Can you get a gun permit in a state you don't live in?

Asked by: Amalia Cole  |  Last update: February 23, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (40 votes)

Several States issue Multi-State, Non-Resident CCW Permits that have no State residency requirement and may be obtained by any legal resident of the United States [that is not restricted from Gun possession or ownership].

What states allow non-residents to purchase firearms?

None. Federal law does not allow handguns to be purchased across State lines. A handgun must be shipped to an FFL in your state of residence and transferred there. The only exception is for inheritance.

What is the hardest state to get a gun permit?

Report Highlights:
  • 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.

Can you carry a gun anywhere in the US now?

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 take a gun to any state?

You can legally transport firearms across state lines as long as: 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).

Should I Get an Out-of-State Carry License or Permit in 2022? [Nonresident CCW Explained]

45 related questions found

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).

What is the least gun-friendly state?

Mississippi has the weakest gun laws in the country and the highest gun death rate.

Can foreigners carry guns in US?

It is a class C felony for any person who is not a citizen of the United States to carry or possess any firearm, unless the person: (1) Is a lawful permanent resident; (2) has obtained a valid alien firearm license pursuant to RCW 9.41.

In what states can you not carry a gun?

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.

Can a non-US citizen get a concealed carry?

You must be a Permanent Legal Resident/Alien or a U.S. Citizen to apply for a CCW. Visa status is not acceptable for applying for a Concealed Weapon License.

What country has the loosest gun laws?

Now that you have a little idea of what's involved in gun ownership when moving overseas, here are the 10 countries with the friendliest gun laws:
  • Countries With The Easiest Gun Laws: Argentina. ...
  • Norway. ...
  • Panama. ...
  • Countries With The Easiest Gun Laws: Italy. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Czech Republic. ...
  • Countries With The Easiest Gun Laws: Switzerland.

Which country is the easiest to get gun license?

Let's take a look at five countries where owning a gun is relatively easy, compared to the rest of the world:
  • United States. The United States is well-known for its gun ownership culture. ...
  • Switzerland. Switzerland has a strong tradition of gun ownership, partly due to its national defence policy. ...
  • Serbia. ...
  • Yemen. ...
  • Finland.

What are the top 7 states with the strictest gun laws?

The 10 states with the strongest gun laws, in ranking order, were California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland and Colorado. The states with the least stringent gun laws were Wyoming, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Idaho, Montana, Mississippi, South Dakota, Kansas and Arizona.

Can you buy ammo without ID?

In California, New York and the District of Columbia, you can legally buy ammunition only in person at licensed dealers with an ID. Everytown says those simple requirements can save lives.

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 city is it illegal not to own a gun?

No town in the United States has been as public about its support for guns as Kennesaw, population about 30,000, where city leaders for 30 years have required that every household have at least one gun.

What state has the most 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.

Can I carry my gun to another state?

The short answer is yes, you can legally carry a gun across state lines in the United States – but there are very specific federal laws and state regulations that you must follow to remain fully compliant.

Can tourists have guns in USA?

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 a foreigner carry a gun?

California: With a few exceptions, California forbids having a "concealable" firearm in a vehicle. One of the most signifigant exceptions, however, does not apply to non-citizens! The exception is that it's legal to have a handgun in vehicle if it's locked in the trunk or is in some other locked container.

Can a tourist buy a gun in California?

Short answer: yes! As a non-citizen of the U.S., you can still buy guns and ammunition, but there are several conditions that must be met. There are three categories you may fall into as a non-citizen: Immigrant Aliens, Aliens from Visa Waiver Countries, and Non-Immigrant Visa Aliens.

What country is most gun-friendly?

Here are ten of the world's best countries for gun owners.
  • Honduras. The Good: Hondurans may purchase most popular types of shotguns, handguns or rifles for the recognized purposes of self-defense and recreation. ...
  • United States. ...
  • Czech Republic. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Panama. ...
  • Norway. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Sweden.

In what states are guns illegal?

U.S. gun laws 2024, by state

As of 2024, 22 U.S. states required background checks and/or permits for the purchase of a handgun. A further 13 states had regulations on openly carrying firearms in public, however, only California, Connecticut, Florida, and Illinois had completely prohibited open carry for all firearms.

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.