Constitutional Carry States: A Complete Guide to Permitless Gun Laws in 2026

If you are like us, you travel a lot and are always armed. There are laws protecting you from certain problems you may encounter when bringing a firearm through another state when going to a destination where you plan to use the firearm, but these 29 states cut the red tape. Carry away, folks!   Here is our breakdown of the Constitutional Carry Landscape. 

Gun laws across America have changed a lot in recent years. More states now let people carry handguns without getting a permit first. This practice is called constitutional carry or permitless carry.

As of 2026, 29 states have constitutional carry laws that allow residents to carry firearms without a permit. These laws vary from state to state. Some apply only to residents while others include visitors. Age limits and restricted locations also differ based on where you are.

Alabama (2023) , Alaska (2003), Arizona (2010) , Arkansas (2021), Florida (2023) , Georgia (2022), Idaho (2016), Indiana (2022), Iowa (2021), Kansas (2015), Kentucky (2019), Louisiana (2024), Maine (2015), Mississippi (2016), Missouri (2017) , Montana (2021) , Nebraska (2023), New Hampshire (2017) , North Dakota (2017) , Ohio (2022) ,Oklahoma (2019) , South Carolina (2024) , South Dakota (2019) , Tennessee (2021) , Texas (2021) , Utah (2021) Vermont (1793) , West Virginia (2016) , Wyoming (2011)

Understanding constitutional carry helps you stay legal when carrying a firearm. You need to know the rules in your home state and any state you visit. This guide breaks down which states have these laws and what you need to know before you carry.

Key Takeaways

• Constitutional carry allows people to carry handguns without a permit in 29 states across the country

• Each state sets its own age requirements and rules about where you can and cannot carry

• You should check reciprocity agreements and local laws before carrying a firearm in another state

What Is Constitutional Carry?

Constitutional carry allows eligible adults to carry a firearm without obtaining a government-issued permit. This practice stems from Second Amendment interpretations and differs from traditional concealed carry and open carry permit systems.

Permitless Carry and Unrestricted Carry Defined

Constitutional carry, also known as permitless carry, allows eligible individuals to carry a firearm without obtaining a government-issued permit in states that have adopted these laws. If you're legally allowed to own the firearm, your state may allow you to carry it without the paperwork and renewal fees that come with a traditional permit.

Unrestricted carry refers to the same concept. You don't need to apply for a license, complete training courses, or pay permit fees.

However, you must still meet basic eligibility requirements. These typically include being a certain age and not having felony convictions or other legal prohibitions. States with constitutional carry laws set their own minimum age requirements and eligibility standards.

Second Amendment Origins and Historical Background

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the right to bear arms. Constitutional carry supporters argue that this right shouldn't require government permission or permits.

The term "constitutional carry" reflects the belief that the Constitution already grants this right. Early American history showed less restrictive gun laws, with many people carrying firearms without permits.

Modern constitutional carry laws began gaining momentum in the 2000s. By 2022, Alabama, Ohio, Indiana, and Georgia became the 22nd through 25th states to adopt permitless carry measures. Florida and Nebraska followed in April 2023, becoming the 26th and 27th states.

Differences Between Constitutional Carry, Concealed Carry, and Open Carry

Concealed carry means carrying a hidden firearm on your person. Most states traditionally required permits for this practice. You had to submit applications, pass background checks, complete training, and pay fees.

Open carry means visibly carrying a firearm in public view. Some states allow open carry without permits while still requiring permits for concealed carry.

Constitutional carry typically allows both concealed and open carry without permits. The specific rules depend on your state's laws. Many constitutional carry states still issue permits on a shall-issue basis for interstate reciprocity purposes, allowing you to carry in other states that recognize your home state's permit.

List of Constitutional Carry States

As of 2026, there are 29 states that have adopted constitutional carry laws, allowing residents to carry firearms without obtaining a permit. These laws vary by state in terms of age requirements, residency restrictions, and what types of carry are permitted.

Current Constitutional Carry States

Over half of the United States now allows constitutional carry, representing a major shift in gun rights policy. The 29 states where you can carry without a permit include 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.

Most of these permitless carry states still issue concealed carry licenses on a voluntary basis. You might want to get one even if your state doesn't require it because it helps with reciprocity when traveling to other states. Many constitutional carry states continue to issue licenses so their residents can legally carry in states that recognize their permits but don't allow permitless carry.

State-By-State Age Requirements and Residency Rules

Age requirements differ significantly across constitutional carry states. Most states use either PC-21 (permitless carry at age 21) or PC-18 (permitless carry at age 18) standards.

States with PC-21 requirements include Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee. You must be at least 21 years old to carry without a permit in these states.

States allowing PC-18 include Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. You can carry at 18 or older in these locations.

Some states have different rules for residents versus non-residents. For example, certain states only extend permitless carry privileges to their own residents. Non-residents visiting these states may still need a valid concealed carry permit from their home state.

