Which States Have Constitutional Carry?
29 states let adults who may legally have a handgun carry it concealed in public without a permit. They are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming. The other 21 states and Washington, D.C. require a permit (Everytown for Gun Safety; Giffords Law Center).
“Constitutional carry” is the name supporters use, taken from the Second Amendment. “Permitless carry” means the same thing. Age limits, places where guns are banned and private property rules still apply. Most of these states still issue permits to people who want one, for example to carry in states that honor their permit.
- 29
- States with permitless concealed carry
- 18
- States that require background checks on all gun sales
- 13
- States with a waiting period to buy a gun
Key facts
- 29 states allow concealed carry with no permit (Giffords Law Center).
- 18 states and D.C. require background checks on all gun sales, including most private sales (Everytown).
- 13 states and D.C. make buyers wait, from 72 hours to 14 days (Giffords Law Center).
- Before 2010, only two states allowed concealed carry without a permit (Everytown).
Concealed Carry Laws by State
Choose your state to see whether you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun, and whether that permit requires training. Of the 21 permit states, most require training that includes firing a gun. Pennsylvania requires no training for its permit.
Concealed carry in your state
Choose your state to see whether a permit is needed to carry a concealed handgun.
Alabama
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Alaska
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Arizona
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Arkansas
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
California
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Colorado
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Connecticut
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Delaware
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
District of Columbia
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Not in Everytown's rankings; row follows Giffords Law Center. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Florida
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Georgia
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Hawaii
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Idaho
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Illinois
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Indiana
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Iowa
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Kansas
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Kentucky
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Louisiana
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Maine
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Maryland
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Massachusetts
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Michigan
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Minnesota
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Mississippi
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Missouri
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Montana
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Nebraska
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Nevada
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
New Hampshire
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
New Jersey
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
New Mexico
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
New York
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
North Carolina
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Permitless carry (SB 50) was vetoed in June 2025. The Senate voted to override in July 2025; the House has not held an override vote. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
North Dakota
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Ohio
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Oklahoma
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Oregon
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training is required for a permit, without live fire. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Pennsylvania
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required No training is required for a permit. Pennsylvania SB 357 (permitless carry) had cleared only the Senate Judiciary Committee as of July 2026. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Rhode Island
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
South Carolina
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
South Dakota
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Tennessee
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Texas
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Permitless carry for adults 21 and older since 2021 (HB 1927). Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Utah
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Vermont
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Virginia
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training is required for a permit, without live fire. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Washington
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training with live fire is required for a permit. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
West Virginia
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Wisconsin
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- Permit required Training is required for a permit, without live fire. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Wyoming
- Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Carry laws change often. Check your state police or attorney general before you carry, especially across state lines.
Based on Everytown for Gun Safety's 2026 Gun Law Rankings (updated January 14, 2026), checked against Giffords Law Center on September 30, 2026. D.C. follows Giffords. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
- No permit needed (permitless carry) (29)
- Permit required (22)
Sources: Everytown for Gun Safety, 2026 Gun Law Rankings: Concealed Carry Permit Required; Everytown for Gun Safety, 2026 Gun Law Rankings: Background Check and/or Purchase Permit; Everytown for Gun Safety, 2026 Gun Law Rankings: Waiting Periods; Giffords Law Center, Concealed Carry; Giffords Law Center, Universal Background Checks; Giffords Law Center, Waiting Periods. Verified September 30, 2026.
