(c) 1995 Michael Kielsky. All rights reserved. Non-commercial use permitted. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- WARNING: None of the information herein contained may be used as the basis for, or in conjunction with, taking any actions, or forming any opinions on questions of the law. No claims are made as to the accuracy, currency, and applicability of this document, in regards to the law or issues adjudicated by the various courts. Before taking any action which could possibly be in contravention to the law, always consult your qualified legal professional. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SURVEY ON HANDGUN CARRY LAWS ------------------ V3.02 95-07-09 Previous editions obsolete ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Questionaire: 1. Does the state issue possession or purchase permits for handguns? (O/P/U) 2. Does the state issue open carry permits for handguns? (O/P/U) 3. Does the state issue concealed carry permits for handguns? (O/P/U) 4. Is the permit discretionary in actual practice? (Y/N/S) 5. Is the permit valid statewide? (Y/N/D) 6. What is the initial duration of a permit? (in months) 7. What is the renewal duration of a permit? (in months) 8. What is the application cost for the permit? (in $$) 9. What is the renewal cost for the permit? (in $$) 10. Does the permit require fingerprints? (Y/N/D) 11. Does the permit require drug testing? (Y/N/D) 12. Does the permit require background checks? (Y/N/D) 13. Does the permit require proof of training/knowledge? (Y/N/D) 14. Does the permit require citing a reason listed in statute? (Y/N/D) 15. Is a permit available to nonresidents? (Y/N/D) 16. Does a nonresident permit require possession of home state permit? (Y/N) 17. What is the initial duration of a nonresident permit? (in months) 18. What is the renewal duration of a nonresident permit? (in months) 19. What is the application cost for the nonresident permit? (in $$) 20. What is the renewal cost for the nonresident permit? (in $$) 21. Does the state honor other states' permits? (Y/N) 22. Score on Carry Rights Index (CRI); values 0-100, rounded ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Answer Key: D = Discretionary, upon the discretion/need of the issuing authority I = Irrelevant, this question does not apply or is irrelevant O = Open, this action/activity is open to all lawful individuals P = Permit, a permit is required for this action/activity N = No S = Sometimes or in some circumstances U = Unlawful, this practice is unlawful to virtually all individuals Y = Yes (c) 1995 Michael Kielsky. All rights reserved. Non-commercial use permitted. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. AK| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 50 AL| O. U. P. N. Y. 12. 12. 15. 15. N. N. D. N. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. Y. 62 AR| O. U. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 20 AS| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AZ| O. O. P. N. Y. 48. 48. 50. 50. Y. N. Y. Y. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 88 CA| P. P. P. Y. Y. 12. 12. 28. . N. N. Y. N. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 37 CD| P. U. U. Y. Y. 12. 12. 0. 0. N. N. Y. Y. Y. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 10 CO| O. O. P. Y. Y. . . . . . . Y. . . N. . . . . . N. 69 CT| O. P. P. N. Y. 60. 60.+25. . Y. N. Y. Y. N. Y. . . . . . N. 88 DC| U. U. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 0 --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. DE| O. O. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. FL| O. U. P. N. Y. 36. 36.137.117. Y. N. Y. Y. Y. Y. N. 36. 36.137.117. N. 52 FM| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GA| O. O. P. N. Y. 60. 60. 42. 42. Y. N. Y. N. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 92 GU| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HI| P. P. P. Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. IA| P. P. P. Y. Y. 12. 