In what states do you not need a gun permit?

Asked by: Vilma Dickinson  |  Last update: March 1, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (14 votes)

Many U.S. states don't require a permit for carrying a handgun (permitless or constitutional carry), including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming, though rules vary by state, often with age restrictions and prohibitions in certain locations like federal buildings or businesses. Vermont and Wyoming have historically allowed permitless carry, with many other states adopting similar laws recently, making it a majority of states now.

What states let you carry a gun without a permit?

Listed below are the 29 states that allow permitless concealed carry (PC) and the minimum age requirement:

  • Alabama (PC-21)
  • Alaska (PC-21)
  • Arizona (PC-21)
  • Arkansas (PC-18)
  • Florida (PC-21, as of July 1, 2023)
  • Georgia (PC-21 years old or 18 for military)
  • Idaho (PC-18)
  • Indiana (PC-18)

Do all states require a license to own a gun?

Currently, the states that require some form of license or permit for firearms ownership are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Washington, and Washington, D.C. The details and specifics of these permits are as follows.

Can you have a gun without a license in the USA?

You don't need a federal license to buy a gun in the U.S., but federal law requires background checks through licensed dealers (FFLs), and many states have additional permit-to-purchase requirements, safety training, or waiting periods before you can take possession. Federal law mandates a background check (NICS) for all dealer sales, but specific state rules for licenses, permits, and waiting periods vary significantly, with some states requiring licenses for handguns, others for all firearms, and some requiring fingerprints or safety courses. 

What state has the freest gun laws?

There isn't one single state with the absolute loosest gun laws, as different states excel in lax regulations across various areas, but Mississippi and Wyoming consistently rank as having the weakest overall gun laws, with Mississippi having minimal policies and Wyoming lacking many common safety regulations like universal background checks. Other states like New Hampshire, West Virginia, Montana, and Arizona also feature very lenient laws, with permitless carry and strong self-defense protections being common themes. 

What is Constitutional Carry And What States Have It? (Permitless Carry?)

29 related questions found

What state is the least gun friendly?

The 10 States With the Strictest Gun Laws

  • New York.
  • Connecticut.
  • Hawaii.
  • New Jersey.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Washington.
  • Colorado.

What is the most armed state?

The "most armed" state depends on the metric: Montana has the highest percentage of gun-owning adults (around 66%), while Texas has the highest total number of guns and gun-owning households, often exceeding one gun per person. Other states with very high rates include Wyoming, Alaska, and Idaho, particularly in terms of household ownership. 

What state has the strictest gun laws?

California consistently ranks as the state with the strictest gun laws, leading in comprehensive safety regulations like assault weapon bans, universal background checks, and red flag laws, followed closely by states like Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. These states generally implement strong universal background checks, waiting periods, permits to purchase, and restrictions on certain types of firearms, leading to lower gun death rates compared to less regulated states.
 

Is Florida permitless carry?

— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 543 which strengthens Floridians' Second Amendment rights by allowing Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a government-issued permit. HB 543 goes into effect on July 1, 2023, making Florida the 26th state to enact Constitutional Carry legislation.

In what states can I not own 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.

What state is easiest to purchase a firearm?

Montana, West Virginia, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Idaho, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky are the easiest states in which to buy a gun.

What town requires you to own a gun?

Kennesaw's gun law plainly states: "In order to provide for and protect the safety, security and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants, every head of household residing in city limits is required to maintain a firearm, together with ammunition."

Can you carry a gun in your car in all states?

No, you cannot drive with a gun in your car in all states without restrictions, as laws vary significantly, but federal law (FOPA) provides a "safe passage" for unloaded firearms if stored securely (locked, separate from ammo, inaccessible) when traveling between states where possession is legal; however, strict states like NY/NJ can still arrest you, requiring you to use the federal law as a defense later, so you must check laws for every state you enter.
 

What four states don't allow open carry?

Four major states1 New York, Florida, California, and Illinois1 fall into the latter category, keeping open carry off the table for most residents. The same is true for Washington, D.C., which has some of the strictest gun laws in the country.

What is the point of open carry?

Supporters of open carry often claim that visible firearms can deter criminal activity. The idea is that if potential criminals see law-abiding citizens armed, they may think twice before committing a crime.

What is the difference between concealed carry and permitless carry?

Constitutional carry, also known as permitless carry, allows individuals to carry a concealed firearm without needing a permit. This law is based on the belief that the Second Amendment provides all the necessary rights to carry a firearm.

Do you have to tell a cop you have a gun in your car in Florida?

To be clear, Florida Statute 790.06 - “License to carry concealed weapon or firearm” states that an individual has no “duty to inform” a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed weapon or firearm (some states do, however).

What states are open carry?

Currently, 46 states allow open carry in some form. The remaining four states — California, Florida, Illinois and New York (plus Washington D.C.) — generally prohibit it.

What is the most gun-friendly state?

There isn't one single "most" gun-friendly state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Montana, Arkansas, and South Dakota consistently appear at the top for lenient laws, permitless carry (constitutional carry), and lack of sales tax on firearms, with strong protections like "stand-your-ground" laws. These states offer broad rights for lawful gun owners, with New Hampshire often cited as #1 due to its combination of permitless carry for ages 18+, no sales tax, and self-defense protections.
 

What country has the loosest gun laws?

Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.

What is the hardest state to own a gun in?

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.
  • Massachusetts is the #2 worst state for gun owners due to its permit-to-purchase and reciprocity laws.

What state is known for guns?

Montana tops the ranking of the states with the highest percentage of gun ownership, with 66.3% of the adult population owning firearms. The state has some of the most relaxed gun control laws in America. No state permit is required to purchase or possess a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.

How many guns does the average American own?

The average American owns between one and five firearms. Men are more likely than women to own more than one, and those with only one firearm typically have a handgun or pistol. 62% of gun owners with only one firearm have a handgun. 66% of gun owners have more than one firearm.