| State | Do you need a permit to carry a concealed handgun? |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Alaska | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Arizona | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Arkansas | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| California | Permit required |
| Colorado | Permit required |
| Connecticut | Permit required |
| Delaware | Permit required |
| District of Columbia | Permit required |
| Florida | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Georgia | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Hawaii | Permit required |
| Idaho | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Illinois | Permit required |
| Indiana | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Iowa | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Kansas | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Kentucky | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Louisiana | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Maine | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Maryland | Permit required |
| Massachusetts | Permit required |
| Michigan | Permit required |
| Minnesota | Permit required |
| Mississippi | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Missouri | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Montana | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Nebraska | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Nevada | Permit required |
| New Hampshire | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| New Jersey | Permit required |
| New Mexico | Permit required |
| New York | Permit required |
| North Carolina | Permit required |
| North Dakota | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Ohio | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Oklahoma | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Oregon | Permit required |
| Pennsylvania | Permit required |
| Rhode Island | Permit required |
| South Carolina | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| South Dakota | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Tennessee | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Texas | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Utah | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Vermont | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Virginia | Permit required |
| Washington | Permit required |
| West Virginia | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Wisconsin | Permit required |
| Wyoming | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
See all states in a table
| Alabama | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
|---|---|
| Alaska | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Arizona | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Arkansas | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| California | Permit required |
| Colorado | Permit required |
| Connecticut | Permit required |
| Delaware | Permit required |
| District of Columbia | Permit required |
| Florida | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Georgia | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Hawaii | Permit required |
| Idaho | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Illinois | Permit required |
| Indiana | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Iowa | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Kansas | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Kentucky | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Louisiana | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Maine | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Maryland | Permit required |
| Massachusetts | Permit required |
| Michigan | Permit required |
| Minnesota | Permit required |
| Mississippi | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Missouri | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Montana | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Nebraska | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Nevada | Permit required |
| New Hampshire | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| New Jersey | Permit required |
| New Mexico | Permit required |
| New York | Permit required |
| North Carolina | Permit required |
| North Dakota | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Ohio | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Oklahoma | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Oregon | Permit required |
| Pennsylvania | Permit required |
| Rhode Island | Permit required |
| South Carolina | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| South Dakota | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Tennessee | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Texas | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Utah | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Vermont | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Virginia | Permit required |
| Washington | Permit required |
| West Virginia | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
| Wisconsin | Permit required |
| Wyoming | No permit needed (permitless carry) |
No states match. Clear the search or filter to see all 51.
Sources: Everytown for Gun Safety, 2026 Gun Law Rankings: Concealed Carry Permit Required; Everytown for Gun Safety, 2026 Gun Law Rankings: Background Check and/or Purchase Permit; Everytown for Gun Safety, 2026 Gun Law Rankings: Waiting Periods; Giffords Law Center, Concealed Carry; Giffords Law Center, Universal Background Checks; Giffords Law Center, Waiting Periods. Verified September 30, 2026.
Is North Carolina a constitutional carry state? Not yet. The Legislature passed permitless carry in 2025 and the governor vetoed it. The Senate voted to override, but the House has not held an override vote. Our North Carolina gun laws guide tracks the bill. For Texas, which has had permitless carry since 2021, see our Texas gun laws guide, and for one of the strictest permit states, our California gun laws guide.
Which States Require Universal Background Checks?
18 states and D.C. require a background check on the sale of every gun, including most sales between private people. They are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer makes the sale, so in the other 28 states a private sale needs none (Everytown; Giffords Law Center).
Four more states cover some sales: Maine checks sales at gun shows and through advertisements, Minnesota covers handguns and military-style assault weapons, and Nebraska and Pennsylvania cover handguns only. New Mexico and Virginia exempt transfers that are not made for a fee.
Background checks in your state
Choose your state to see whether private gun sales need a background check.
