What states are not allowed to carry guns?

Asked by: Dr. Ivah Rolfson V  |  Last update: September 22, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (60 votes)

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 states are guns not allowed in?

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.

In what states is concealed carry illegal?

All fifty states have laws in place that allow citizens to carry concealed weapons. However, some states will not issue permits or make it extremely difficult to acquire a permit.

Can you carry a gun in every state in the US?

However, for non-law enforcement citizens, the concealed carry regulations can be notably more complicated. Generally speaking, there's no way to lawfully carry in all 50 states, but it's possible to lawfully possess a firearm in all 50 states.

In what state do you not need a license to carry a gun?

Currently, the other states with permitless carry laws are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.

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

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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.

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.

What state is most gun-friendly?

Best States for Gun Owners
  • #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 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 bring my guns to another state?

Yes. A person who lawfully possesses a firearm may transport or ship the firearm interstate when changing their state of residence. If using a moving company, you must notify the mover that firearms are being transported.

Why is concealed carry bad?

Studies demonstrate that permitless carry leads to a rise in aggravated assault, rape, robbery, and murder. In a study of concealed carry laws, violent crime rates rose up to 15% after 10 years after enactment of the law.

Is Texas an open carry state?

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.

Can you carry a gun in the mall in Indiana?

A handgun may be carried virtually anywhere in Indiana except for the following exceptions: In or on school property (locked in a vehicle is OK), on a school bus, in or on property that is being used by a school for a school function, private school, head start, preschool programs, on commercial or charter aircraft, ...

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.

In what states can felons own guns?

- Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon and South Dakota automatically restore firearms rights to convicted felons - including those who committed violent crimes - but make them wait five to 15 years after they complete state supervision, the center and ATF found.

How many pistols can I buy in a week?

Summary of Federal Law

Federal law does not limit the number of guns a person may buy in any given time period. However, federal law does require federal firearm licensees (“FFLs”) to report multiple sales of handguns to ATF and other specified law enforcement agencies.

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 walk down the street with a gun in Texas?

Open Carry in Texas

However, Texas generally prohibits people from openly carryinghandguns, whether loaded or unloaded, on or about their person in public spaces, except if the handguns are carried in a holster (in which case a holstered handgun may be partially or even wholly visible to another person).

Can you carry a gun without a license in the US?

Most States Don't Require Concealed Carry Permits

Permitless carry states allow adults to carry concealed handguns without licenses. 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.

What's the hardest state to get a gun in?

Worst States to be a Gun Owner (2024 Updated)
  • 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 most armed state?

Texas was the state with the highest number of registered weapons in the United States in 2021, with 1,006,555 firearms. Rhode Island, on the other hand, had the least, with 4,887 registered firearms.

How many US states allow concealed carry?

Every state—as well as the District of Columbia—authorizes people to carry concealed weapons in public in some form. Twenty-one states generally require a state-issued permit in order to carry concealed weapons in public (CCW permit).

What 4 states don t allow open carry?

Four states, California, the District of Columbia, Florida, and Illinois, prohibit the practice altogether. The open carrying of long guns is commonly seen in acts of protest or demonstration. In recent years, many of these protests have been targeted at private companies.

Can I legally carry a gun in California now?

Concealed carry is only legal with a California Concealed Carry Weapons License (CCW). The minimum age is 18 years old, although a licensing authority has the discretion to require applicants to be older than 18 years of age.