🎯 2025 State-by-State Gun Law Directory
Complete carry & transport rules for all 50 states — Updated for responsible armed travel
✓ Last Verified: November , 2025🛡️ Comply with Federal Transport Laws
Most states and the federal FOPA act require firearms to be unloaded and locked in a secure container during travel. Dulcedom's gear offers the lockable zippers and durable padding you need to stay legal and safe.
📍 Quick Navigation
Alabama
Permitless Carry
All States
| Permitless Carry | YES — Legal for adults 21+ (19+ for general law-abiding, 18+ military/LE) as of Jan 1, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Legal without a permit statewide |
| Concealed Carry | Legal without a permit (must meet age & eligibility) |
| Vehicle Transport | Loaded handgun allowed without permit. Follow federal school zone rules. |
| Reciprocity | Alabama honors ALL other state permits — most reciprocity-friendly state |
| Duty to Inform | No general duty unless asked by law enforcement |
| Off-Limits | Schools, courthouses, police stations, certain government buildings |
📋 What You Need to Know:
- Optional concealed handgun license still available for reciprocity
- Constitutional carry applies to lawful firearm owners only
- Private property owners may prohibit carry
Alaska
Permitless Carry
| Permitless Carry | YES — One of the first constitutional carry states |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Transport | Loaded firearm allowed in vehicle or on person |
| Duty to Inform | Required when carrying under permit; recommended otherwise |
| Off-Limits | Schools, courthouses, correctional facilities, posted private property |
Arizona
Permitless Carry
All States
| Permitless Carry | YES — Adults 21+ since 2010 |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Legal 18+ without permit |
| Concealed Carry | Legal 21+ without permit |
| Vehicle Transport | Loaded allowed (concealed 21+, visible 18+) |
| Reciprocity | Honors all valid out-of-state permits |
| Duty to Inform | Required when asked by law enforcement |
| Off-Limits | Schools, polling places, nuclear facilities, posted properties, gov buildings with security |
California
Very Strict
Mag Limit
| Permitless Carry | NO — Permit required. |
|---|---|
| Permit Type | Shall Issue (Strict Criteria) — SB2 laws restrict carry in most public "sensitive places". |
| Vehicle Transport | Must be UNLOADED and locked in a distinct container. Glove box does NOT qualify. |
| Magazine Limit | 10 Rounds Max. Strict enforcement. No exceptions for travelers. |
🛡️ Recommended Gear for CA Compliance:
- Hard/Soft locked rifle cases (California Legal)
- Lockable range bags for handguns
- Separate ammunition storage
Florida
Permitless Carry
| Permitless Carry | YES — Concealed carry legal 21+ |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Prohibited (except hunting/fishing). |
| Vehicle Transport |
Loaded allowed if "securely encased" or concealed on person.
"Securely Encased" means: Glove box, console, or zipped gun bag. |
| Reciprocity | Honors permits from 36 states. |
| Duty to Inform | Not required by statute, but encouraged. |
Georgia
Permitless Carry
All States
| Permitless Carry | YES — Adults 21+ (18+ active military) effective April 2022 |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Transport | Loaded handgun allowed; no permit required |
| Reciprocity | Honors ALL other state permits and licenses |
| Duty to Inform | No statutory requirement |
| Off-Limits | Schools, courthouses, jails, government buildings, prohibited private property |
Illinois
Very Strict
FOID Required
| Permitless Carry | NO — Concealed Carry License (CCL) required |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Prohibited in all public areas |
| Resident Requirements | Must hold valid FOID card + 16 hours training for CCL |
| Vehicle Transport | Firearms must be unloaded and enclosed in case without permit. Exception: Non-residents with home-state permits may transport loaded concealed in vehicle. |
| Reciprocity | Very limited — recognizes only select state permits |
| Duty to Inform | Required if armed and contacted by law enforcement |
| Off-Limits | Schools, public transportation, government buildings, bars, parks, posted private property |
New Jersey
Very Strict
No Hollow-Points
No Reciprocity
| Permitless Carry | NO — Permit required for all carry & 10-round limit |
|---|---|
| Permit Type | Shall Issue (after Bruen ruling), but strict qualification standards |
| Open Carry | Prohibited |