12. 5. 2. N. N. Y. Y. Y. Y. N. 12. 12. 5. 2. N. 39 ID| O. O. P. N. Y. 48. 48. 22. 12. Y. N. D. D. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 91 IL| P. U. U. Y. N. 60. 60. 5. 5. N. N. N. N. N. Y. N. 12. 12. I. I. N. 10 IN| O. P. P. N. Y. 48. 48. 25. 25. Y. N. Y. N. Y. N. I. I. I. I. I. Y. 85 --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. KS| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 50 KY| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 50 LA| O. O. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Y. MA| P. P. P. Y. Y. 54. 60. 10. 10. Y. N. Y. D. Y. Y. N. 12. 12. 10. 10. N. 42 MD| O. P. P. Y. Y. 30. 36. 25. 25. Y. N. Y. N. Y. . . . . . . N. 47 ME| O. O. P. N. Y. 36. 36. 35. 20. D. N. Y. Y. N. Y. N. 36. 36. 60. 60. N. 91 MH| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MI| P. P. P. Y. . 36. 36. . . Y. . Y. . Y. Y. . . . . . Y. MN| P. P. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. MO| P. O. P. . N. . . . . . . Y. . Y. N. . . . . . N. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. (c) 1995 Michael Kielsky. All rights reserved. Non-commercial use permitted. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. MP| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MS| O. O. P. N. Y. 36. 36.100.100. Y. N. Y. N. N. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 85 MT| O. O. P. N. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. NC| P. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. D. D. D. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 40 ND| O. U. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. NE| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 50 NH| O. O. P. N. Y. 48. 48. 10. 10. D. N. Y. N. Y. Y. Y. 48. 48. 10. 10. N. 96 NJ| P. P. P. Y. . . . . . Y. . Y. D. . Y. . . . . . N. NM| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 50 NV| O. O. P. N. Y. . . . . . . Y. . . . . . . . . N. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. NY| P. P. P. Y. N.999.999. 45. I. Y. N. Y. Y. Y. Y. Y. . . . . N. 33 OH| P. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 40 OK| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 50 OR| O. O. P. N. Y. 24. 24. 65. 40. Y. N. Y. Y. N. D. N. 24. 24. 65. 40. N. 83 PA| O. P. P. S. Y. 60. 60. 13. 13. N. N. Y. N. Y. Y. Y. 60. 60. 13. 13. N. 76 PR| P. P. P. Y. N. 36. 36.350.250. Y. N. Y. N. Y. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 27 PW| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RI| O. P. P. . . 24. 24. 20. 20. . . . Y. . D. . 24. 24. 20. 20. N. SC| O. P. P. . . . . . . . . . . . N. . . . . . N. SD| O. O. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. TN| O. U. Y. N. . . . . . . . . Y. . N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 20 TX| O. U. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 20 UT| O. U. P. N. Y. . . 35. 5. Y. N. Y. Y. N. Y. N. . . 35. 5. N. 46 VA| O. O. P. N. Y. 24. 24. 10. 10. Y. N. Y. N. Y. . . . . . . . 86 VI| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Y. VT| O. O. O. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I.100 WA| O. U. P. N. Y. 48. 48. 23. 15. Y. N. D. N. N. Y. N. 48. 48. 23. 15. N. 69 WI| O. O. U. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. 50 WV| O. O. P. N. Y. 60. 60. 70. 50. N. N. Y. Y. Y. N. I. I. I. I. I. N. 90 WY| O. O. P. N. N. 36. 36. 0. 0. N. N. Y. N. Y. Y. N. 36. 36. 0. 0. N. 85 --+--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.--.--.--.--.--.--.---.---.---.---.--.---. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16. 17. 18. 19. 20.21. 22. (c) 1995 Michael Kielsky. All rights reserved. Non-commercial use permitted. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additional Notes: AL-12:4-week check common in large cities, most counties just a few day wait AL-21:According to Huntsville sheriff's office AR- 2:Carry "with purpose to employ it as a weapon against a person" illegal AR- 3:Carry "with purpose to employ it as a weapon against a person" illegal AZ- 3:Violation is class 1 misdemeanor, 6 mo. maximum jail sentence AZ- 4:Permit must be issued or denied with cause within 75 days CA- 1:Except for handguns defined as "assault weapons" CA- 2:Open carry is legal in unincorporated areas except where prohibited CA- 4:There is a wide variety of issuance policies throughout the state CA- 8:Application cost may vary CA-13:State does not require training, but many counties/cities do CO- 2:Except in some cities CO- 3:Get a permit from a town, then the state CT- 3:One must obtain a local permit before issuance of State permit CT- 4:Reasons for denial are statutory, and there is a binding appeal process CT- 8:Local permit ~$25, state permit $25 CT-10:Required for issuance of local permit, but not for State permit CT-12:Required for issuance of local permit, but not for State permit CT-13:Required for issuance of local permit, but not for State permit DC- 1:Handgun moratorium since September 24, 1976 FL- 4:Permit must be issued or denied with cause within 90 days FL-14:Must sign statement that carry isn for purposes of lawful self defense FL-15:Licenses issued to "U.S. Residents" since 10/91. GA- 2:No permit needed to hunt, transport, or carry open, or in vehicle GA- 3:Open carry for protection requires same permit as for concealed carry GA- 5:Carry prohibited at "public gathering", or where alcohol is served GA- 8:Usually: $5/fingerprinting $22/fingerprint-check $15/application IA-10:Fingerprints required for non-resident/professional permits IA-15:Only professional permit (security guard, FFL) for non-residents ID-10:Cost is $10 for fingerprinting ID-13:Sheriff may require proof of training from a specific list of courses ID-15:No non-resident applications accepted after 7/1/91 ID-17:Old non-resident permits good until expiration IL- 3:Exceptions for people of influence and power IL- 5:Chicago requires registration; certain suburbs have banned handguns IL-15:Non-residend hunting license serves as gun owner identification card IN- 3:Available to residents or those who work in the state IN- 8:Local $10, state $15 for CCW, and $5 open only IN- 9:Local $10, state $15 for CCW, and $5 open only IN-14:Answer: "For protection of myself, my family, and the State of Indiana" IN-15:Available only to residents, or those who work in the state. IN-21:Will honor out-of-state CCW for non-resident travellers KS- 1:Purchase permit may be required in certain cities or counties MA- 2:Same as CCW; open carry strongly discouraged, much hassled MA- 3:Hard to get in Cambridge/Boston MA- 4:40 day appl. process; inaction/rejection appeals go to district court MA- 5:Illegal: carry on school grounds, unattended handgun in motor vehicle MA- 6:Expires on applicant's birthday, four years after issuance MA-14:Must be suitable person & have specific need for "all lawful purposes" MA-15:Two types available, with differing requirements MA-17:24 mo. license available for cash businesses, P.I.s, or military MA-18:24 mo. license available for cash businesses, P.I.s, or military MA-19:$20 for the 24 mo. license MA-20:$20 for the 24 mo. license MD- 6:Expires on last day of birth month, two years after issuance ME- 2:Open carry is legal, expect looks from some people ME- 3:Handguns must be unloaded in the car if you do not possess a CCW ME- 4:Resident permit must be issued or denied with cause within 30 days ME- 8:Those who paid in excess of $35 for 91-92 entitled to credit on renewal ME- 9:Those who paid in excess of $20 for 91-92 entitled to credit on renewal ME-12:Non-resident must supply official driving & criminal records check ME-15:Non-resident permit must be issued or denied with cause within 60 days ME-19:Those who paid in excess of $60 for 91-92 entitled to credit on renewal MI- 2:Must posses license for carry in a vehicle, open or concealed MI-21:Not for MI residents MO- 1:Permit with background check required for each handgun purchase MO- 