Can you carry a gun in every state in the US?
Asked by: Ora Torphy | Last update: February 22, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (66 votes)
All states allow some form of concealed carry, the carrying of a concealed firearm in public. Many states allow some form of open carry, the carrying of an unconcealed firearm in public on one's person or in a vehicle.
What states are not allowed to carry guns?
Three states — California, Florida, and Illinois —plus Washington, DC generally prohibit people from openly carrying firearms in public. New York and South Carolina prohibit openly carrying handguns but not long guns. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New Jersey prohibit openly carrying long guns but not handguns.
Can you carry a gun anywhere in us?
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 I carry my gun across states?
It is important to note that 18 USC § 926A only allows you to travel through, not to, the states in which it's illegal to carry firearms. In states with strict gun laws (such as California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York), it may be a good idea not to stop at all.
Do all states require a license to carry a gun?
Though most states have permitless carry laws, the majority of Americans live in states that still require a permit or license to carry a concealed firearm. Permitless carry states tend to be more rural and sparsely populated, with some exceptions like Florida and Texas.
Can your CCW cover all 50 states?
What state is open carry?
Five states (and the District of Columbia) prohibit people from openly carrying guns in public: Illinois, New York, South Carolina, Florida, and California. There are other states that restrict handguns in public, including Alabama, Washington, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
How many states can you own a gun without a permit?
13 states allow the open carry of guns without a permit while requiring one for concealed carry (no states do it the other way around). This chart shows U.S. state laws regulating the open and concealed carry of guns in the U.S.
What is the least gun-friendly state?
Mississippi has the weakest gun laws in the country and the highest gun death rate.
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.
How can I carry in all 50 states?
Unfortunately, the only way to have a carry permit that's good for all 50 states is if you're a police officer or a retired police officer, by means of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA).
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.
Can I open carry in California?
Under California Penal Code Section 26350 PC, it is illegal to openly carry a handgun that is exposed and unloaded on one's person or in a vehicle while in public.
What state has the toughest gun laws?
Leading states for gun law strength in the U.S. 2025
California led the way in gun safety in the United States as of January 2025, with a composite score of 90.5 based on the presence of 50 key gun safety policies.
Can you carry a gun anywhere in America?
It is legal to carry a concealed handgun in public in all 50 states. States have traditionally required a person to have a permit to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public.
What states do you have to register your firearm?
- California28 (assault weapons and 50 caliber rifles)
- Connecticut29 (assault weapons and large capacity magazines)
- Hawaii30 (assault pistols)
- Maryland31 (assault pistols)
- Massachusetts32
Can a non-resident 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) ...
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.
How many firearms can I travel with?
You can pack up to 5 firearms in one case. You can typically check up to 9 bags or cases, including checked bags without firearms. Checked bag fees apply to all checked items unless otherwise noted. Oversized, overweight and extra items will be subject to additional fees unless otherwise noted.
What state doesn 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.
What state has the highest gun violence?
As of 2025, Mississippi was the state with the highest gun violence rate per 100,000 residents in the United States, at 29.4 percent, followed by Louisiana, at 28.1 percent. In comparison, Massachusetts had a gun violence rate of 3.7 percent, the lowest out of all the states.
What state is the hardest to get a gun?
- 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.
Do you need a license to carry a gun in all states?
Only California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Washington D.C. prohibit the open carry of guns (while requiring a permit for concealed carry), the same category Florida had fit in prior to the change. All 25 states other than Florida that allow permitless concealed carry also don't require a permit for open carry.
In what states are fully automatic guns legal?
In which states is it legal to own a fully automatic weapon? - Quora. All states EXCEPT 13: California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
What states can a convicted felon own a gun?
All states except Vermont generally restrict firearm access after a person has been convicted of a felony, mirroring federal law in this area, which generally prohibits firearm access after an individual has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.