| Vehicle Transport | Unloaded, locked, ammo separated. Direct travel only (home to range). |
| Reciprocity | NONE — Does not recognize any out-of-state permits |
| Duty to Inform | Required when approached by law enforcement |
| Off-Limits | Schools, government buildings, public gatherings, vehicles without permit, "sensitive places" |
New York
Very Strict
No Reciprocity
| Permitless Carry | NO — Pistol License required for all carry |
|---|---|
| Permit Type | Shall Issue (post-Bruen), but extensive requirements via CCIA |
| Open Carry | Illegal |
| Vehicle Transport | Unloaded and locked in fire/impact/tamper-resistant container |
| Reciprocity | NONE |
| Off-Limits | Schools, subways, parks, bars, Times Square, many "sensitive locations" |
Texas
Permitless Carry
| Permitless Carry | YES — Adults 21+ |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Transport | Loaded handgun allowed if concealed (in holster) or out of sight |
| Reciprocity | Texas updated reciprocity agreements in 2025 — verify current list |
| Off-Limits | Schools, courthouses, polling places, sporting events, bars >51% alcohol sales |
🔫 Texas-Specific Notes:
- LTC (License to Carry) still available for reciprocity benefits
- Private property 30.06/30.07 signage has legal force
- "Parking lot rule" protects firearms locked in vehicles at work
Arkansas Permitless
| Carry | Permitless for 18+ |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Loaded allowed |
Colorado Permit Required
| Carry | Open carry legal (except Denver). Concealed requires permit. |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Loaded handgun allowed. Rifles unloaded. |
Connecticut StrictMag Limit
| Carry | Permit required for open & concealed. 10-round limit. |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Unloaded & separated without permit |
Delaware Concealed Permit RequiredMag Limit
| Concealed | Requires CDW permit (formal process) & 17-round limit. |
|---|
Hawaii Very Strict
| Carry | Permit required (shall issue post-Bruen) & 10-round limit |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Unloaded & locked container |
| Note | Many "sensitive locations" off-limits & Very difficult for non-residents |
Idaho Permitless
| Carry | Permitless for US citizens 18+ |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Loaded allowed |
Indiana Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 18+ (July 2022) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Loaded allowed |
Iowa Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ |
|---|
Kansas Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ |
|---|
Kentucky Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | 18+ without permit |
Louisiana Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 18+ (effective July 4, 2024) |
|---|---|
| Duty to Inform | Required upon contact with LE |
Maine Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ (18+ military) |
|---|---|
| Duty to Inform | Required without permit |
Maryland Strict
| Carry | Wear & Carry Permit required & 10-round limit |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Strict transport rules (point-to-point) |
| Reciprocity | None |
Massachusetts Very Strict
| Carry | Class A LTC required |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Unloaded & locked without LTC |
| Magazine | Large capacity heavily restricted |
Michigan Concealed Permit
| Open Carry | Legal 18+ |
|---|---|
| Concealed | CPL required |
| Duty to Inform | Required upon contact |
Minnesota Permit Required
| Carry | Permit to Carry required |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Unloaded & cased without permit |
Mississippi Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ (18+ military) |
|---|---|
| Option | Enhanced permit for additional locations |
Missouri Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 19+ (18+ military) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Loaded allowed anywhere |
Montana Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 18+ statewide (2021) |
|---|
Nebraska Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ (Sept 2, 2023) |
|---|---|
| Duty to Inform | Required when carrying concealed |
Nevada Concealed Permit
| Open Carry | Legal 18+ |
|---|---|
| Concealed | CFP required |
| Vehicle | Loaded in view; concealed needs permit |
New Hampshire Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 18+ (since 2017) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Loaded allowed |
New Mexico Concealed Permit
| Open Carry | Legal 19+ |
|---|---|