Permitless Carry Legislation Updates

The most recent additions to constitutional carry came in 2024 when Louisiana and South Carolina passed their laws. In 2023, Florida and Nebraska became the 26th and 27th states to adopt permitless carry.

In 2022, four states passed constitutional carry legislation: Alabama, Ohio, Indiana, and Georgia. This marked a rapid expansion of permitless carry across the country.

The trend shows increasing momentum toward eliminating permit requirements. Several other states continue to debate similar legislation in their state legislatures.

States With Permitless Carry Restrictions

Not all constitutional carry laws are the same. Some states place restrictions on where you can carry or who qualifies for permitless carry.

Several states prohibit carrying in certain locations even with constitutional carry. These often include schools, government buildings, polling places, and private property where owners have posted restrictions.

Some states require you to inform law enforcement officers that you're carrying a firearm during traffic stops or other interactions. Failure to disclose can result in penalties even in constitutional carry states.

A few states limit constitutional carry to concealed carry only. In these locations, you can carry without a permit as long as the firearm remains concealed, but open carry may still require a license or be prohibited entirely.

Legal Framework and Requirements

Constitutional carry states still operate within a complex system of federal and state regulations that affect who can carry firearms and where. Federal restrictions and state-specific rules continue to apply even in permitless carry jurisdictions, creating legal requirements you must understand before carrying a handgun.

Federal Gun Laws and State Variations

Federal law sets the baseline for who can legally possess firearms across all states. You cannot own or carry a gun if you are a convicted felon, have certain domestic violence convictions, or have been adjudicated mentally incompetent. These restrictions apply regardless of your state's carry laws.

Gun laws vary significantly by state, even among constitutional carry jurisdictions. Some states allow permitless carry at age 18, while others require you to be 21. Certain states extend constitutional carry rights to non-residents, but others limit it to their own residents only.

Age Requirements in Constitutional Carry States:

• 18 years old in some states

• 21 years old in others

• May differ for residents vs. non-residents

The differences between states mean you need to research specific requirements before carrying across state lines.

Eligibility and Background Check Requirements

Constitutional carry does not eliminate eligibility requirements for gun possession. You must still be legally able to own a firearm under both federal and state law. This means you cannot have disqualifying criminal convictions, restraining orders, or other legal prohibitions.

While constitutional carry removes the permit requirement, purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer still requires a background check. The FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) runs these checks to verify you can legally buy a gun.

Private sales between individuals follow different rules depending on your state. Some states require background checks for all gun transfers, while others do not mandate checks for private transactions.

Prohibited Locations and Self-Defense Context

Even in constitutional carry states, certain locations remain off-limits for firearms. Federal buildings, courthouses, and schools typically prohibit guns regardless of state law. Many states also ban firearms in government offices, polling places, bars, and hospitals.

Some states have places that require a carry permit to carry in locations that are off-limits to those carrying under permitless carry. This creates situations where obtaining a permit provides broader carrying privileges than constitutional carry alone.

Common Prohibited Locations:

• Schools and college campuses

• Government buildings and courthouses

• Bars and establishments serving alcohol

• Secure areas of airports

• Private property with posted restrictions

Your right to carry for self-defense does not override property owners' rights to prohibit firearms on their premises.

Duty To Inform and Other Legal Duties

Your duty to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm varies by state. Some constitutional carry states require you to immediately tell police officers during any official contact. Other states have no such requirement.

Carrying your state driver's license or photo ID is recommended when carrying under permitless carry laws. Officers may need to verify your identity and eligibility during encounters.

You remain responsible for safe firearm handling and storage. Using a firearm in self-defense must meet your state's legal standards for justifiable force. Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws differ between states, affecting when you can legally use deadly force to protect yourself.

Permits, Reciprocity, and Practical Considerations

Even in constitutional carry states, obtaining a permit offers significant advantages for travel and legal protection. Understanding how reciprocity agreements work between states helps you carry legally across state lines.

Benefits of Obtaining a Carry Permit

You gain important advantages when you obtain a concealed carry permit even if your state allows constitutional carry. A permit provides legal protection when you travel to other states that honor your credentials through reciprocity agreements.

Most states require a permit from another state to recognize your right to carry. Without one, you cannot legally carry in states that do not have constitutional carry laws. A permit also exempts you from background checks when purchasing firearms in many states.

Training requirements for permits teach you state laws and safety practices. This education helps you avoid legal problems and handle your firearm responsibly. Some insurance companies and legal protection services require a valid CCW permit for coverage.

Obtaining a carry permit provides additional flexibility when navigating areas with specific restrictions. You can carry in more locations and have clearer legal standing if questions arise about your right to carry.

Reciprocity Agreements and Interstate Travel

State reciprocity determines where you can legally carry your concealed weapon outside your home state. Each state creates its own agreements about which permits it will honor. Some states have broad reciprocity while others recognize few or no outside permits.

