Has not been committed to a mental institution.

Permitless Carry

Starting July 1, 2011 residents of Wyoming who meet the below listed requirements can carry a concealed handgun anywhere in the state that a person who obtains a Wyoming Concealed Firearms Permit can carry. They do not have to obtain any type of permit/license from the state to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights. This law only applies to legal residents of Wyoming. All non residents must have a permit/license that Wyoming honors to carry in Wyoming.

6-8-104 Wearing or carrying concealed weapons; penalties; exceptions; permits.

(a) A person who wears or carries a concealed deadly weapon is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($ 750.00), imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both for a first offense, or a felony punishable by a fine of not more than two thousand dollars ($ 2,000.00), imprisonment for not more than two (2) years, or both, for a second or subsequent offense, unless:

(ii) Is at least twenty-one (21) years of age;

(iii) Does not suffer from a physical infirmity which prevents the safe handling of a firearm;

(iv) Is not ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 922(g) or W.S. 6-8-102;

(v) Has not been:

(viii) Is not currently adjudicated to be legally incompetent; and

(ix) Has not been committed to a mental institution.

On 11/1/12, Residents of Wyoming can carry a concealed defensive firearm in the state of Oklahoma without any type of permit/license. Howver, you still must carry your state issued ID when carrying your firearm in Oklahoma. See the Oklahoma page at the "Select your State" at the end for more information on Oklahoma’s law allowing those from permitless states to carry there.

How to Apply for a Wyoming Concealed Carry Permit

Instruction for CFP Applicants

1. All Applications are Available Online here and must be completed before you apply at your local Sheriff’s Office. This includes new applications, renewal applications and duplicate applications.

2. Please completely fill out the form you intend to use and print out 4 copies.

3. The original form plus 3 copies are to be taken to the Sheriff’s Office in the county where you reside.

4. You must include the application fee along with the application in the form of a money order or cashier’s check only made out to DCI or WY Attorney General’s Office. We do not accept Cash, Credit Card or Personal Checks.

5. The fees are as follows:

a. New Applications - $64
b. Renewal Applications before the expiration date - $45 *
c. Renewal Applications after the expiration date - $55 *
d. Duplicate permit application - $5.

You may apply for a renewal six months before your expiration date, but no earlier than that.
Renewals are considered late after the permit expiration date. You can only apply for a late renewal up to 6 months after the expiration date. After that a new application and fees are required.

6. Please consult with your local Sheriff’s Office to inquire about their fees which will be separate from the DCI fees.

7. Once all applications are submitted to the Sheriff’s Office, the remaining copy is to be taken to a Wyoming DOT Driver’s Services office to have your picture taken for the permit. This must be done within 10 days of your application.

8. Processing times may take up to 60 days, depending on volume, once all documents are received at DCI. The Sheriff’s office will receive the permit and contact you once it is completed.

For Questions or concerns, you may contact CFP@Wyo.gov or 307-777-7181

Wyoming Military Stationed Outside Wyoming

6-8-104. (cc) The attorney general shall by rule and regulation provide a procedure under which an applicant a person who is in active military service outside the state of Wyoming, or who is a military spouse as defined by rule of the attorney general residing with a person in active military service outside the state, but otherwise meets the requirements specified in subsection (b) of this section may apply for a permit to carry a concealed firearm under this section without appearing in Wyoming.

The Wyoming AG supplies more information for Military here.

If you move from the State of Wyoming and notify DCI of your address change within 30 days your permit is valid until it expires. Per DCI FAQs, It can’t be renewed.

How to Obtain A Non-Resident Wyoming Concealed Carry Permit

Wyoming does not issue Permit/Licenses for Non-Resident.

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

6-8-104. Wearing or Carrying Concealed Weapons; Penalties; Exceptions; Permits.

(t) No person authorized to carry a concealed weapon pursuant to paragraphs (a)(ii) through (iv) of this section shall carry a concealed firearm into:

(t)(i) Any facility used primarily for law enforcement operations or administration without the written consent of the chief administrator.
(t)(ii) Any detention facility, prison or jail.
(t)(iii) Any courtroom, except that nothing in this section shall preclude a judge from carrying a concealed weapon or determining who will carry a concealed weapon in the courtroom;
(t)(iv) Any meeting of a government entity.
(t)(v) Any meeting of the legislature or a committee thereof.
(t)(vi) Any school, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms.
(t)(vii) Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic liquor and malt beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to that purpose.
(t)(viii) Any place where persons are assembled for public worship, without the written consent of the chief administrator of that place.
(t)(ix) Any Elementary or Secondary School facility.
(t)(x) Any College or University facility without the written consent of the security service of the college or university.
(t)(xi) Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

6-5-209. Taking Deadly Weapons Into Jails, Penal Institutions or Mental Hospitals; Penalties.

(a) Except as authorized by a person in charge, a person commits a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) years, a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), or both, if that person takes or passes a deadly weapon into a jail, a state penal institution, the Wyoming boys' school, Wyoming girls' school, a correctional facility operated by a private entity pursuant to W.S. 7-22-102 or the state hospital.

Wyoming Admin Code 006.0012.6.10271997

(a) No dangerous weapon may be carried in the State Capitol building or in any buildings under the Jurisdiction of the SBC. The Capitol Security Police are authorized to request that any persons carrying a dangerous weapon in any State building relinquish the weapon. The weapon will be returned to the person when he/she leaves the state building, unless the Capitol Security Police determine that other law enforcement personnel should be involved. If a person carrying a dangerous weapon refuses to relinquish the weapon he/she shall be denied access to the State Capitol building.