Alabama
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Alaska
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Arizona
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Arkansas
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
California
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, checked at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Colorado
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns at the point of sale, plus a permit to buy assault weapons. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Connecticut
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, through a permit to purchase and a check at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Delaware
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns at the point of sale, plus a permit to buy handguns. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
District of Columbia
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns (Giffords). Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Florida
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Georgia
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Hawaii
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, through a permit to purchase. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Idaho
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Illinois
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, through a permit to purchase and a check at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Indiana
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Iowa
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Kansas
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Kentucky
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Louisiana
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Maine
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- For some sales only All guns sold at a gun show or through an advertisement, checked at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Maryland
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns at the point of sale, plus a permit to buy handguns. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Massachusetts
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, through a permit to purchase. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Michigan
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, through a permit to purchase. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Minnesota
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- For some sales only Handguns and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons, through a permit or a check at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Mississippi
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Missouri
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Montana
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Nebraska
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- For handguns only Handguns only, through a permit to purchase. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Nevada
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, checked at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
New Hampshire
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
New Jersey
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, through a permit to purchase and a check at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
New Mexico
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, checked at the point of sale. Transfers not made for a fee are exempt (Giffords). Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
New York
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns at the point of sale, plus a permit for handguns and semiautomatic rifles. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
North Carolina
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
North Dakota
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Ohio
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Oklahoma
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Oregon
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, through a permit to purchase and a check at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Pennsylvania
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- For handguns only Handguns only, checked at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Rhode Island
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, checked at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
South Carolina
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
South Dakota
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Tennessee
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Texas
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Utah
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Vermont
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, checked at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Virginia
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, checked at the point of sale. Transfers not made for a fee are exempt (Giffords). Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Washington
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns All guns, through a permit to purchase and a check at the point of sale. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
West Virginia
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Wisconsin
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Wyoming
- Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- No, only the federal dealer check Federal law requires a check only when a licensed dealer sells the gun. Source
Verified September 30, 2026. Laws change; check the source before you rely on this.
Based on Everytown's 2026 coding of each state's law, checked against Giffords Law Center. 'Only the federal dealer check' means private sellers need no check under state law.
Does the state require background checks on private gun sales?
- Yes, for all guns (19)
- For some sales only (2)
- For handguns only (2)
- No, only the federal dealer check (28)
Sources: Everytown for Gun Safety, 2026 Gun Law Rankings: Concealed Carry Permit Required; Everytown for Gun Safety, 2026 Gun Law Rankings: Background Check and/or Purchase Permit; Everytown for Gun Safety, 2026 Gun Law Rankings: Waiting Periods; Giffords Law Center, Concealed Carry; Giffords Law Center, Universal Background Checks; Giffords Law Center, Waiting Periods. Verified September 30, 2026.
| State | Does the state require background checks on private gun sales? |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Alaska | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Arizona | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Arkansas | No, only the federal dealer check |
| California | Yes, for all guns |
| Colorado | Yes, for all guns |
| Connecticut | Yes, for all guns |
| Delaware | Yes, for all guns |
| District of Columbia | Yes, for all guns |
| Florida | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Georgia | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Hawaii | Yes, for all guns |
| Idaho | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Illinois | Yes, for all guns |
| Indiana | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Iowa | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Kansas | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Kentucky | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Louisiana | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Maine | For some sales only |
| Maryland | Yes, for all guns |
| Massachusetts | Yes, for all guns |
| Michigan | Yes, for all guns |
| Minnesota | For some sales only |
| Mississippi | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Missouri | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Montana | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Nebraska | For handguns only |
| Nevada | Yes, for all guns |
| New Hampshire | No, only the federal dealer check |
| New Jersey | Yes, for all guns |
| New Mexico | Yes, for all guns |
| New York | Yes, for all guns |
| North Carolina | No, only the federal dealer check |
| North Dakota | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Ohio | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Oklahoma | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Oregon | Yes, for all guns |
| Pennsylvania | For handguns only |
| Rhode Island | Yes, for all guns |
| South Carolina | No, only the federal dealer check |
| South Dakota | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Tennessee | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Texas | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Utah | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Vermont | Yes, for all guns |
| Virginia | Yes, for all guns |
| Washington | Yes, for all guns |
| West Virginia | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Wisconsin | No, only the federal dealer check |
| Wyoming | No, only the federal dealer check |
Gun Purchase Waiting Periods by State
13 states and D.C. make a buyer wait between buying a gun and taking it home. The wait runs from 72 hours in Illinois, Maine and Vermont to 14 days in Hawaii. Three states cover only some guns. The other 37 states have no waiting period beyond the time a background check takes (Everytown; Giffords Law Center).
Waiting periods to buy a gun, 2026
Source: Giffords Law Center; Florida Statutes 790.0655, Maine 25 MRSA 2016 and Washington RCW 9.41.092 checked directly
The statutes read the same way. Florida’s wait is “3 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays,” or until the background check is done (790.0655). In Maine, a seller may not deliver a gun “sooner than 72 hours after the agreement” (25 MRSA 2016). Washington waits until “ten business days have elapsed” (RCW 9.41.092).