| Concealed | CHL required |
| Duty to Inform | Required when carrying concealed |
North Carolina Concealed Permit
| Open Carry | Legal 18+ |
|---|---|
| Concealed | CHP required |
| Vehicle | Must be visible without permit |
| Reciprocity | Honors all other state permits |
North Dakota Permitless
| Carry | Permitless for residents 18+ with ID |
|---|---|
| Duty to Inform | Required during contact (permitless) |
Ohio Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ (June 13, 2022) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Loaded allowed |
Oklahoma Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ |
|---|
Oregon Concealed Permit
| Concealed | Permit required |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Varies by city (Portland restricts) |
| Vehicle | Unloaded & not accessible without CHL |
Pennsylvania Concealed Permit
| Concealed | LTCF required |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Legal (except Philadelphia) |
| Vehicle | Unloaded & separate ammo without license |
Rhode Island StrictMag Limit
| Carry | Permit required & 10-round limit |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Unloaded & not accessible |
South Carolina
Permitless Carry
| Permitless Carry | YES — Open and Concealed for 18+ (Effective March 2024). |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Transport | Loaded handgun allowed if stored in glove box, console, or trunk. |
| Reciprocity | Honors all other state permits for 21+ residents. |
South Dakota Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 18+ |
|---|
Tennessee Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ (18+ military) |
|---|
Utah Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ |
|---|
Vermont PermitlessMag Limit
| Carry | No permit ever required (Constitutional Carry origin) |
|---|---|
| Note | Never had permit system, BUT 15-round Handgun / 10-round Rifle limit applies |
Virginia Concealed Permit
| Open Carry | Legal |
|---|---|
| Concealed | Permit required |
| Vehicle | Loaded in secured container (glove box/console) |
Washington
Strict
Mag Ban
| Concealed Carry | Permit Required (Shall Issue). |
|---|---|
| Assault Weapons | BANNED (SHB 1240). Importation of "Assault Weapons" (e.g., AR-15s) is prohibited. |
| Magazine Limit | 10 Rounds Max. Importing magazines >10 rounds is illegal. |
| Vehicle Transport | Pistols loaded (only with CPL). Rifles must be unloaded. |
West Virginia Permitless
| Carry | Permitless 21+ |
|---|
Wisconsin Concealed Permit
| Concealed | License required |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Legal |
| Vehicle | Loaded if not concealed (or with license) |
Wyoming Permitless
| Carry | Permitless for residents |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Loaded allowed |
🎯 "Securely Encased" for Vehicle Carry
Many states (like Florida and Illinois) require handguns to be "securely encased" or stored separately from ammo inside a vehicle. Our structured Range Bags provide the dedicated compartments to keep your gear organized and compliant.
📜 Constitutional Carry (Permitless) Guide Current Status: 29 States
As of late 2025, the majority of the United States operates under "Constitutional Carry" frameworks. This legal standard allows law-abiding citizens (typically 21+, though 18+ in states like New Hampshire and Montana) to carry a concealed firearm without a state-issued permit.
2025 Legislative Updates: Recent enactments in South Carolina and Louisiana have further expanded this list. However, travelers must note that "Permitless" does not mean "Unrestricted."
⚖️ Legal Requirements & Limitations
- Residency Rules: Some states (e.g., North Dakota) restrict permitless carry privileges to residents only. Non-residents may still need a permit.
- Prohibited Possessors: Federal bans (felons, domestic violence offenders) still apply strictly.
- Duty to Carry ID: You must carry valid government-issued photo ID at all times when armed.
🛑 Restricted Jurisdictions & "May Issue" Risks High Alert
Despite the Supreme Court's Bruen ruling, states such as California, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Maryland retain highly restrictive carry laws. These jurisdictions have enacted "Sensitive Places" legislation that effectively prohibits carry in public transit, parks, and medical facilities.
Travelers passing through these states face felony risks for minor compliance errors.
Colorado and Washington have also recently enacted strict magazine capacity bans and purchase permitting requirements.
