Simone Lawson
Alabama's gun laws have been a topic of discussion in recent years, with the state's new permitless carry law sparking questions and debates among gun owners and law enforcement officials. As of 2023, Alabama residents over the age of 19 are no longer required to obtain a permit to carry a firearm in public, either openly or concealed. This law, also known as constitutional carry, allows eligible individuals to possess and carry handguns without a state-issued permit. However, it's important to note that federal laws still prohibit firearms in certain places and events, and Alabama has its own restrictions on carrying concealed weapons in specific locations. While this change in legislation has prompted concerns and discussions, especially in light of mass shootings, Alabama residents can still choose to obtain a concealed carry permit if desired, and the state continues to honor out-of-state permits as well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Permitless carry | Yes, also known as constitutional carry. |
| Open carry | Yes, with some exceptions. |
| Concealed carry | Yes, with some exceptions. |
| Pistol permit | Not required for residents 19 years or older. |
| Pistol permit | Not required for active, retired, or honorably discharged veterans or law enforcement officers 18 years or older. |
| Pistol permit | Issued for free to active, retired, or honorably discharged service members, law enforcement officers, or retired law enforcement officers. |
| Pistol permit | Available for purchase for $300 for residents aged 19-59. |
| Concealed carry permit | Alabama residents must have an Alabama pistol permit to carry in the state. |
| Out-of-state concealed carry permits | Alabama honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits. |
| Non-residents | Non-residents with a concealed carry permit in another U.S. state can legally carry their firearm in Alabama but must follow Alabama gun laws. |
| Gun laws | Vary by state; checking gun laws in other states before traveling is recommended. |
| Federal law | Prohibits carrying firearms in military bases, federal courthouses, federal law enforcement offices, etc. |
| State law | Bans carrying a concealed weapon in police departments, sheriff's offices, courthouses, prisons, jails, psychiatric facilities, etc. |
| Private property | A person cannot carry a concealed weapon on private property without the owner's express permission. |
| Employer's rights | An employer may not restrict an employee from concealing a legally possessed firearm in the employee's privately-owned vehicle, provided it is stored in compliance with Alabama State Law. |
| Educational institutions | It is no longer prohibited to possess a firearm on the campus of a 2-year or 4-year institution of higher education if the firearm is stored inside the owner's privately-owned vehicle and in compliance with Alabama laws. |
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What You'll Learn
Alabama's permitless carry law
The law states that individuals who are not prohibited by state or federal law and meet the age requirements may carry a handgun in Alabama without a permit, background check, or safety training. However, there are several stipulations to this law. For example, individuals cannot carry a concealed weapon on private property without the consent of the property owner. Additionally, there are restrictions on carrying firearms in certain locations, such as police stations, courthouses, and jails.
While Alabama's permitless carry law allows individuals to carry a firearm without a permit, the state still recognizes and honors out-of-state concealed carry permits. Alabama residents who wish to carry a firearm in the state must have an Alabama Pistol Permit. Non-residents with a concealed carry permit from another U.S. state can legally carry their firearm in Alabama but must comply with Alabama's gun laws while in the state.
It is worth noting that, despite the permitless carry law, some Alabama counties, such as Montgomery, have implemented local ordinances requiring individuals to carry photo identification when concealing a firearm. Therefore, individuals in Alabama should stay informed about the specific gun laws and regulations in their local area.
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Alabama gun laws
Alabama's gun laws are some of the most permissive in the United States. The state's constitution enshrines the right to bear arms, and Alabama's Legislature passed a law in 2022 that removed the requirement for a permit to carry a firearm in public. This law, known as a constitutional carry or permitless carry law, came into effect on January 1, 2023, and applies to anyone over the age of 18 who has not been convicted of a violent crime or adjudicated as mentally deficient.
While Alabama does not require a permit to carry a firearm, it does offer pistol permits for free to active service members, honorably discharged or retired service members, law enforcement officers, and retired law enforcement officers. Alabama residents who are over the age of 18 and are active, retired, or honorably discharged military veterans may apply for a pistol permit or a renewal of one year or five years at no charge. Alabama residents who are retired or honorably discharged military veterans qualify for the issuance of a lifetime permit at no charge. Lifetime Carry Permits can be issued to those not prohibited from carrying under state or federal law, at a charge of $300.00 for persons aged 19-59.
Despite the lack of permit requirements, there are still some restrictions on where one can carry a firearm in Alabama. Federal law prohibits carrying firearms in certain locations, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and federal law enforcement offices, even for those with a permit. State law also bans carrying a firearm in police departments, sheriff's offices, courthouses, prisons, jails, psychiatric facilities, drug treatment facilities, and halfway houses. Additionally, one cannot carry a concealed weapon on private property without the consent of the property owner.
While Alabama's gun laws are permissive, there have been calls for stricter regulations following mass shootings in the state. In 2024, Birmingham experienced its 404th mass shooting, and there have been a total of 21 mass shootings in Alabama that year. Birmingham's mayor, Randall Woodfin, has advocated for stricter gun control measures, including a ban on "Glock switches," which are firearm parts that modify a semi-automatic handgun to fire at the same speed as an automatic weapon.