You must research the specific laws before crossing state lines. CCW reciprocity varies significantly between states and changes regularly. A state that honors your permit today might change its policy.

Key reciprocity factors include:

• Whether the state has constitutional carry

• Which state issued your permit

• If you hold resident or non-resident status

• Specific restrictions on where you can carry

Constitutional carry does not guarantee reciprocity in other states. You still need to verify that your destination state recognizes permitless carry from visitors or honors your permit if you have one.

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Maps

Interactive reciprocity maps show you which states honor your specific permit at a glance. These tools save you time researching individual state laws and help prevent legal violations.

You can enter your permit information to see color-coded maps showing where you can carry. Most maps let you add multiple permits if you hold both resident and non-resident credentials. This feature helps you identify coverage gaps.

The USCCA and other organizations maintain updated maps that reflect current state laws. You should check these resources before any trip since reciprocity agreements change when states pass new legislation. State listing boxes show your valid permits and let you switch between resident and non-resident status.

Maps also link to detailed information about each state's specific carry laws. You need to understand local restrictions on places like schools, government buildings, and private property even in states with reciprocity.

Resident and Non-Resident Permits

Your resident permit comes from the state where you live permanently. This permit typically provides the foundation for reciprocity in other states. Non-resident permits come from states where you do not live but want additional reciprocity coverage.

Many gun owners obtain non-resident permits from states with broad reciprocity agreements. Florida and Utah issue non-resident permits that many states recognize. This strategy fills gaps in your resident permit's coverage.

Requirements vary by state:

• Background checks and fingerprinting

• Completion of approved training courses

• Application fees ranging from $50 to $150

• Proof of competency with firearms

Some states only issue non-resident permits to military members and their spouses stationed in that state. You must verify eligibility requirements before applying. Processing times range from a few weeks to several months depending on the state.

Maintaining multiple permits requires tracking renewal dates and staying current with training requirements. You benefit from expanded carry rights across more states when traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Constitutional carry laws differ between states in their age requirements, eligibility rules, and how they apply to residents versus non-residents. As of 2026, 29 states have enacted constitutional carry laws, though recent legislative changes continue to expand permitless carry options.

What are the requirements for constitutional carry in various states?

The basic requirement across constitutional carry states is that you must be legally allowed to possess a firearm under federal law. This means you cannot be a convicted felon, have certain domestic violence convictions, or fall into other prohibited categories.

Age requirements vary by state. Some states allow constitutional carry at age 18, while others require you to be 21 years old.

Certain states impose additional restrictions even with constitutional carry. You may face limitations on where you can carry, such as schools, government buildings, or private property that prohibits firearms.

Can non-residents benefit from constitutional carry laws in states that provide for this?

Many constitutional carry states extend their permitless carry laws to non-residents who are legally allowed to possess firearms. However, not all states follow this approach.

Some states only allow their own residents to carry without a permit. If you're visiting from another state, you may need to check that state's specific laws about non-resident carry rights.

You should verify the rules before traveling with a firearm. Gun laws vary significantly by state, and what's legal in your home state may not apply elsewhere.

As of the current year, how many states have enacted constitutional carry laws?

29 states allow constitutional carry as of 2026. This represents a significant increase from previous years.

The growth happened gradually over time. In 2022, Alabama, Ohio, Indiana, and Georgia became the 22nd through 25th states to adopt these laws.

Florida and Nebraska followed in 2023. Louisiana and South Carolina enacted constitutional carry in 2024, bringing the total to 29 states.

In which states is no license required to carry a handgun, either openly or concealed?

The 29 constitutional carry states include a mix of regions across the country. You'll find these states primarily concentrated in the South, Midwest, and Mountain West regions.

Constitutional carry is also called permitless carry or unrestricted carry. These terms all refer to the same concept of carrying a concealed firearm without a government-issued permit.

Even in these states, you may still choose to obtain a permit. Having a permit can provide benefits like reciprocity with other states that honor your permit but don't extend constitutional carry to non-residents.

What recent changes have occurred in state constitutional carry laws?

The most recent additions occurred in 2024 when Louisiana and South Carolina joined the constitutional carry states. This continued a trend of expanding permitless carry rights across the United States.

Several states have also modified their existing constitutional carry laws. Some have lowered age requirements or expanded where permitless carry is allowed.

Federal restrictions and state-specific rules still apply even in constitutional carry states. You must remain aware of prohibited locations and eligibility requirements that continue to restrict certain individuals.

Are there states considering changes or adoption of constitutional carry that have not yet enacted such laws?

Multiple states have ongoing discussions about adopting constitutional carry legislation. State legislatures regularly introduce bills to establish or expand permitless carry rights.

The success of these efforts depends on the political makeup of each state's legislature and governor's office. States with more conservative leadership tend to move toward constitutional carry more quickly.

You should monitor your state's legislative activity if you're interested in potential changes. Laws can change during legislative sessions, and what isn't legal this year might become legal in the future.