🛡️ Mandatory Transport Protocol
In strict states, firearms MUST be unloaded and locked in a secure, opaque container. Glove boxes often do not qualify as legal storage.
🗺️ Interstate Reciprocity Standards
"Reciprocity" is the legal recognition of one state's carry permit by another. There is currently NO national reciprocity law. Your right to carry changes the moment you cross a state line.
While states like Alabama and Georgia honor permits from all jurisdictions, others recognize none. Relying on outdated reciprocity maps is a primary cause of accidental legal violations.
💡 Critical Compliance Checklist
- Verify Before Travel: Check the Attorney General's website of every state on your route.
- "Duty to Inform": States like Ohio, Nebraska, and North Carolina have specific statutes requiring you to immediately disclose your firearm to law enforcement during a traffic stop.
- Magazine Limits: Reciprocity for a permit does not grant immunity from magazine capacity bans (e.g., 10-round limits).
🚗 Federal Transport Protection (FOPA)
For travelers driving through restrictive states, the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) 18 U.S.C. § 926A provides a legal "Safe Passage" defense, provided that the journey is continuous and the firearm is legal in both the origin and destination.
🔒 The "Safe Passage" Conditions
To claim FOPA protection, you must strictly adhere to the following storage configuration:
- The firearm must be completely UNLOADED.
- The firearm and ammunition must be stored in separate containers.
- Both must be locked in the trunk or a locked container inaccessible from the passenger compartment.
Equip for Federal Compliance
Dulcedom rifle cases and range bags feature lockable zippers designed to meet FOPA & TSA strict storage requirements.
❓ Common Questions for Gun Owners & Travelers (2025 Guide)
Q1. What is "Constitutional Carry" and does it apply to non-residents?
"Constitutional Carry" (or permitless carry) allows eligible adults (typically 21+) to carry a concealed firearm without a state permit. As of late 2025, 29 states recognize this right.
Crucial for Travelers: Residency rules vary. States like North Dakota limit permitless carry to residents only. Always verify if your destination extends this privilege to non-residents before you travel.
Q2. Can I keep a loaded gun in my car while driving through another state?
It depends entirely on the state. "Gun-friendly" states like Texas and Florida often allow loaded handguns in vehicles if they are concealed or "securely encased".
However, in strict states like California, New York, and Illinois, having a loaded firearm in your vehicle without a local permit is a felony. For cross-country travel, the safest method is the FOPA Protocol: Unloaded, locked in a hard or soft rifle case, and stored in the trunk.
Q3. Which states have the strictest gun laws in 2025?
The strictest jurisdictions typically include California, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Illinois. These states generally do not honor out-of-state permits and have extensive "Sensitive Places" restrictions.
New for 2025: Travelers should also exercise caution in Colorado and Washington, which have recently enacted strict magazine capacity bans and purchase permitting requirements.
Q4. What is the "Duty to Inform" law?
"Duty to Inform" requires you to immediately disclose to a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a firearm during an official stop (like a traffic pull-over).
This is mandatory in states like Ohio, Nebraska, and North Carolina. Even in states without this law, proactively informing the officer is often considered a best practice for safety.
Q5. Does my concealed carry permit work in all 50 states?
No. There is currently no national reciprocity law (though H.R. 38 is debated). Your permit is valid only in your home state and states that share a formal reciprocity agreement with it.
Never assume your permit is valid. Check a current reciprocity map or the Attorney General's website for every state on your planned route.
Q6. What counts as a "Locked Container" for federal transport?
Under the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA), a locked container must be a secure, fully enclosed case that prevents easy access to the firearm. The glove compartment or center console does NOT qualify.
Dulcedom's TSA-friendly rifle cases and range bags with lockable zippers are designed to meet these specific legal standards for safe, lawful transport.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided by Dulcedom for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current statutes through official state resources or consult a qualified attorney before traveling with firearms. Dulcedom assumes no liability for actions taken based on this guide.
Sources: Information compiled from state statutes, attorney general offices, state police departments, and verified against GunCarrier.com, USCCA, and NRA-ILA resources as of November 2025.
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