Red Flag Laws and Open Carry by State
22 states have a red flag law, which lets a court temporarily take guns from someone found to be a danger. 6 states have passed laws that ban or penalize enforcing one. Our red flag laws guide has the map, who can ask for an order and how long it lasts.
Open carry is a separate question from concealed carry. 40 states let adults carry a handgun openly with no permit, and 29 of the 29 permitless carry states allow both. See open carry states for every state’s rule on handguns, rifles and shotguns.
Which States Have the Strictest Gun Laws?
No single score settles it, and published rankings reflect their authors’ views. A neutral way to compare is to count laws. Of the four on this page (a permit to carry, background checks on all sales, a waiting period and a red flag law), 9 states have all four: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Washington. 25 states have none of them.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| 0 of 4 | states25 |
| 1 of 4 | states4 |
| 2 of 4 | states2 |
| 3 of 4 | states10 |
| 4 of 4 | states9 |
Laws counted: concealed carry permit, background checks on all sales, a waiting period, a red flag law. Sources: Everytown and Giffords Law Center (2026); National ERPO Resource Center for red flag laws. 50 states.
The states split into two groups. Most states have either none of the four laws or three or four of them. Few fall in between.
What Each Side Argues
Gun rights supporters argue that carrying a gun for self-defense is a constitutional right that should not need a permit. The Supreme Court held in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), 6 to 3, that New York could not require “proper cause” for a carry license. The opinion noted that “in 43 States, the government issues licenses to carry based on objective criteria.” More on the ruling is in our 2nd Amendment guide.
Gun safety groups argue that permits, background checks and waiting periods save lives. Everytown cites a study linking right-to-carry laws to a 13% to 15% increase in violent crime rates (Donohue, Aneja and Weber, 2019), and Giffords cites research linking handgun waiting periods to about 17% fewer gun homicides (Luca, Malhotra and Poliquin, 2017) (Everytown; Giffords). RAND’s 2023 review rated the evidence that shall-issue concealed carry laws increase firearm violence as “supportive,” its highest rating (RAND, via EurekAlert).
Common Questions About Gun Laws by State
What states have constitutional carry?
29 states let adults who may legally have a handgun carry it concealed without a permit: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming. The other 21 states and D.C. require a permit (Everytown for Gun Safety and Giffords Law Center, 2026).
What does constitutional carry mean?
Constitutional carry, also called permitless carry, means a state lets adults who may legally have a handgun carry it concealed in public without first getting a state permit. Age limits, places where guns are banned and private property rules still apply, and most of these states still issue permits for people who want one, for example to carry in other states.
Is North Carolina a constitutional carry state?
No. North Carolina still requires a concealed handgun permit. The Legislature passed permitless carry (SB 50) in 2025 and the governor vetoed it. The Senate voted to override, but the House has not held an override vote.
What states have universal background checks?
18 states and D.C. require background checks on sales of all guns, including most private sales: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington. 4 more states cover some sales: Maine (gun shows and advertised sales), Minnesota (handguns and assault weapons), Nebraska and Pennsylvania (handguns only).
What states have waiting periods to buy a gun?
13 states and D.C. make buyers wait before taking a gun home: California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington. The wait runs from 72 hours to 14 days, and in Maryland, Minnesota and New Jersey it covers only some guns (Everytown; Giffords Law Center).
What states have the strictest gun laws?
No single measure settles it, and rankings reflect their authors’ views. By the four laws on this page, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Washington have all four: a permit to carry concealed, background checks on all gun sales, a waiting period and a red flag law. 25 states have none of the four.
What You Can Do
- Check the law where you are going. Carry rules change at the state line. Use the finders above, then confirm with that state’s police or attorney general.
- Store guns securely. Safe storage keeps guns from children and from people in crisis. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.
- Follow the bills in your legislature. Permitless carry, background check and waiting period bills come up most sessions.
- Read the constitutional side. Our 2nd Amendment guide explains Heller, Bruen and the 2026 rulings.