“No Gun Signs” Have the Force of Law

6-3-303. Criminal Trespass; Penalties.

(a) A person is guilty of criminal trespass if he enters or remains on or in the land or premises of another person, knowing he is not authorized to do so, or after being notified to depart or to not trespass. For purposes of this section, notice is given by:

(i) Personal communication to the person by the owner or occupant, or his agent, or by a peace officer; or
(ii) Posting of signs reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders.

(b) Criminal trespass is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), or both.

Must Inform Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

In Wyoming, not necessarily, because the law does not require you to inform an Officer that you have a permit/license to carry.

6-8-104. (b) . . . The permittee shall carry the permit, together with valid identification at all times when the permittee is carrying a concealed firearm and shall display both the permit and proper identification upon request of any peace officer.

Carry In State Parks//WMA/Road Side Rest Areas & St. /Nat. Forests

Carry is Allowed in these Areas:

State Parks: YES; Admin Rule 024.0002.1.16
State/National Forests: YES; G&F Comm. Regs Silent on this Issue
State WMA’s: YES; G&F Comm. Regs Silent on this Issue
Road Side Rest Areas: YES; Per WSP

Car/RV Carry Without a Wyoming Concealed Carry Permit

Non Residents of Wyoming must have a Valid Permit License to Carry that Wyoming honors to carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle. Anyone who can legally own a firearm can carry a loaded handgun anywhere inside a vehicle as long as it is not concealed on your person and is visible. Wyoming law only covers the concealed carry of a defensive firearm in a vehicle. Wyoming Residents who can legally own a firearm can carry it concealed on their person in a vehicle without any type of permit/license. Wyoming Residents who can legally own a firearm can carry it concealed on their person anywhere that someone who has been issued a permit/license to carry in Wyoming can carry. This is the Permitless Carry Law passed recently but this law only applies to residents of Wyoming.

Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit/License)

Open Carry is legal. 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. 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 18.

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

State Preemption

Wyoming Code 6-8-401. Firearm, Weapon and Ammunition Regulation and Prohibition by State.

(a) The Wyoming legislature finds that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right. The Wyoming legislature affirms this right as a constitutionally protected right in every part of Wyoming.

(b) Repealed by Laws 2010, ch. 108, § 3.

(c) The sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use and possession of firearms, weapons and ammunition shall be authorized, regulated and prohibited by the state, and regulation thereof is preempted by the state. Except as authorized by W.S. 15-1-103(a)(xviii), no city, town, county, political subdivision or any other entity shall authorize, regulate or prohibit the sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use, carrying or possession of firearms, weapons, accessories, components or ammunition except as specifically provided by this chapter. This section shall not affect zoning or other ordinances which encompass firearms businesses along with other businesses. Zoning and other ordinances which are designed for the purpose of restricting or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer or manufacture of firearms or ammunition as a method of regulating firearms or ammunition are in conflict with this section and are prohibited.

Laws Regarding Deadly Force

Title 6 Chapters 1 and 2 Articles 2, 5 and 6

6-1-204. from civil action for justifiable use of force.
6-2-504. Reckless endangering; penalty.
6-2-602. Use of force in self defense

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

Currently, there are no restrictions in Wyoming Law concerning Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns Or Higher Capacity Magazine Bans.

Airport Carry and Other Misc. Information

Airport Carry: No laws found

Training Valid for: 6 Months

Time Period to Establish Residency: 6 Months unless you have a permit from another state that Wyoming honors then you can apply immediately

Minimum Age for Permit/License: 18 Years Old

Permit/License Info Public Information: NO

State Reciprocity/How They Honor Other States Statute: 6-8-104

State Fire arm Laws: 6-8-101 thru 6-8-401

State Deadly Force Laws: § 6-1-102, 6-1-204, 6-1-205, 6-2-504, 6-2-602

State Knife Laws: 6-1-104 & 6-8-104

Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: None found

Body Armor Laws: None found

Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? NO; 6-8-104

Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? YES; See WY Game & Fish FAQs

What Does WY Consider A Loaded Firearm?

Wyoming law does not define what is a Loaded or Unloaded firearm.

State Emergency Powers

19-13-104. Powers of Governor Generally; Director, Office of Homeland Security

(e) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to confer upon the governor, the director, the executive heads or governing bodies of the political subdivisions of the state, sheriffs, chiefs of police or any employee or agent of the state or any governmental unit within the state the power to:

(i) Confiscate a firearm from a person, unless:

(A) The person is in unlawful possession of the firearm as provided in title 6 of the Wyoming statutes;
(B) The person is unlawfully carrying the firearm as provided in title 6 of the Wyoming statutes; or
(C) The firearm is confiscated by a peace officer who is acting in the lawful discharge of his duties and under the reasonable belief that the confiscation is necessary for the protection of the peace officer, the person carrying the firearm or a third party. The peace officer shall return the firearm to the person before discharging the person unless the officer
arrests that person for engaging in criminal activity or seizes the firearm as evidence pursuant to an investigation for the commission of a crime.

(ii) Impose additional restrictions as to the lawful possession, transfer, sale, carrying, storage, display or use of:

(A) Firearms;
(B) Ammunition; or
(C) Components of firearms or ammunition.

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

Wyoming: 18 Years Old

6-8-104. 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.