Gun rights are a big issue for many Americans, with about four in 10 adults saying they live in a household with a gun, and 32% personally owning one for protection.1 Many states have taken strong steps to protect gun rights.
These states have passed laws that make it easier for people to exercise their Second Amendment rights, while also balancing safety concerns.
1. Texas
Texas is known for its lenient gun laws. Since 2021, anyone 21 or older, without a felony record, can carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit.(ref)
This change has ignited safety concerns, especially after mass shootings, and faced opposition from gun safety groups.(ref) Before this, residents needed a License to Carry from the state.
Local governments can’t add extra gun restrictions, and Texas allows NFA weapons if legal under federal law. Background checks aren’t required for private gun sales between unlicensed individuals.(ref)
2. Alaska
Alaska was the first state to allow carrying a handgun without a license, either openly or concealed. However, permits are still available for reciprocity with other states and to bypass the Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990.(ref)
Anyone 16 or older can have a firearm, but those under 16 need parental consent. You must be 21 to apply for a concealed carry permit.
If a permit holder carrying a concealed handgun meets a peace officer, they must inform the officer, who may secure the weapon during the interaction.(ref)
3. Arizona
Arizona allows law-abiding citizens to openly carry handguns. Anyone 21 or older, who isn’t prohibited, can carry a weapon openly or concealed without a license.
If carrying without a license, you must inform a law enforcement officer if asked during an investigation, like a traffic stop.(ref)
4. Wyoming
Wyoming issues concealed carry permits through the sheriff’s office, unless there’s a reason to deny, like a felony conviction. Permits are valid for five years and recognized by states with similar laws.
Since July 2011, residents can carry concealed without a permit, and in 2024, this right was extended to non-residents. Open carry is allowed without a permit for everyone.
Some counties have passed Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions. (ref)
5. Montana
Montana allows concealed carry without a permit. (ref) The permit is valid for four years from the date it was issued.
The state’s new law, HB 102, allows anyone legally allowed to own a firearm to carry it concealed. (ref) In 2021, the governor also signed HB 258, which stops state and local police from helping federal agencies enforce any new gun regulations passed after January 1, 2021. (ref)
6. Idaho
Idaho allows anyone 18 or older, resident or non-resident, to carry a concealed weapon without a license outside city limits, as long as they’re not disqualified from having a carry license.
Idaho also allows people to carry without a license in their home, business, or property they own or lease, or on private property with the owner’s permission.
State law also permits Idaho residents and U.S. armed forces members over 18 to carry a concealed handgun without a license, as long as they’re not disqualified. Starting July 1, 2020, this applies to all U.S. citizens. (ref)
7. South Dakota
No permit is needed to have a handgun in one’s home, business, or on land owned or rented by them or a household member.
A person cannot carry a concealed pistol in a vehicle or on themselves without a carry license. The county sheriff issues these permits. A temporary permit must be given within 5 days if the person meets the requirements.
The application copy acts as the temporary permit until the official one is issued. Permit denials can be appealed in circuit court. (ref)
8. Kentucky
Kentucky is generally considered lenient regarding gun rights. The state has relatively permissive laws compared to many others.
To obtain a concealed carry permit, also known as a Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CCDW), you must meet several requirements. Persons must need to be at least 21 years old and have been a resident of Kentucky for at least six months before applying, and not a fugitive from justice.
Completing a state-approved handgun safety course is also mandatory.(ref) The CCDW permit allows for the concealed carry of firearms within the state.(ref)
9. Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s permitless carry law allows people to carry firearms without a license as an exception to the law against unlawful carrying of a firearm. It’s illegal to carry a firearm, whether it’s loaded or not, concealed or open, unless the person is at least 21 years old.
State law allows open carry of both loaded and unloaded firearms without a license, as long as it doesn’t break any other laws.
For members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard, the minimum age is 18. The person must not be legally disqualified from owning a firearm. (ref)
10. Utah
Utah is a constitutional carry state, meaning residents and visitors can carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit.
Utah also recognizes out-of-state permits and has “stand your ground” laws, allowing individuals to use deadly force without a duty to retreat if they are threatened.
As of May 5, 2021, following Gov. Cox’s signing of HB 60, anyone who is at least 21 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm can now openly carry or conceal a loaded firearm. (ref)
11. Georgia
Georgia has constitutional carry, which allows people to carry guns without a license. People must be at least 21 years old (or 18 if they are in the military) to get a concealed carry license.
No license is needed to carry a handgun in one’s home, vehicle, place of business, while fishing or hunting, or unloaded in a case.
Anyone who is legally allowed to own a handgun or long gun can have or carry it on their own property, inside their home, vehicle, or business without needing a weapons carry license. (ref)
12. South Carolina
In South Carolina, it is usually illegal to carry a handgun, whether hidden or visible, without a concealed weapons permit. There are a few exceptions for those with a permit. (ref)
A person who lives in South Carolina (including military personnel stationed there) or a nonresident who owns property in South Carolina can apply for a permit if they are at least 21 years old, allowed to own a firearm, and not banned from possessing one. (ref)
13. Mississippi
No state permit is needed to own a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. The Department of Public Safety will issue a concealed carry license to someone who is 21, has lived in the state for over 12 months, has a valid out-of-state license, is on active military duty, or is a retired law enforcement officer.
