What states do not allow open carry?

Asked by: Mr. Claud Harber IV  |  Last update: December 13, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (12 votes)

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.

What states are not open carry in the US?

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.

Why is open carry illegal in Florida?

It opposes open carry laws, stating that openly carrying firearms heightens the risk of violence and instills fear in public areas. Their research and advocacy efforts significantly impact gun legislation, including supporting the maintenance of Florida's open carry prohibition.

How many states have no permit to carry?

Of the 29 states that do not require a permit or background check to carry a loaded, concealed weapon in public, only two of them—Nebraska and Vermont—require a background check to purchase some or all firearms.

Can I carry my gun in all 50 states?

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.

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

29 related questions found

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 I travel with my gun on a road trip?

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.

Can you conceal carry 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.

Which state has the least gun laws?

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.

What state you don't need a license to carry?

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.

Can I conceal carry in Walmart in Florida?

Walmart — Walmart does not allow open carry of weapons in any of their stores, but they do allow the concealed carry of weapons in accordance with state laws. If a customer is observed openly carrying a firearm at a Walmart location, it is up to the discretion of the store management to decide what to do.

Is Florida a stand your ground state?

"Stand your ground" laws, sometimes called “shoot first" laws, remove the duty to retreat and permit the use of deadly force in self-defense, although the scope of these laws varies from state to state. In 2005, Florida became the first state to pass a "stand your ground" law.

Is Texas an 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.

Why are people against open carry?

Carrying firearms visibly in public, known as open carry, is a dangerous policy. It is exploited by white supremacists and opposed by law enforcement and the public. Members of hate groups regularly openly carry guns in a show of intimidation.

What stores do not allow open carry?

Publix, Aldi, CVS, Walgreens and other businesses want shoppers to leave guns at home. Walmart and Kroger entered the national gun debate this week after announcing that shoppers would be asked not to openly carry firearms in store – however, they're far from the first.

What state is the hardest to get a gun?

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.

How many states do not require a gun 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)

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.

How can I carry in all 50 states?

Following the Supreme Court's NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022) decision, all states in the United States were required to allow for concealed carry of a handgun either permitlessly or with a permit, although the difficulty in obtaining a permit varies per jurisdiction.

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 own a gun without a license in the US?

Federal law does not require individuals to obtain a license or permit to own, possess, or purchase a firearm. Several states, however, have licensing or permitting requirements, which may come in the form of permits to purchase firearms, licenses to own firearms, or firearm registration requirements.

What state is most gun-friendly?

Best States for Gun Owners
  • Arizona. A little over 46% of Arizona households own at least one firearm. ...
  • Idaho. With household gun ownership of over 60% and laws that are very favorable to gun owners, Idaho is another state that is a good home for those who own firearms.
  • Texas. ...
  • Arkansas. ...
  • New Hampshire.

Where is the best place to keep a gun in a car?

But remember many state laws require firearms in a vehicle to be inaccessible. Your trunk is the safest spot, both in terms of theft and the law.

Why is the Glock 43x illegal in California?

Because CA legislators say it's “unsafe”. Their only rationalization is that Glock refused to “apply a microstamp” to the firing pin so that any rounds found at a crime scene will be traceable to the gun that fired it and, to the owner.