Concealed Carry Permits and Permitless Carry

Two systems

States follow one of two basic approaches. In permitless carry states, adults who may legally possess a handgun may carry it without a permit. In permit states, a person needs a concealed carry permit, often called a CCW, CHL or LTC. Since Bruen, every permit state must issue permits under objective criteria rather than a showing of special need, although several still use “suitability” or “good moral character” standards that are being challenged.

Permitless carry states

As of October 2026, 29 states allow permitless carry, according to trackers such as the USCCA and the Giffords Law Center:

• Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri;
• Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota (residents), Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.

The other 21 states and D.C. require a permit to carry concealed. Age limits, places where carry is banned and rules for nonresidents differ in each state.

Why many people still get a permit

Even in permitless carry states, a permit can matter. For example, it may let you carry in other states that honor it, qualify for the federal school-zone exception in 18 U.S.C. § 922(q) in the state that issued it, and, in some states, stand in for a background check when you buy a gun.

Example: Texas

Texas adopted permitless carry in the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 (H.B. 1927), effective September 1, 2021. Under Penal Code § 46.02, a person 21 or older who is not otherwise prohibited may generally carry a handgun without a license. Texas still issues a License to Carry (LTC) under Government Code chapter 411, subchapter H, which many people keep for reciprocity and other benefits.

Private property

In Wolford v. Lopez (2026), the Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s default rule that banned carry on private property open to the public unless the owner expressly allowed it. Owners can still choose to ban guns on their own property, and many states set rules for posted signs.

This guide explains the law in general and reports what courts have held. It is not legal advice. Firearm laws change often and differ by state and city, so check the current law where you are.

Researching concealed carry permits in your state

To research concealed carry permits for a real matter, start with the primary sources. For example, read the statute, the rule and the documents in your own file. Then look for recent appellate decisions from your state, because they control how local courts read the law. After that, compare what you found with the federal rules that may also apply. Our state procedures guide and the Research Center can help you find and check each source.

Sources and further reading

Official sources used on this page:

• supremecourt.gov
• supremecourt.gov
• capitol.texas.gov
• usconcealedcarry.com
• giffords.org

Related reading on Lawtopolis:

• Concealed Carry Reciprocity and Traveling With a Gun
• The Bruen Test: Text, History and Tradition
• Gun Background Checks and NICS