Malcolm Rivera
Wyoming has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the United States. As of July 1, 2021, the state allows any U.S. resident who is legally allowed to possess firearms to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Wyoming also permits non-residents to carry a concealed firearm, provided they hold a valid permit from their home state. The state also allows open carry without a permit for anyone over the age of 18. Wyoming's gun-free zones have been repealed, allowing people to carry concealed firearms in public schools without the school's permission. The state also does not require a permit or background check to purchase a firearm from a private individual.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional carry in Wyoming | Allowed |
| Year Wyoming became a constitutional carry state | 2011 |
| Wyoming residents' permit requirement to carry a concealed weapon | Not required |
| Non-residents' permit requirement to carry a concealed weapon | Not required |
| Minimum age to carry a concealed weapon | 21 |
| Minimum age to purchase and possess a handgun | 21 |
| Minimum age to purchase and possess a shotgun or rifle | 18 |
| Off-limit areas | Schools, businesses that sell and consume alcohol, courthouses, law enforcement facilities, university facilities |
| Permit validity | 5 years |
| Permit fee | $64 |
| Permit revocation | Yes, if the permittee is convicted of a violent crime or a crime involving controlled substances or alcohol abuse |
| Law enforcement officers' permit requirement | No, under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) |
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What You'll Learn
- Wyoming gun laws allow non-residents to carry a concealed firearm, provided they have a valid permit from their home state
- Wyoming residents can carry a concealed firearm without a permit
- Law enforcement officers and retired law enforcement officers can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the US
- Wyoming is the fifth state to allow guns in public schools without special permission
- Wyoming residents do not need a permit to purchase a firearm from a private individual
Wyoming gun laws allow non-residents to carry a concealed firearm, provided they have a valid permit from their home state
Wyoming's gun laws are among the most relaxed in the country. The state allows non-residents to carry a concealed firearm as long as they have a valid permit from their home state. This permit must be valid across the whole of the carrier's home state, and the home state must also recognize Wyoming's concealed firearm permits. In addition, the carrier must be legally entitled to carry a firearm and be over the age of 21. Wyoming's gun laws do not require a permit to be purchased from a private individual, nor do they require background checks, waiting periods, or firearms registration. However, background checks are required when purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer.
Wyoming's gun laws also allow for open carry without a permit for anyone over the age of 18 who is legally entitled to carry a firearm. In addition, law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs (RLEOs) can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. RLEOs from out-of-state agencies who reside in Wyoming may qualify with any firearms instructor approved by the Wyoming Police Officer Standards and Testing (POST).
While Wyoming's gun laws are permissive, there are some areas where firearms are prohibited, including schools and businesses primarily devoted to the sale and consumption of alcohol. Additionally, federal law and regulations or state law may prohibit the carrying of firearms in certain places, such as facilities used primarily for law enforcement operations or administration without written consent from the chief administrator.
It is important to note that gun laws are constantly evolving, and individuals are responsible for staying up-to-date and complying with the latest legal requirements. Wyoming's gun laws have undergone recent changes, such as the removal of the requirement for the home state to have similar laws to Wyoming's concealed carry statute. As of July 1, 2021, Wyoming allows permitless concealed carry for legal residents of the US who are 21 or older and may lawfully possess a firearm.
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Wyoming residents can carry a concealed firearm without a permit
Wyoming has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the United States. Wyoming residents can carry a concealed firearm without a permit, as the state allows constitutional carry. This means that any US resident who is legally allowed to possess firearms can carry a concealed weapon in Wyoming without a permit. This law came into effect on July 1, 2021, and applies to US citizens and lawful permanent residents aged 21 or older. Those under 21 must have a valid concealed carry permit from a jurisdiction that Wyoming recognizes if they wish to carry a concealed weapon in the state.
Wyoming's gun laws also allow non-residents to carry a concealed firearm in the state, provided they hold a valid concealed carry permit from their home state. The home state must also recognize Wyoming's concealed carry permits. This law came into effect in 2010, and was expanded in 2021 to include permitless carry for non-residents who would otherwise qualify for a permit in Wyoming.
Wyoming's gun laws also allow law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs (RLEOs) to carry a concealed firearm in the state without a permit, under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA).
While Wyoming allows constitutional carry, there are still some restrictions on where firearms can be carried. Firearms are prohibited in certain publicly-funded spaces, such as prisons, jails, mental health treatment facilities, and laboratories containing explosive materials on the University of Wyoming campus. Firearms are also prohibited in schools, although Wyoming has recently eliminated gun-free zones, allowing people to carry concealed firearms in K-12 public schools without the school's permission. However, school staff are not allowed to ask visitors if they are carrying concealed firearms, as most schools do not have metal detectors.
Wyoming's gun laws also exempt individuals who purchase a firearm from a private individual from the requirement to undergo a background check, although a background check is required if purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Dealer. There is also no waiting period or firearms registration required for gun purchases in Wyoming.