The person must also be free of physical or mental conditions that affect safe handling, not abuse drugs or alcohol, not be a convicted felon or fugitive, and not be banned from owning a firearm under federal law. (ref)
14. North Dakota
North Dakota has permitless carry for residents, allowing them to carry concealed without a license as long as they meet certain legal requirements.
Persons must be at least 18 years old. They can own a handgun at 18, but must be 21 to buy one, as long as they are legally allowed to have a firearm. They need a valid driver’s license or a state-issued ID and must not be barred from owning the weapon. (ref)
15. Georgia
In Georgia, a permit is not required to purchase rifles, shotguns, or handguns, and there is no need to register firearms. Concealed carry permits are not required for residents aged 21 and older due to the Constitutional Carry law passed on April 12, 2022.
Open carry is also allowed without a permit under this law. Georgia has enacted the Castle Doctrine, which permits individuals to use force, including deadly force, in self-defense.
Besides that, local governments cannot enforce stricter regulations on firearms than those set by state law. (ref)
16. West Virginia
In West Virginia, no permit is needed to buy rifles, shotguns, or handguns, and firearms do not need to be registered. People that are 21 and older can carry a handgun without a permit, though a permit is available if desired.
Open carry is also allowed without a permit. The Castle Doctrine is in place,(ref) allowing people to use self-defense in their homes and vehicles. Municipalities cannot impose restrictions on the purchase, possession, or carrying of firearms beyond state laws. (ref)
17. Nebraska
In Nebraska, no permit is needed to buy firearms, and registration is not required. A permit is needed for concealed carry, which is issued automatically if the requirements are met. While open carry is allowed in some areas, they may be restricted locally.
Nebraska also allows people to use force for self-defense. Local governments cannot enforce rules that go against state laws.
18. Missouri
In Missouri, people don’t need a permit to buy firearms, and there’s no need to register them. For concealed carry, Missouri follows a “shall issue” rule, meaning permits are given if the requirements are met, but they are not needed for open carry.
Persons must be at least 19 years old, or at least 18 years old and a member of the Armed Forces. Missouri is one of the states that allow people to defend themselves without having to retreat.
Local governments can’t set stricter rules on firearms than those established by state law. (ref)
19. Maine
Maine allows people to carry firearms without a permit, both openly or concealed, under its “constitutional carry” law. It is also a “shall issue” state for concealed carry permits, meaning local or state police handle issuing them. Carrying a gun openly is legal in the state.
Since 2015, no permit is required to carry a concealed handgun, as long as the person is 21 or older. Those between 18 and 21 can also carry without a permit if they are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard, or if they are an honorably discharged veteran.
They must not be prohibited by state or federal law from having a firearm. (ref)
20. Iowa
As of July 1, 2021, anyone 21 or older in Iowa who is not banned by state or federal law from having a firearm can carry one, either openly or concealed. There are still restrictions, such as not carrying in certain places or while intoxicated. Iowans can still choose to get a professional or nonprofessional carry permit.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety confirms that a carry permit is no longer required, but having one may help avoid legal issues, like being within 1,000 feet of a school, which could violate the Gun-Free School Zones Act without a permit. (ref)
21. Tennessee
Tennessee is known for its relatively permissive stance on gun rights. To get a concealed carry permit, known as a Handgun Carry Permit, you must meet several requirements.
Persons must need to be at least 21 years old, or 18 if a member of the military. They must be either a resident of Tennessee or a member of the military stationed in the state.
The Handgun Carry Permit allows for the concealed carry of handguns.(ref) Open carry is generally not permitted unless you hold a Handgun Carry Permit, though recent legal changes will make it easier to carry openly with this permit.(ref)
22. Louisiana
Louisiana allows open carry without a permit. However, carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is illegal unless the person is a peace officer on duty.
The Deputy Secretary of Public Safety will issue a concealed handgun permit to qualified citizens. Open carry is allowed for anyone 21 or older who can legally own a firearm under state and federal law. (ref)
23. Kansas
Kansas, despite having lenient gun laws, did not allow concealed carry until March 2006, when the “Personal and Family Protection Act” was passed. This made Kansas the 47th state to allow concealed carry and the 36th with a “shall issue” policy.
Permitless carry is allowed for those 21 and older, even on college campuses. State universities can ban guns from buildings if they use metal detectors and security guards. (ref) In 2021, Kansas lowered the age for a concealed carry permit to 18. (ref)
24. Arkansas
Arkansas law states: “A person commits the offense of carrying a weapon if he or she possesses a handgun, knife, or club on or about his or her person, in a vehicle occupied by him or her, or otherwise readily available for use with a purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ the handgun, knife, or club as a weapon against a person.”(ref)
Both houses of the Arkansas General Assembly passed resolutions declaring that Arkansas is a constitutional carry state “with no permit required to carry a handgun, either unconcealed or concealed”.(ref)
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