2:Open carry (except St. Louis & K.C.), but no carry in vehicles MO- 3:For cash/high-value businesses, only on-site & on-duty NC- 1:Purchase permit $5 in one county, others may differ NC- 3:Exceptions in extreme need (by court order), as determined by the state NC-12:In reference to purchase permit, only NC-13:In reference to purchase permit, only NC-14:In reference to purchase permit, only ND- 2:Loaded carry prohibited NH-14:Accepted reasons are "protection", "hunting" and "target shooting" NH-16:Want copy of CCW from home state if exists, or clean record letter NM- 2:It's legal to keep a loaded gun in your car NM- 3:Illegal concealed carry is often ignored; can carry 'unloaded' NM- 3:May carry concealed on private property, including motor vehicles NV- 3:CCW may be granted by county sheriff on written application NY- 3:NYC, people of influence, or 'need'; rest of state varies by county NY- 5:State permit no good in NYC, but NYC permit also valid in rest of state NY- 6:State permit issued for life; NYC permit issued for 2 years NY- 7:State permit issued for life, no renewal needed NY- 8:Fees vary by county OH- 1:Purchase permit may be required in certain cities or counties OR- 4:Resident permit must be issued or denied with cause within 45 days OR-15:Only CA ID NV WA residents with "compelling business interest" OR-21:'Equivalent' permits recognized; no out-of-state permits meet this test PA- 2:License for carry in a vehicle, open or concealed PA- 4:Discretionary in Philadelphia, and all cities of first class PA- 4:45 day application process PA- 5:Including Philadelphia, carry on school grounds illegal PA-14:"Self-defense" reason accepted without prejudice by statute PA-15:Must already possess CCW in home state; not all counties will issue RI- 3:Permit must be picked up in person within 14 days of approval RI-13:Range test required (may be administered by any NRA instructor) RI-13:Carry caliber no larger than the one used on range test RI-13:Testing instructor's name listed on permit RI-15:Permit must be picked up in person within 14 days of approval TN- 2:Except licensed private investigators, handgun hunters, cops TN- 3:Must post $50,000 bond TX- 2:Except for "travellers" (i.e. crossing multiple county lines) TX- 3:Except for "travellers" (i.e. crossing multiple county lines) UT- 1:Possession of weapon authorized, permit or license not required UT- 2:Loaded firearm carry in vehicle or on public street is unlawful UT- 4:Permit must be issued or denied with cause within 60 days UT-12:Character references, photographs, employment & residential history UT-13:Specifies "evidence of weapons familiarity" UT-15:Nonresidents traveling may possess unloaded, cased firearm in vehicle VA- 1:Must pass 'instant' computer background check for purchase VA-14:"For lawful defense and security" is sufficient, by statute VT- 2:Carry "with the intent or purpose of injuring another" prohibited VT- 3:Carry "with the intent or purpose of injuring another" prohibited VT- 3:In Montpelier, Rutland & St. Albans: town ordinances ban loaded carry WA- 1:Purchase application on buying; buyers with no CCW must wait five days WA- 2:Open carry may be permissable while hunting, hiking, fishing WA- 3:Local ordinances may not contradict/be more restrictive than state law WA- 4:Must be issued/denied with cause within 30 days; routinely exceeded WA-14:Contrary to law, some agencies request reasone; none need be provided WA-15:Non-resident permit must be issued or denied with cause within 60 days WV- 8:Application fee of $20 and license fee of $50 WY- 3:Violation is misdemeanor, $750 max. fine, 6 mo. max. jail sentence WY- 4:Sheriff may issue to travelers, merchant police, private detectives... WY- 5:Issued at Sheriff's personal discretion, may be valid only their county (c) 1995 Michael Kielsky. All rights reserved. Non-commercial use permitted. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- State Abbreviation Key: AK-Alaska AL-Alabama AR-Arkansas AS-American Samoa AZ-Arizona CA-California CD-Canada CO-Colorado CT-Connecticut DC-District of Columbia DE-Delaware FL-Florida FM-Federated Micronesia GA-Georgia GU-Guam HI-Hawaii IA-Iowa ID-Idaho IL-Illinois IN-Indiana KS-Kansas KY-Kentucky LA-Lousiana MA-Massachussetts MD-Maryland ME-Maine MH-Marshall Islands MI-Michigan MN-Minnesota MO-Missouri MP-Mariana Islands MS-Mississippi MT-Montana NC-North Carolina ND-North Dakota NE-Nebraska NH-New Hampshire NJ-New Jersey NM-New Mexico NV-Nevada NY-New York OH-Ohio OK-Oklahoma OR-Oregon PA-Pennsylvania PR-Puerto Rico PW-Palau Islands RI-Rhode Island SC-South Carolina SD-South Dakota TN-Tennessee TX-Texas UT-Utah VA-Virginia VI-Virgin Islands VT-Vermont WA-Washington WI-Wisconsin WV-West Virginia WY-Wyoming ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- CRI Scoring Key: (blanks do not affect score; some not scored for lack of data) 1: O = 20, P = 10 if #2 = P, Z = 20 2: O = 30, P = 20 if #3 = P, Z = Z + 40 3: O = 50, P = 40 if #4 = Y, Z = Z / 2 4: Y = -Z/2, S = -Z/4 if #4 = S, Z = Z * 3/4 5: N = -Z/4, D = -Z/6 if #5 = N, Z = Z * 3/4 6-7: x*Z/600, max of Z/10 if #5 = D, Z = Z * 5/6 8: -x/#6, max of -Z/10 9: -x/#7, max of -Z/10 10-14: Y = -Z/20, D = -Z/40 15: Y = Z/10, D = Z/20 16: Y = -Z/30 17-18: x*Z/1200, max of Z/20 19: -x/#17, max of -Z/20 20: -x/#18, max of -Z/20 21: Y = Z/10 (c) 1995 Michael Kielsky. All rights reserved. Non-commercial use permitted. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact for more information: . . . State of Arizona Department of Public Safety Advanced Training Section (602) 223-2317 Rick Twitchell, Manager (602) 542-4266 Attorney General Grant Woods Department of Law 1275 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 . . . State of Florida Dept. of State (904) 488-0039 Division of Licensing (904) 488-5381 CW Service Representative P.O. Box 6687 Tallahassee, FL 32314-6687 . . . State of Georgia (404) 477-3301 Clayton County (404) 528-1922 Cobb County (404) 371-2602 Dekalb County (404) 730-4692 Fulton County (404) 822-8265 Gwinnett County . . . Indiana State Police (317) 232-8264 Firearms Licensing/CCW . . . State of Iowa (515) 281-5261 Attorney General Bonnie J. Campbell Wallace State Office Bldg. Des Moines, IA 50319 Paul H. Wieck II, Commissioner Department of Public Safety (515) 281-3211 Administrative Svcs. Division Judy Cross (515) 281-5149 Weapons Permit Section Administrative Assistant Wallace State Office Bldg. Des Moines, IA 50319-0040 . . . Commissioner John R. Atwood Maine State Police Col. Andrew E. Demers, Chief Licensing Divison Lt. Peter A. McCarthy (207) 582-8765 Gardiner Annex State House Station, #35 Augusta, ME 04333 . . . State of Massachussetts Department of Public Safety "firearms records" (617) 566-4500 Firearms & CCW Licensing 1010 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02135 . . . State of New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of State Police 10 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03305 . . . Allegheny County Sheriff's Office (S.O.) Deputy Juran (412) 355-4700 Room 111, Courthouse firearms affairs Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (717) 265-1701 Bradford County S.O. (717) 697-0371 Cumberland County S.O. (717) 261-3805 Franklin County S.O. (717) 327-2280 Lycoming County S.O. (717) 988-4155 Northumberland County S.O. (717) 771-9601 York County S.O. . . . State of Rhode Island Attorney General 72 Pine St. Providence, RI . . . State of Utah (801) 538-1015 Attorney General R. Paul Van Dam Joseph E. Tesch 236 State Capitol Chief Deputy Attorney General Salt Lake City, UT 84114 Ronald L. Probert Chief, Investigations Department of Public Safety Regulatory Licensing 4501 S. 2700 West Salt Lake City, UT 84119 . . . State of West Virginia (304) 348-2021 Office of Attorney General Charleston, WV 25305 . . . Albany County Deputy Debre (307) 721-2526 Sheriff Gary Puls 525 Grant Laramie, WY 82070 . . .