Jonah Patel
In the United States, there are two main options for carrying a firearm: Constitutional Carry and Concealed Carry. Over the last two decades, there has been a surge in states adopting constitutional carry legislation, with 29 states currently allowing it. This grants the right to carry a gun without a permit, but individuals are still accountable for every action taken with the firearm. On the other hand, concealed carry involves obtaining a state-issued permit or license, which usually requires training, testing, fees, and background checks. While some states previously had concealed-carry license requirements, they have transitioned to unrestricted carry laws, continuing to issue licenses for interstate reciprocity. The choice between constitutional and concealed carry ultimately depends on personal preference, situation, and location, with both methods requiring adherence to safety and state-specific gun laws.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Constitutional carry grants the right to carry a gun without needing a permit. |
| Pros and Cons | Constitutional carry is easier and cheaper but more limited in scope. |
| States that allow constitutional carry | Alaska, Arizona, Wyoming, Kansas, Maine, Idaho, Mississippi, West Virginia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Arkansas, Iowa, Tennessee, Texas, Montana, Utah, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Nebraska, Louisiana, South Carolina, Vermont |
| States that require a permit for concealed carry | Washington, DC, Michigan |
| Number of states that allow constitutional carry | 29 |
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What You'll Learn
- Constitutional carry grants the right to carry a gun without a permit
- Concealed carry requires a state-issued permit or license
- May-issue states exercise discretion when issuing concealed weapons permits
- Shall-issue states require meeting all requirements to ensure the issuance of a license
- Some states have abolished the need for permits for those 21 and older
Constitutional carry grants the right to carry a gun without a permit
In the United States, there are two primary methods of carrying a firearm: Constitutional Carry and Concealed Carry. The former, also known as permitless carry, grants individuals the right to carry a gun in public without a permit or license. This means that in states with Constitutional Carry laws, individuals are not required to obtain a state-issued permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Constitutional carry simplifies the process of carrying a firearm, eliminating the need for extensive permitting processes. For example, in states like Arizona, individuals over the age of 21 can carry a concealed weapon without a permit as long as they accurately disclose this information to a law enforcement officer upon request. Similarly, in Alabama, individuals are no longer required to obtain a permit to carry a concealed pistol or a loaded pistol in their vehicle.
However, it is important to note that Constitutional Carry does not exempt individuals from the responsibilities of firearms ownership. Gun owners are accountable for their actions and must adhere to relevant state gun laws. Proper training and knowledge of state laws are essential to acting responsibly and lawfully.
As of 2025, there are 29 states that have adopted Constitutional Carry laws, with a notable surge in the last 20 years. Alaska was the first state to pass such legislation in 2003, followed by Arizona in 2010. The most recent states to enact Constitutional Carry include Alabama, Florida, and Nebraska, with laws going into effect in 2023.
The choice between Constitutional Carry and Concealed Carry depends on personal preferences, situations, and locations. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and individuals should be responsible and respectful when carrying a firearm in public.
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Concealed carry requires a state-issued permit or license
While some states have adopted constitutional carry or permitless carry laws, allowing individuals to carry a gun without a permit, there are still many states that require a state-issued permit or license for concealed carry.
In Pennsylvania, for example, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree to carry a firearm in a vehicle or concealed on one's body without a valid license, except in one's home or fixed place of business. There are exceptions to this rule, including police officers, security guards, on-duty military personnel, and people engaged in target shooting. Additionally, those who are licensed to hunt, trap, or fish, or who have been issued a permit relating to hunting dogs, may apply for a Sportsman's Firearm Permit, which is valid for five years. This permit, however, does not allow for the concealed carry of firearms.
In California, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office issues Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW) Licenses. Applicants must be Permanent Legal Residents, Aliens, or U.S. Citizens, and all firearms listed on the CCW must be recorded in the applicant's name. The application process requires information about the applicant's prior detentions, arrests, and criminal convictions, as well as any restraining or protective orders against them. The CCW must be renewed every five years, and there is no penalty for an expired CCW.