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Concealed carry permits
Alabama's permitless concealed carry law, also known as constitutional carry, came into effect on January 1, 2023. This means that eligible Alabama residents no longer need a permit to carry a concealed weapon on their person or in their vehicles. The law applies to anyone aged 19 or older, or 18 and older for active, retired, or honorably discharged veterans or law enforcement officers. However, there are certain stipulations to this law. For example, individuals cannot carry a concealed weapon on private property without the owner's consent, and they cannot carry firearms into certain types of facilities, such as police stations, courthouses, jails, and psychiatric facilities.
While a permit is not required for concealed carry in Alabama, residents may still choose to obtain a concealed carry permit, especially if they plan to travel to other states. Alabama honors out-of-state concealed carry permits, and residents of other states with valid concealed carry permits can legally carry their firearms in Alabama while abiding by Alabama gun laws. Some states that recognize Alabama's permits include Mississippi, Georgia, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Indiana.
It is important to note that the law does not change who is legally allowed to carry a weapon in Alabama. Individuals who have been convicted of a violent crime, adjudicated as mentally deficient, or who are prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm are still not permitted to carry a concealed weapon.
Additionally, Alabama does not require applicants for a pistol permit to complete a firearms safety course or demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety. However, it is recommended that individuals who choose to carry a concealed firearm obtain proper training to be responsibly armed. Active service members, honorably discharged or retired service members, and law enforcement officers can obtain a pistol permit for free. Alabama residents who are 18 years or older and meet the requirements can apply for a permit or renewal for one or five years at no charge.
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Open carry of firearms
Alabama's gun laws have been described as "permitless carry" or "constitutional carry". This means that, as of 2023, Alabama no longer requires a permit to open- or conceal-carry a firearm in public for those aged 19 and over. However, those who wish to obtain a concealed carry permit may still apply for one if they meet the requirements. The exception is the city of Montgomery, which requires people concealing guns to carry photo identification.
The new law changes the language in Alabama's existing code to say that the mere possession or carrying of a firearm in a public place cannot be construed as a crime. Now, a person can be arrested or charged with disorderly conduct only if they are "brandishing" — "waving, flourishing, displaying, or holding an item in a manner that is threatening or would appear threatening to a reasonable person, with or without explicit verbal threat, or in a wanton or reckless manner."
Federal law prohibits carrying firearms in locations such as military bases, federal courthouses, and federal law enforcement offices, even for gun owners with a permit. State law bans carrying a concealed weapon in police departments, sheriff's offices, courthouses, prisons, jails, psychiatric facilities, drug treatment facilities, and halfway houses. Without a permit, a person cannot carry a concealed weapon on private property without the owner's express permission.
Alabama honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits. Alabama residents must have an Alabama Pistol Permit to carry in the state. Any non-resident who has a concealed carry permit in another U.S. state can legally carry their firearm in Alabama but will be subject to Alabama gun laws while in that state.
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Pistol permits
Alabama's pistol permit laws have changed over time. As of 2023, Alabama is a constitutional carry state, meaning that eligible residents can carry a concealed weapon without a permit. However, there are still situations in which a pistol permit is required.
Alabama Pistol Permit Requirements
Previously, Alabama required a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Alabama issues pistol permits to residents through the sheriff of their county of residence. Alabama residents who are 18 years or older and not prohibited from carrying a firearm under state or federal law can apply for a pistol permit. Active-duty military personnel, honorably discharged or retired service members, law enforcement officers, and retired law enforcement officers who are not prohibited from carrying a firearm can obtain a pistol permit for free. Alabama residents who do not fall into these categories can obtain a lifetime carry permit for a fee of $300.
Out-of-State Visitors
Alabama honors out-of-state concealed carry permits, allowing non-residents with valid permits from other states to carry firearms within the state. However, Alabama does not issue carry permits to out-of-state residents. Non-residents carrying firearms in Alabama must comply with Alabama's gun laws.
Limitations on Carrying Firearms
Although a permit is no longer required for concealed carry in Alabama, there are still restrictions on where firearms can be carried. Federal and state laws prohibit carrying firearms in certain locations, such as military bases, federal courthouses, law enforcement offices, and correctional facilities. Additionally, individuals cannot carry concealed weapons on private property without the owner's consent.
Recommendations
While a permit is no longer required for concealed carry in Alabama, it is still recommended that individuals seeking to carry a firearm obtain proper training to ensure they can do so responsibly. When traveling to other states, it is essential to check the local gun laws, as requirements and restrictions may vary.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitutional carry means that the state’s law does not prohibit citizens who can legally possess a firearm from carrying handguns, either openly or in a concealed manner, thus no state permit is required.
Alabama is a constitutional carry state. As of 2023, Alabama no longer requires a permit to open or conceal carry a firearm in public for those age 19 and over.
There are no longer any requirements to carry a firearm in Alabama. However, there are restrictions on where you can carry a firearm, such as police stations, prisons, and psychiatric facilities.
No, you do not need a permit to carry a firearm in Alabama. However, you may still apply for a concealed carry permit if you wish to do so.
You cannot carry a concealed weapon on private property without the consent of the property owner or the legal possessor of that property.
