Can you carry a gun anywhere in America?
Asked by: Reyes Durgan | Last update: January 12, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (41 votes)
Introduction. In the United States, it is legal to carry a concealed handgun in public in all 50 states. Many states require a person to have a permit to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public.
Can you carry a gun everywhere in the US?
As of 2022, almost all US states allow for open carry either without a permit or with a permit/license. The gun rights community has become supportive of the practice, while gun control groups are generally opposed.
Can you carry a gun in your car in USA?
Private Vehicle Travel
You can lawfully possess firearms in your state of origin. You can lawfully possess firearms at your destination. The firearm and ammunition must be stored out of reach (not in the glove compartment or center console).
Can you legally carry a gun in all states?
Crossing state lines with guns
Some states have entered into reciprocity agreements to recognize concealed carry permits from other states. Others — such as California, New York, and Maryland — do not honor other states' concealed carry permits, effectively banning handguns by non-residents.
Is it legal to walk around with a gun in the US?
All but four states (and Washington D.C.) allow the open carrying of a firearm either with or without a permit. Open carry means to carry a firearm in public in circumstances where the firearm is fully or partially (e.g., holstered) visible to others.
How to Legally Drive Firearms Across State Lines
Can tourists carry guns in America?
Under the provisions of 27 CFR 178.97, non-immigrant aliens are prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms and ammunition while in the United States unless they are a citizen or national of the Visa Waiver Program (below) or meet any ONE of the below listed exceptions in section 922(y)(2) of the GCA.
Can I carry a gun in California?
Generally you may not carry a concealed firearm on your person in public unless you have a valid Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) license. CCW licenses are issued only by a California county sheriff to residents of the county, or the chief of police to residents of the city.
What are the most gun-friendly states?
- #8 Texas. ...
- #7 Oklahoma. ...
- #6 Missouri. ...
- #5 Mississippi. ...
- #4 Montana. ...
- #3 Arkansas. ...
- #2 West Virginia. ...
- #1 New Hampshire. New Hampshire is a Constitutional Carry state with incredibly relaxed gun laws and low crime rates.
Can I take my gun on vacation to Florida?
Can I take my gun on a road trip to Florida? Yes, you can legally transport firearms across state lines as long as you can legally possess firearms in your state of origin and at your destination, and the firearm and ammunition are stored out of reach.
Does Texas allow open carry?
As of 2021, Texas law no longer requires people to have a license to carry (LTC) in order to carry a handgun in most public places. As of 2021, Texas law no longer requires people to have a license to carry (LTC) to carry a handgun in most public places. Texans can still get a license to carry if they wish.
Is Florida an open carry state?
Addressing the misinformation surrounding Florida's Permitless Carry Law. Myth: Open carry is permitted. Fact: Open carry is still illegal in Florida under most circumstances. You may openly carry a firearm if you are engaged in or traveling to / from fishing, camping, hunting, or test / target shooting.
Can I bring my gun to New York on vacation?
Traveling with Long Guns: Long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, may be transported without a license, as long as they are unloaded and securely stored during transit. Also, if you have a conviction for what New York defines as a “serious offense” you may not be allowed to legally possess these firearms here.
Can I bring my gun to California when I visit?
As a non-resident just visiting the state, you do not have to register your gun and your handguns are not restricted to what is on the Safe Handgun Roster. If you own it (and it is not an "assault weapon") you can bring it.
Which states don't allow guns?
Forty-four states have a provision in their state constitutions similar to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. The exceptions are California, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.
Is gun legal in Canada?
Canada has much stricter gun laws than the United States, but Canadians are allowed to own firearms providing they have a licence. Restricted or prohibited firearms, like handguns, must also be registered. Canadians must be over 18 and pass a firearms safety course to hold a licence, which is renewed every five years.
Can you carry a gun in New York?
It is illegal to possess an unregistered handgun. Open carry is not addressed in New York state law, although a New York Pistol License (NYPL) is required to possess a loaded handgun outside of the home or place of business. Concealed carry is only legal with a NYPL.
Can a Canadian carry a gun in Florida?
Effective July 1, 2023, a nonresident of Florida may carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm while in Florida if the nonresident is 21 years of age or older and he or she satisfies the criteria for receiving and maintaining a license to carry a concealed weapon or concealed firearm under Section 790.06(2)(a)–(f) ...
Can I carry a gun from Texas to Florida?
Florida recognizes concealed carry licenses and permits from the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North ...
How many states allow open carry?
Nine states require a permit to open carry a handgun, while four states, California, Florida, Illinois, and New York, prohibit it entirely. Open carry is also not permitted in the District of Columbia.
What's the hardest state to get a gun in?
- Hawaii is the #1 worst state for gun owners due to strict purchasing and carry laws, as well as defying the Supreme Court on the individual's right to carry.
- California is the #2 worst state for gun owners due to its permit-to-purchase and reciprocity laws.
What is the strictest gun law in the world?
Singapore is probably the strictest country in the world when it comes to gun laws. It's still possible to own a gun but it takes a lot of work. To own a gun you need to belong to a gun club. You will also be required to leave your gun at the club for storage.
What state has the loosest gun laws?
Mississippi. Mississippi has the weakest gun laws in the country and the highest gun death rate. Lawmakers must stop failing their communities and take action to save lives.
Can you open carry in Las Vegas?
Open carry is legal in Nevada without a permit. Anyone 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may openly carry virtually anywhere in the state. For open carry in a vehicle, the firearm may be anywhere except concealed upon the person without a concealed firearms permit.
Can I legally carry a gun in my car in California?
Pursuant to California Penal Code section 25610, a United States citizen over 18 years of age who is not prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, may transport by motor vehicle any handgun provided it is unloaded and locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container.
Can you carry a gun in Arizona?
Since Arizona has permitless carry, any person who is at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm may open carry, and any person at least 21 years old may concealed carry a firearm without a permit. Arizona will honor concealed carry permits from all other states' and political subdivisions.