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Law enforcement officers and retired law enforcement officers can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the US
Wyoming has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the US. There is no permit needed to purchase a firearm from a private individual, no background check is required, and there is no waiting period or firearms registration in the state. Open carry is legal without a permit for anyone who is at least 18 years old and can legally own a firearm. As of July 1, 2021, permitless concealed carry is legal for any US legal resident over 21 years old who can lawfully possess a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and businesses devoted primarily to the sale and consumption of alcohol.
In terms of law enforcement officers (LEO) and retired law enforcement officers (RLEO), the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) of 2004, often referred to as HR 218, allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms nationwide, in any jurisdiction, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified RLEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States. This means that off-duty police officers who meet the requirements set forth by LEOSA are legally allowed to carry concealed firearms in all 50 states.
However, LEOSA does not grant unlimited authority to carry firearms. It sets certain requirements that must be met for an officer to qualify. For example, the officer must be carrying the identification required by subsection (d) of 18 USC 926B. The term "qualified law enforcement officer" is defined by 18 USC 926B as an employee of a governmental agency who is authorized by law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of any violation of law, and has statutory powers of arrest or apprehension. They must also be authorized by the agency to carry a firearm and meet the agency's standards for regularly qualifying in the use of a firearm.
While some argue that police officers should be able to carry a firearm for an additional layer of protection, others argue that it can lead to an increase in gun violence and accidental discharges. The potential consequences of allowing police officer concealed carry in all states are complex and multifaceted, and policymakers must carefully consider these potential consequences when making decisions about police officer concealed carry laws.
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Wyoming is the fifth state to allow guns in public schools without special permission
Wyoming has passed legislation to repeal gun-free zones, allowing people to carry concealed firearms in public schools without the need for special permission from school authorities. This move makes Wyoming the fifth state, after New Hampshire, Alabama, Oregon, and Utah, to permit individuals to bring weapons into K-12 public schools without prior clearance from licensed administrators or school districts. The law, which comes into effect on July 1, 2025, applies to adults 21 years and older with clean records and concealed carry permits.
While the repeal of gun-free zones in Wyoming allows for the presence of firearms in schools, it does not grant unrestricted access. Only individuals who meet specific criteria will be legally permitted to carry concealed weapons on school grounds. This includes adults over the age of 21 who have a valid concealed carry permit and no prior criminal record. Additionally, the law mandates that concealed carry permits be obtained for schools and certain other locations, such as the Wyoming Capitol building.
Prior to the repeal of gun-free zones, Wyoming's laws regarding firearms in schools were already complex. While the state generally prohibited concealed weapons on K-12 campuses by non-employees, it did not have an overarching ban on the possession of firearms on school property. School districts were authorized to grant permission to employees with concealed carry permits to bring firearms into school facilities, provided they underwent an established application and approval process, as well as training overseen by law enforcement.
The new legislation further complicates the landscape of gun laws in Wyoming, which already allows for open carry of firearms without a permit for individuals over the age of 18 who are legally entitled to possess a firearm. Additionally, Wyoming law permits any non-resident to carry a concealed firearm within the state, provided they hold a valid concealed carry permit from their home state. The state also does not require a permit or background check for purchasing firearms from private individuals, although background checks are mandated for purchases from federal firearms dealers.
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Wyoming residents do not need a permit to purchase a firearm from a private individual
Wyoming is considered a gun-friendly state. As of July 1, 2021, permitless concealed carry is legal for any legal resident of the U.S. who is 21 years old or older and may lawfully possess a firearm. Wyoming is also a "shall-issue" state, meaning that the local authorities will issue a concealed carry permit to residents as long as they meet the minimum requirements.
Open carry is legal without a permit for anyone who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to carry a firearm. The minimum age to purchase and possess a handgun is 21 years old, while the minimum age for shotguns or rifles is 18 years old. Some areas are off-limits for carrying firearms, including schools and businesses primarily devoted to the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Wyoming is a Castle Doctrine state and has a "stand your ground" law. There is no duty to retreat, and the law applies at a person's home or any place where the person is lawfully present. An applicant for a concealed weapons permit in Wyoming is required to demonstrate familiarity with a firearm. However, individuals who carry a concealed weapon without a permit are exempt from this requirement.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Wyoming is a constitutional carry state. As of July 1, 2021, Wyoming allows any U.S. resident who is legally allowed to possess firearms to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
To carry a concealed weapon in Wyoming, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and be 21 years of age or older. Those under 21 must have a valid concealed carry permit from a jurisdiction that Wyoming recognizes.
Yes, there are some areas in Wyoming that are off-limits for carrying a concealed weapon, including schools, courtrooms, law enforcement facilities, and businesses primarily devoted to the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Yes, non-residents of Wyoming can carry a concealed weapon in the state as long as they meet the same requirements as residents. Additionally, non-residents must have a valid concealed carry permit from their home state that is recognized by Wyoming.