Some states, like New York, have criteria in place for issuing concealed carry permits that don't align with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, which abolished "may-issue". In contrast, shall-issue states ensure the issuance of a license as long as all requirements are met, although an application process and waiting time are still involved.
While the specific requirements and processes for obtaining a concealed carry permit vary from state to state, it is clear that many states still require individuals to obtain a state-issued permit or license to lawfully carry a concealed weapon.
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May-issue states exercise discretion when issuing concealed weapons permits
In the United States, there has been a surge in constitutional carry or permitless carry legislation over the past 20 years. As of January 1, 2024, 27 states have laws allowing people to carry concealed weapons without a permit, including Vermont, which has never required a permit for concealed carry.
Constitutional carry grants the right to carry a gun without a permit, but individuals are still accountable for every action taken and every round discharged from the muzzle. It is important to be well-versed in the relevant state gun laws to act responsibly and lawfully.
The process of obtaining a concealed carry permit in a may-issue state typically involves criteria such as age requirements, background checks, and completion of a firearms training course. Applicants may also need to demonstrate a specific need to carry a concealed weapon, such as threats to personal safety. Despite the uncertainty, many may-issue states have relatively straightforward processes for obtaining permits. However, the June 2022 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen abolished may-issue, stating that the use of subjective criteria in granting concealed carry permits is unconstitutional.
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Shall-issue states require meeting all requirements to ensure the issuance of a license
In the United States, jurisdictions that require permits to carry a concealed weapon are divided into "shall-issue" and "may-issue" states. In "shall-issue" states, meeting all the requirements ensures the issuance of a license to carry a concealed weapon. This process is generally easier than in a "may-issue" state, but it still involves an application process and some waiting time.
"Shall-issue" states have a standard set of criteria that must be met in order to obtain a license to carry a concealed weapon. These criteria are typically outlined in state law and may include background checks, training, and the payment of fees. For example, in Arizona, those 21 and older who can accurately answer a law enforcement officer if asked if they are carrying a concealed deadly weapon are permitted to do so without a license. However, the process to obtain a permit is still in place to allow residents to carry concealed weapons in other states or in establishments that serve alcohol.
On the other hand, "may-issue" states give local authorities the discretion to issue concealed weapons permits. While many "may-issue" states have a relatively straightforward process for obtaining a permit, some states, like New York, have been known to issue criteria that don't align with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, which abolished "may-issue" permitting in June 2022.
Constitutional carry, or permitless carry, grants individuals the right to carry a gun without a permit. However, it does not exempt them from the responsibility of firearms ownership. As of 2025, there are 29 constitutional carry or permitless carry states in the U.S., with Vermont being a constitutional carry state since 1793. The recent surge in constitutional carry legislation has led to varying laws and requirements for carrying concealed weapons across the country.
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Some states have abolished the need for permits for those 21 and older
In the United States, there are two main options for carrying a firearm: Constitutional Carry and Concealed Carry. The former, also known as permitless carry, allows individuals to carry a gun without a permit, while the latter requires a state-issued permit or license.
Florida is another state that has passed a permitless concealed carry bill, allowing residents and non-residents 21 and older to carry handguns and other weapons, such as knives, without a permit. However, open carry of firearms is still illegal in Florida, except for specific activities like hunting, fishing, and camping. On the other hand, open carry without a permit was already legal for residents and non-residents 18 and older in Alabama before the state eliminated the requirement for a permit for concealed carry in 2023.
The trend towards constitutional carry or permitless carry legislation has been increasing over the last two decades, with 29 states currently having such laws in place. This shift highlights a move towards greater accessibility to firearm ownership and carry rights in the United States, with a focus on personal preference, situation, and location. However, it is important to note that constitutional carry does not relieve individuals of the responsibility of firearms ownership, and proper training and knowledge of state gun laws are essential.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitutional carry allows an individual to carry a gun without a permit, whereas concealed carry involves carrying a concealed firearm with a state-issued permit or license.
As of 2025, there are 29 constitutional carry or permitless carry states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
While constitutional carry eliminates the need for a permit, individuals are still accountable for their actions and must follow relevant state gun laws. This includes being properly trained and well-versed in the laws of their state and any states they visit.
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